As a computer engineering major, you can learn how to design and manufacture computer hardware using the latest semiconductor chip technologies, which form the foundation of everything from automobiles to household appliances to defense systems. In addition, you can learn how to develop, analyze and research systems that process, store and convey digital information. Computer engineering majors explore cutting-edge systems, including wearable technology, mobile devices, personal computers, servers used in the cloud, and embedded systems. You can even focus on the mathematics, tools and practices associated with machine learning and data science in engineering with our new Machine Learning and Data Science named degree option. Become a Badger, and let your curiosity set your path for learning.
Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Program Educational Objectives
Our graduates should be engaged in activities such as:
- Employment in industry, government, academia, or non-profit using their degree knowledge or skills for professional functions such as teaching, research and development, quality control, technical marketing, intellectual property management, or sales. Graduates may eventually reach a leadership position supervising others.
- Continuing education through self-study or short courses and workshops through their employer, local or online educational institutions, or attendance at professional events such as conferences.
- Taking a principal role in starting a new business or product line.
- Pursuing a postgraduate degree.
Admission to the College as a Freshman
Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission to a major means students will start in the program of their choice in the College of Engineering and will need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.
Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering
UW–Madison students in other schools and colleges on campus must meet minimum admission requirements for admission consideration to engineering degree granting classifications. Cross-campus admission is competitive and selective, and the grade point average expectations may increase as demand trends change. The student’s overall academic record at UW–Madison is also considered. Students apply to their intended engineering program by submitting the online application by stated deadlines for spring and fall. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and drop-in advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering
With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their major in the college. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is competitive and selective, and students who have exceeded the 80 credit limit at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
The College of Engineering has dual degree programs with select four-year UW System campuses. Eligible dual degree applicants are not subject to the 80 credit limit.
Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer Coordinator in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu or 608-262-2473.
Second Bachelor's Degree
The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
Summary of Requirements
The following curriculum applies to students who were admitted to the computer engineering degree program (classification changed to CMPE) in fall 2017 or later.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Mathematics | 19 | |
Science | 20-21 | |
Computer Engineering Core | 34 | |
Computer Engineering Advanced Electives | 16 | |
Professional Electives | 9 | |
Communication Skills | 6 | |
Liberal Studies | 15 | |
Free Elective | 1 | |
Total Credits | 120-121 |
Mathematics
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
or MATH 217 | Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | |
or MATH 275 | ||
MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
or MATH 276 | ||
MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables 1 | 4 |
MATH/COMP SCI 240 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
or MATH/COMP SCI/STAT 475 | Introduction to Combinatorics | |
Probability/Statistics Elective (select one) | 3 | |
Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I | ||
Introduction to the Theory of Probability | ||
Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics | ||
Total Credits | 19 |
Science
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
COMP SCI 300 | Programming II | 3 |
COMP SCI 400 | Programming III | 3 |
PHYSICS 201 | General Physics 1 | 5 |
or PHYSICS 207 | General Physics | |
or PHYSICS 247 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
PHYSICS 202 | General Physics | 5 |
or PHYSICS 208 | General Physics | |
or PHYSICS 248 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
Advanced General Chemistry | ||
General Chemistry I | ||
General Chemistry II | ||
Total Credits | 20-21 |
- 1
Students may also fulfill this requirement by taking E M A 201 Statics and E M A 202 Dynamics or E M A 201 Statics and M E 240 Dynamics.
Computer Engineering Core
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
E C E 203 | Signals, Information, and Computation | 3 |
E C E 210 | Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering | 2 |
E C E 219 | Analytical Methods for Electromagnetics Engineering | 2 |
E C E 220 | Electrodynamics I | 3 |
E C E 230 | Circuit Analysis | 4 |
E C E/COMP SCI 252 | Introduction to Computer Engineering | 3 |
E C E 270 | Circuits Laboratory I | 1 |
E C E 315 | Introductory Microprocessor Laboratory | 1 |
E C E 340 | Electronic Circuits I | 3 |
E C E/COMP SCI 352 | Digital System Fundamentals | 3 |
E C E 353 | Introduction to Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
E C E/COMP SCI 354 | Machine Organization and Programming | 3 |
E C E 551 | Digital System Design and Synthesis | 3 |
Total Credits | 34 |
Computer Engineering Advanced Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Electronic Circuits Elective | 3 | |
Electronic Circuits II | ||
Applied Communications Systems | ||
Analog MOS Integrated Circuit Design | ||
Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems | ||
Integrated Circuit Design | ||
Digital Circuits and Components | ||
Systems Software Elective | 3-4 | |
Software Engineering | ||
Introduction to Programming Languages and Compilers | ||
Introduction to Operating Systems | ||
Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation | ||
Capstone Design | 4 | |
Embedded Microprocessor System Design | ||
Mobile Computing Laboratory 1 | ||
Digital Engineering Laboratory | ||
CMPE Elective I | 3 | |
Communication Networks | ||
Introduction to Computer Architecture | ||
Testing and Testable Design of Digital Systems | ||
Design Automation of Digital Systems | ||
CMPE Elective II | 3 | |
Select from COMP SCI 400 - COMP SCI 699 1 | ||
Total Credits | 16-17 |
- 1
E C E 454 Mobile Computing Laboratory and COMP SCI 407 Foundations of Mobile Systems and Applications cannot both be taken for degree credit.
Professional Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Professional Electives | 9 | |
Courses to be taken in an area of professional interest. The following courses are acceptable as professional electives if the courses are not used to meet any other degree requirements. | ||
Cooperative Education Program (One co-op credit can count towards professional electives.) | ||
Data Science & Engineering | ||
Introduction to Solid State Electronics | ||
Electrodynamics II | ||
Signals and Systems | ||
Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics | ||
Feedback Control Systems | ||
State Space Systems Analysis | ||
Microelectronic Devices | ||
Electronic Circuits II (may be used if not already used as an Electronic Circuits Advanced Elective) | ||
Electromechanical Energy Conversion | ||
Electric Power Processing for Alternative Energy Systems | ||
E C E courses numbered 399 and higher | ||
COMP SCI courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 1 | ||
Applied Mathematical Analysis | ||
Applied Mathematical Analysis | ||
Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra 1 | ||
Linear Algebra | ||
MATH courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
STAT courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
Any biological sciences course that is designated as intermediate or advanced level | ||
Any physical science course that is designated as intermediate or advanced level | ||
Any natural science course that is designated as advanced level, except that math, computer sciences, and statistics courses must follow the above criteria | ||
Engineering courses numbered 300 and higher that are not E C E or cross-listed with E C E | ||
Up to six credits of Professional Electives can be taken from School of Business classes numbered 300 and higher. | ||
Special Topics (Wearable Technologies) | ||
Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (Making Digital Lighting Controls) |
- 1
Students may only earn degree credit for MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations or MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, not both.
Communication Skills
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ENGL 100 | Introduction to College Composition | 3 |
or LSC 100 | Science and Storytelling | |
or COM ARTS 100 | Introduction to Speech Composition | |
or COM ARTS 181 | Elements of Speech-Honors Course | |
or ESL 118 | Academic Writing II | |
INTEREGR 397 | Engineering Communication | 3 |
Total Credits | 6 |
Liberal Studies Electives
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements | ||
Complete requirements 1 | 15 | |
Total Credits | 15 |
- 1
All liberal studies credits must be identified with the letter H, S, L, or Z. Language courses are acceptable without the letter and are considered humanities. Note: See an E C E advisor and/or the EE Curriculum Guide for additional information.
Honors in Undergraduate Research Program
Qualified undergraduates may earn an Honors in Research designation on their transcript and diploma by completing 8 credits of undergraduate honors research, including a senior thesis. Further information is available in the department office.
Named Option
Total Degree Credits: 120
University Degree Requirements
Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
sample FOUR-YEAR PLAN
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
E C E/COMP SCI 252 | 3 | PHYSICS 201 | 5 |
or Communications A | E C E 210 | 2 | |
CHEM 103, 104, or 109 | 4-5 | Communications A or | 3 |
Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
15-16 | 14 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
E C E 203 | 3 | MATH/COMP SCI 240 | 3 |
E C E/COMP SCI 352 | 3 | E C E 219 | 2 |
MATH 234 | 4 | E C E 230 | 4 |
PHYSICS 202 | 5 | E C E 270 | 1 |
COMP SCI 300 | 3 | ||
Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
15 | 16 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
E C E 353 | 3 | E C E 315 | 1 |
E C E 220 | 3 | E C E 551 | 3 |
E C E 340 | 3 | Circuits Elective | 3 |
E C E/COMP SCI 354 | 3 | Probability and Statistics Elective | 3 |
COMP SCI 400 | 3 | INTEREGR 397 | 3 |
Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
15 | 16 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
E C E 453, 454, or 554 | 4 | COMP SCI 536, 537, or 564 | 3-4 |
Computer Engineering Elective | 3 | Computer Engineering Elective | 3 |
Professional Elective | 3 | Professional Elective | 3 |
Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
Professional Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 1 |
16 | 13-14 | ||
Total Credits 120-122 |
ADVISING
Each College of Engineering program has academic advisors dedicated to serving its students. Program advisors can help current College of Engineering students with questions about accessing courses, navigating degree requirements, resolving academic issues and more. Students can find their assigned advisor on the homepage of their student center.
ENGINEERING CAREER SERVICES
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in identifying pre-professional work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, considering and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment during their graduation year.
ECS offers two major career fairs per year, assists with resume writing and interviewing skills, hosts workshops on the job search, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.
Students are encouraged to utilize the ECS office early in their academic careers. For comprehensive information on ECS programs and workshops, see the ECS website or call 608-262-3471.
Professors
Susan Hagness (Chair)
Nader Behdad
Daniel Botez
Azadeh Davoodi (Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies)
John A. Gubner (Associate Chair for Operations)
Yu Hen Hu
Hongrui Jiang (Associate Chair for Graduate Studies)
Irena Knezevic
Bernard Lesieutre
Mikko Lipasti
Zhenqiang Ma
Luke J. Mawst
Robert Nowak
Parameswaran Ramanathan
Bulent Sarlioglu
William A. Sethares
Daniel van der Weide
Giri Venkataramanan
Amy E. Wendt
Zongfu Yu
Associate Professors
Kassem Fawaz (Associate Chair for Research)
Mikhail Kats
Younghyun Kim
Daniel Ludois
Paul H. Milenkovic
Umit Ogras
Dimitris Papailiopoulos
Line Roald
Andreas Velten
Assistant Professors
Joseph Andrews
Jennifer Choy
Grigoris Chrysos
Jeremy Coulson
Dominic Gross
Chirag Gupta
Tsung-Wei Huang
Robert Jacobberger
Akhilesh Jaiswal
Bhuvana Krishnaswamy
Kangwook Lee
Chu Ma
Pedro Morgado
Shubhra Pasayat
Jinia Roy
Joshua San Miguel
Manish Singh
Hihan Sun
Eric Tervo
Ramya Korlakai Vinayak
Ying Wang
Feng Ye
Lei Zhou
Teaching Faculty
Mark C. Allie
Eric Hoffman
Joe Krachey
Srdjan Milicic
Teaching Professor
Eduardo Arvelo
Setareh Behroozi
Steven Fredette
Nathan Strachen
See also Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Directory.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communication, Telecommunication(s), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Note: Undergraduate Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes are made publicly available at the Departmental website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are designated by our campus as "Learning Outcomes.")