In the Fall of 1997, the University of Maryland launched the BS degree program in Computer Engineering, drawing upon resources and expert faculty from both the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science. The Computer Engineering program, the first of its kind in the state of Maryland, was developed in conjunction with industry leaders to address the demand for excellence in this rapidly developing field. In this article we will discuss Computer Engineering Umd Requirements, umd computer engineering ranking, computer engineering vs computer science, computer engineering major curriculum and computer engineering minor umd.

In the last 30 years, information technology, wireless communications, and advanced computer, internet, and software-related innovations have transformed the way we live and how we connect with one another. Computer engineers apply the principles and techniques of  electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematical analysis to  the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and  hardware systems that enable computers to perform increasingly  demanding functions. In the workplace, computer engineers span a wide  range of skills; for instance, they design robots, develop  microprocessors, design supercomputers and smart devices, create integrated circuits for semiconductor fabrication, program computer-vision capabilities, create security/cryptographic systems, and develop software systems and network protocols. Read on to know more on Computer Engineering Umd Requirements, umd computer engineering ranking, computer engineering vs computer science, computer engineering major curriculum and computer engineering minor umd.

Computer Engineering Umd Requirements

We begin with Computer Engineering Umd Requirements, then, umd computer engineering ranking, computer engineering vs computer science, computer engineering major curriculum and computer engineering minor umd.

B.S. in Computer Engineering

• Cybersecurity Specialization
• Degree Requirements
• Sample Plans
• Technical Electives

Computer Engineering Curriculum

The Computer Engineering curriculum requires a minimum of 122 credits to degree completion. Undergraduate students pursue a common foundation in math, physics, and chemistry (as well as computer and engineering sciences), then concentrate on the computer engineering core curriculum during sophomore and junior years. Seniors choose from a wide variety of electrical engineering and computer science courses, including capstone design course work, which integrates classroom learning with hands-on practical design. Students thereby gain valuable technical skills for subsequent graduate study and/or technical advancement.

Due to the similarity in curriculum, students within the Computer Engineering major are not allowed to earn a second major or degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. Likewise, Computer Engineering majors are not eligible for the Computer Science and Computer Engineering minor programs.

Computer Engineering Degree Requirements

Below you will find the different versions of our Computer Engineering major.  Please make sure you select correctly based on the semester you enrolled in the major.

New CE Degree Requirements (effective Fall 2019)

(Effective for student matriculating in Fall 2019)

The following degree information pertain to current degree requirements for Computer Engineering.  

The basic Computer Engineering curriculum requires 124 credits for graduation. All major courses must be completed with a minimum grade of a “C-“. The courses comprising these credits can be categorized into seven areas:

• Lower-level Mathematics and Basic Science Courses
• Introduction to Engineering Design
• Introduction to Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Disciplinary Foundation of Computer Engineering
• Computer Engineering Technical Electives
• Professional Writing
• General Education Requirements

Lower-level Mathematics and the Basics Science Courses – 25 credits

These courses cover the mathematical techniques and scientific principles upon which engineering is based and include the following:

• MATH140: Calculus I (4 credits)
• MATH141: Calculus II (4 credits)
• MATH246: Differential Equations for Scientists & Engineers (3 credits)
• CMSC250: Discrete Structures ( 4 credits)
• PHYS161: General Physics, Mechanics and Particles Dynamics (3 credits)
• PHYS260/261: General Physics, Vibrations, Waves, Heat, and E/M (4 credits)
• CHEM135: General Chemistry for Engineers (3 credits)

Introduction to Engineering Design – 3 credits

ENES100: Introduction to Engineering Design, covers basic science and engineering principles. You will be assigned to a team that will prepare reports and presentations that summarize the design process and product performance of a specific technological device. You will learn how to work successfully in teams, expand your understanding of group dynamics, and improve your communication skills. You will develop various computer skills including familiarity with internet and library databases for research, basic spread sheets, and essential word processor and graphical presentation software. Other objectives include learning about the role engineers play in modern society and an introduction to engineering ethics concepts.

Introduction to Electrical & Computer Engineering – 3 credits

ENEE101: Introduction to Electrical & Computer (3 credits) An exploration of topics within Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). Students will be introduced to key elements of both the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering curriculum, including: computing systems and software, communications and controls, electrodynamics and waves, microelectronics, signal processing, and power systems.

NOTE: Transfer students who have already taken foundation courses in Electrical Engineering, may substitute this course with ENES489P Hands-On Systems Engineering Projects.

Engineering Ethics – 3 credits

ENEE200 Technology and Consequences: Engineering, Ethics, and Humanity (3 credits).  What makes a technology socially responsible? At UMD, the Fearless Ideas campaign asks us to aim our enthusiasm for technology at big real problems. At the same time, we are coming to appreciate the increasingly complex nature of technological systems as they become integrated into all forms of infrastructure, we realize they may be unpredictable, interdependent on social and biological systems, and have unintended consequences. In this midst of this complexity, people make decisions with far reaching impacts. How then do we follow our passion for technology and innovation but also stay skeptical in a way that allows us to consider the potential and shortcomings of technology? Designed for both engineering and non-engineering students wishing to explore and assess the impact of engineering technology on society and the role of society in generating that technology.

NOTE: ENEE200 will satisfy both a Humanities (DSHU) and I-Series (SCIS) GenEd requirements.

Disciplinary Foundation of Computer Engineering – 43 credits

This area consists of core courses in both electrical engineering (25 credits) and computer science (18 credits).

For the electrical engineering component, students are required to take courses that cover the fundamental electrical engineering concepts and laboratory skills common to any professional working in the field of computer engineering.

• ENEE205: Electric Circuits (4 credits)
• ENEE222: Elements of Discrete Signal Analysis (4 credits)
• ENEE244: Digital Logic Design (3 credits)
• ENEE245: Fundamental Digital Circuits and Systems Lab (2 credits)
• ENEE303: Analog and Digital Electronics OR ENEE322: Signal and System Theory (3 credits)
• ENEE324: Engineering Probability OR STAT400 Applied Probability and Statistics I (3 credits)
• ENEE350: Computer Organization (3 credits)
• ENEE446: Digital Computer Design (3 credits)

For the computer science component students are required to complete a rigorous introduction to computer programming through a Java-based sequence of courses.

• CMSC132: Object Oriented Programming II (4 credits)*
• CMSC216: Introduction to Computer Systems (4 credits)
• CMSC330: Organization of Programming Languages (3 credits)
• CMSC351: Algorithms (3 credits)
• CMSC412 or ENEE447: Operating Systems (4 credits)

*Students are required to complete CMSC131 prior to taking CMSC132 unless they have AP credit for CMSC131 (5 on the JAVA A exam, 4 or 5 on the JAVA AB) or have satisfactorily passed the Computer Science exemption exam.

Computer Engineering Technical Electives – 26 credits

Students must complete 26 credits of computer engineering technical spanning these six different categories:

• Category A: Mathematics and Basic Sciences (Minimum 6 credits)
• Category B: Computer Science Theory and Applications (Minimum 3 credits)
• Category C: Electrical Engineering Theory and Applications (Minimum 6 credits)
• Category D: Advanced Laboratory (Minimum 2 credits)
• Category E: Capstone Design (Minimum 3 credits)
• Category F: General Technical Electives (Minimum 3 credits)

An additional credits must be selected from any of the categories A-F.

Professional Writing – 3 credits

The required course to satisfy the Professional Writing requirement is:

• ENGL393: Technical Writing

NOTE: Engineering students are not exempt from this requirement even if they earn an ‘A’ in ENGL101.

General Education Requirements – 18 credits

A degree from the University of Maryland signifies more than just mere technical or narrowly defined career training. Students are offered a liberal education that prepares them to achieve the intellectual integration and awareness they need to meet challenges in their personal, social, political, and professional lives. As such, all graduates are required to complete the University’s general education requirements. Students must complete a minimum of 40 credit hours in general education. The equivalent of twenty-four (24) of these credits can be satisfied by simply completing the requirements of the major. Thus, general education typically requires students to complete an additional eighteen (18) credits beyond the major requirements. For details on the general education program please visit the General Education website.

CE Degree Requirements: Fall 2015-Spring 2019

(Effective for students who matriculated between Fall 2015 and Spring 2019)

The following degree information pertain to current degree requirements for Computer Engineering.

The basic Computer Engineering curriculum requires 122 credits for graduation. All major courses must be completed with a minimum grade of a “C-“. The courses comprising these credits can be categorized into seven areas:

• Lower-level Mathematics and Basic Science Courses
• Introduction to Engineering Design
• Introduction to Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Disciplinary Foundation of Computer Engineering
• Computer Engineering Technical Electives
• Professional Writing
• General Education Requirements

Lower-level Mathematics and the Basics Science Courses – 25 credits

These courses cover the mathematical techniques and scientific principles upon which engineering is based and include the following:

• MATH140: Calculus I (4 credits)
• MATH141: Calculus II (4 credits)
• MATH246: Differential Equations for Scientists & Engineers (3 credits)
• CMSC250: Discrete Structures ( 4 credits)
• PHYS161: General Physics, Mechanics and Particles Dynamics (3 credits)
• PHYS260/261: General Physics, Vibrations, Waves, Heat, and E/M (4 credits)
• CHEM135: General Chemistry for Engineers (3 credits)

Introduction to Engineering Design – 3 credits

ENES100: Introduction to Engineering Design, covers basic science and engineering principles. You will be assigned to a team that will prepare reports and presentations that summarize the design process and product performance of a specific technological device. You will learn how to work successfully in teams, expand your understanding of group dynamics, and improve your communication skills. You will develop various computer skills including familiarity with internet and library databases for research, basic spread sheets, and essential word processor and graphical presentation software. Other objectives include learning about the role engineers play in modern society and an introduction to engineering ethics concepts.

Introduction to Electrical & Computer Engineering – 3 credits

ENEE101: Introduction to Electrical & Computer (3 credits) An exploration of topics within Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). Students will be introduced to key elements of both the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering curriculum, including: computing systems and software, communications and controls, electrodynamics and waves, microelectronics, signal processing, and power systems.

NOTE: Transfer students who have already taken foundation courses in Electrical Engineering, may substitute this course with ENES489P Hands-On Systems Engineering Projects.

Disciplinary Foundation of Computer Engineering – 48 credits

This area consists of core courses in both electrical engineering (30 credits) and computer science (18 credits).

For the electrical engineering component, students are required to take courses that cover the fundamental electrical engineering concepts and laboratory skills common to any professional working in the field of computer engineering.

• ENEE205: Electric Circuits (4 credits)
• ENEE222: Elements of Discrete Signal Analysis (4 credits)
• ENEE244: Digital Logic Design (3 credits)
• ENEE245: Fundamental Digital Circuits and Systems Lab (2 credits)
• ENEE303: Analog and Digital Electronics (3 credits)
• ENEE307: Electronic Circuit Design Laboratory (2 credits)
• ENEE322: Signal and System Theory (3 credits)
• ENEE324: Engineering Probability (3 credits)
• ENEE350: Computer Organization (3 credits)
• ENEE446: Digital Computer Design (3 credits)

For the computer science component students are required to complete a rigorous introduction to computer programming through a Java-based sequence of courses.

• CMSC132: Object Oriented Programming II (4 credits)*
• CMSC216: Introduction to Computer Systems (4 credits)
• CMSC330: Organization of Programming Languages (3 credits)
• CMSC351: Algorithms (3 credits)
• CMSC412 or ENEE447: Operating Systems (4 credits)

*Students are required to complete CMSC131 prior to taking CMSC132 unless they have AP credit for CMSC131 (5 on the JAVA A exam, 4 or 5 on the JAVA AB) or have satisfactorily passed the Computer Science exemption exam.

Computer Engineering Technical Electives – 22 credits

Students must complete 22 credits of computer engineering technical spanning these six different categories:

• Category A: Mathematics and Basic Sciences (Minimum 6 credits)
• Category B: Computer Science Theory and Applications (Minimum 3 credits)
• Category C: Electrical Engineering Theory and Applications (Minimum 3 credits)
• Category D: Advanced Laboratory (Minimum 2 credits)
• Category E: Capstone Design (Minimum 3 credits)
• Category F: General Technical Electives (Minimum 3 credits)

An additional 2 credits must be selected from any of the categories A-F.

Professional Writing – 3 credits

The required course to satisfy the Professional Writing requirement is:

• ENGL393: Technical Writing

NOTE: Engineering students are not exempt from this requirement even if they earn an ‘A’ in ENGL101.

General Education Requirements

A degree from the University of Maryland signifies more than just mere technical or narrowly defined career training. Students are offered a liberal education that prepares them to achieve the intellectual integration and awareness they need to meet challenges in their personal, social, political, and professional lives. As such, all graduates are required to complete the University’s general education requirements. Students must complete a minimum of 40 credit hours in general education. The equivalent of twenty-two (22) of these credits can be satisfied by simply completing the requirements of the major. Thus, general education typically requires students to complete an additional eighteen (18) credits beyond the major requirements. For details on the general education program please visit the General Education website.

umd computer engineering ranking

Next, we review umd computer engineering ranking, computer engineering vs computer science, computer engineering major curriculum and computer engineering minor umd.

The Computer Engineering major is part of the engineering program at University of Maryland – College Park.

UMCP CE Rankings

UMCP was ranked #29 on College Factual’s most recent list of the best schools for CE majors. This puts the bachelor’s program at the school solidly in the top 15% of all colleges and universities in the country. It is also ranked #2 in Maryland.

Ranking Type	Rank
Best Computer Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools	27
Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Computer Engineering	27
Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Computer Engineering	117
Most Focused Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Computer Engineering	117

Popularity of CE at UMCP

During the 2019-2020 academic year, University of Maryland – College Park handed out 98 bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering. Due to this, the school was ranked #38 in popularity out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree. This is an increase of 15% over the previous year when 85 degrees were handed out.

computer engineering vs computer science

Now, we find out computer engineering vs computer science, computer engineering major curriculum and computer engineering minor umd.

CS vs CE: Degree Programs

Many computer science and computer engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree and pay well after graduation, but earning a master’s degree can help you earn $30,000 more per year. If you’re considering an advanced degree to further your career, comparing programs can help you make your decision.

While these computer science and computer engineering degrees share similar courses and are both great choices for a strong technology career,  there is a major difference to note. Computer science focuses mostly on troubleshooting issues on a software level. Expect to learn different programming languages, how to work with operating systems, and how to maintain databases.

Computer engineering focuses on solving problems and designing hardware and software interfaces. Expect some similarities between the degrees and job titles, since computer engineers can be responsible for the development and prototyping of software and hardware simultaneously.

Computer science focuses mostly on troubleshooting issues on a software level. Expect to learn different programming languages, how to work with operating systems, and how to maintain databases. Computer engineering focuses on solving problems and designing hardware and software interfaces.

Both degrees allow students to specialize in concentrations within each discipline, including cybersecurity, aerospace, or robotics. The Master of Science in Computer Science program at Northeastern University, for example, allows students to specialize in database management, security, game design, graphics, or programming languages.

computer engineering major curriculum

Written below are computer engineering major curriculum from the university of Notre Dame.

Computer Engineering Curriculum

First Year

Fall Semester 

University Core Course* (3 credits)
University Writing Course (3 credits)
EG 10117: Engineering Design (3 credits)
FYS 10101: Moreau First Year Experience (1 credit)
CHEM 10171/11171: Intro. to Chemical Principles (4 credits)
MATH 10550: Calculus I (4 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 18

Spring Semester

University Core Course* (3 credits)
Technical Elective (3 credits)
EG 10118: Engineering Computing (3 credits)
FYS 10102: Moreau First Year Experience (1 credit)
MATH 10560: Calculus II (4 credits)
PHYS 10310: General Physics I (4 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 18

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester 

University Core Course* (3 credits)
CSE 20110: Discrete Mathematics (3 credits)
CSE 20311: Fund Computing (4 credits)
MATH 20550: Calculus III (3.5 credits)     
PHYS 10320: General Physics II (4 credits)         

Total Credit Hours: 17.5 

Spring Semester

University Core Course* (3 credits)
CSE 20221: Logic Design (4 credits)
CSE 20289: Systems Programming (3 credits)
CSE 20312: Data Structures (4 credits)
MATH 20580: Intro. to Linear Algebra & Differential Equations (3.5 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 17.5

Junior Year

Fall Semester 

University Core Course* (3 credits)
CSE Elective (3 credits)
Free Elective (3 credits)
CSE 30321: Computer Architecture (4 credits)
EE 20224: Electric Circuit Analysis (2 credits)
EE 20225: Intro. to EE (2 credits) 

Total Credit Hours: 17 

Spring Semester

University Core Course* (3 credits)
CSE 30341: Operating Systems (3 credits)
ACMS 30440: Probability & Statistics (3 credits)
EE 20234: Electric Circuits (3 credits)
EE 20242: Electronics (4 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 16

Senior Year

Fall Semester 

CSE Elective (3 credits)         
CSE Elective (3 credits)
Free Elective (3 credits)
CSE 40522: CPEG Capstone Design (4 credits)  
EE 30344: Signals & Systems I (3 credits)                  

Total Credit Hours: 16

Spring Semester

University Core Course * (3 credits)
CSE Elective (3 credits)
CSE Elective (3 credits)
CSE 40175: Ethical and Social Issues (3 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 12

Total: 132 Credit Hours

* University Core Courses must lie in one of the following three areas of study: History, Social Science, Literature/Fine Arts. One course must be taken in each of these three areas.

NOTE: Most of these curriculum are similar to other universities as well.

computer engineering minor umd

Minor in Computer Engineering

About the Minor

The undergraduate Minor in Computer Engineering is a program offered by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering within the A. James Clark School of Engineering. The minor will introduce students to core hardware concepts such as computer architecture, digital logic design, and digital circuit design—as well as core software concepts—such as algorithms, discrete mathematics, and programming. Students will also learn how hardware and software interact at the interface, for example in embedded systems. With a minor in computer engineering, students will not only receive preparation for entry into the computer industry, but they will also become more effective at applying computing in their primary field of study.

Minor Requirements & Courses

The Computer Engineering Minor will have 18 required credits of coursework. Prior to enrolling in the minor, students will need to complete two minor prerequisites.

Minor Admissions Requirements

ENEE150 Intermediate Programming concepts for Engineers (3 credits)

• Grade of B- or higher required.
• Course prerequisite: ENEE140 or score of 5 on the A Java AP exam; or score of 4 or 5 on the AB Java AP exam; or satisfactory performance on the department’s placement exam.

MATH141 Calculus II

• Grade of B- or higher required.
• Course prerequisite: MATH140.

A cumulative GPA of a 3.0 at UMD.

Minor Course Requirements

Elective Courses

In order to complete the minor, students must complete all 18 required credits with a minimum GPA of a 2.0 in all minor courses.  Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of a “C-“.

Application Process

Students interested in applying to the minor must have completed at least 30 semester credits, satisfied all prerequisite course/grade requirements, and have a minimum grade point average of a 3.0 at UMD for admissions consideration. Students must apply no later than 1 year prior to their anticipated graduation semester. The program will review applications holistically and will be looking for applicants with a strong academic performance. The minor will accept applications for both fall and spring semesters. Please check back for details about application deadlines.

Due to the similar nature of the courses, students in Computer Engineering and Computer Sciences will not be eligible to apply to the Computer Engineering minor.

Applying to the Program

The application for the Computer Engineering minor will open online on April 25th for the Fall 2022 semester! The deadline to apply will be May 6th, 2022!

Registration Information, Forms, Additional Minor Information

Minor Forms

• Minor Advising Worksheet – minor students can use this form to plan their minor courses and track their programs.
• Students outside of ECE can submit requests for minor courses or minor prerequisite courses using the online Computer Engineering Minor Permission Form
   

Contact Information

Students with questions about the minor can e-mail us at eceadvise@umd.edu.

With the basics of these programs in mind, discuss your options with potential advisors from both programs to see whether you can design a unique and personalized program of study that will lead to career options you find most appealing. If you choose to pursue a computer engineering degree as an undergrad, I hope it has been a smooth process and that this information influenced your decision.