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As a computer engineering major, you will 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 will learn how to design and analyze systems that process, store and convey digital information, and to develop efficient software for them. Examples of systems that computer engineering majors explore include wearable devices, mobile computing devices like smartphones and tablets, personal computers, servers deployed in the cloud, and many types of embedded systems. You can also specialize in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science, and earn a named option on your transcript.

How to Get in

Admission to the College as a First-Year Students

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. Being directly admitted 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 programs. 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 & Academic Program Manager 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
  • Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
  • Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits
  • Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits
  • Communication Part A Part B *
  • Ethnic Studies *
  • Quantitative Reasoning Part A Part B *

* 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 admitted to the computer engineering degree program.

Mathematics19
Science20-21
Computer Engineering Core33
Computer Engineering Advanced Electives16
Professional Electives9
Communication Skills6
Liberal Studies15
Free Elective2
Total Credits120-121

Mathematics

MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 15
or MATH 217 Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II
MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 24
MATH 234 Calculus--Functions of Several Variables 14
MATH/​COMP SCI  240 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics3
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 Credits19
1

 MATH 375 and MATH 376 taken in sequence will fulfill the requirement for MATH 234.

Science

COMP SCI 300 Programming II3
COMP SCI 400 Programming III3
PHYSICS 201 General Physics 15
or PHYSICS 207 General Physics
or PHYSICS 247 A Modern Introduction to Physics
PHYSICS 202 General Physics5
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 Credits20-21
1

 Students may also fulfill this requirement by taking E M A 201 Statics and E M A 202 Dynamics.

Computer Engineering Core

E C E 203 Signals, Information, and Computation3
E C E 210 Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering2
E C E 222 Electrodynamics I4
E C E 230 Circuit Analysis4
E C E/​COMP SCI  252 Introduction to Computer Engineering3
E C E 270 Circuits Laboratory I1
E C E 315 Introductory Microprocessor Laboratory1
E C E 340 Electronic Circuits I3
E C E/​COMP SCI  352 Digital System Fundamentals3
E C E 353 Introduction to Microprocessor Systems3
E C E/​COMP SCI  354 Machine Organization and Programming3
E C E 551 Digital System Design and Synthesis3
Total Credits33

Computer Engineering Advanced Electives

Electronic Circuits Elective3
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 13
Software Engineering
Introduction to Programming Languages and Compilers
Introduction to Operating Systems
Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation
Capstone Design4
Embedded Microprocessor System Design
Mobile Computing Laboratory 2
Capstone Design in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Digital Engineering Laboratory
CMPE Elective I3
Communication Networks
Introduction to Computer Architecture
Testing and Testable Design of Digital Systems
Design Automation of Digital Systems
CMPE Elective II3
Total Credits16
1

If a 4-credit course is taken, one credit may be used toward satisfying the professional elective and free elective requirement.

2

 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

Professional Electives9
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 370 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

ENGL 100 Introduction to College Composition3
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 Communication3
Total Credits6

Liberal Studies Electives 

College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements
Complete requirements 115
Total Credits15
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 in their transcript. The Honors in Research program gives an undergraduate the opportunity to participate in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. It is expected that the student will be actively involved in research that could lead to new knowledge. The project can be independent or a component of a larger team effort. 

Admission Requirements include: 

1.    Complete at least one semester on the UW-Madison campus, 
2.    Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5,
3.    Major in Computer Engineering (CMPE) or Electrical Engineering (EE), 
4.    Identify an ECE faculty advisor who is willing to supervise the research project. 

Students admitted to the program should register for one to three credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research. A thesis worth three credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research is required. The thesis is a written document that details the objectives of the project, the methods used to carry out the research, and the results of the research activity. The thesis must be approved by the faculty advisor and the student is encouraged to present a seminar.
 
The “Honors in Research” designation will be awarded to graduates who:

1.    Complete either the CMPE or EE degree requirements.
2.    Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 at graduation.
3.    Complete a total of at least six credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research.
4.    Receive a final grade of at least B in E C E 489 Honors in Research.

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.

Learning Outcomes

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Four-Year Plan

Sample Four-Year Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2215MATH 2224
E C E/​COMP SCI  2523PHYSICS 2015
or Communications A
E C E 2102
CHEM 103, 104, or 1094-5Communications A or3
Liberal Studies Elective3
 15-16 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
E C E 2033MATH/​COMP SCI  2403
E C E/​COMP SCI  3523E C E 2224
MATH 2344E C E 2304
PHYSICS 2025E C E 2701
 COMP SCI 3003
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
E C E 3533E C E 3151
E C E 3403E C E 5513
E C E/​COMP SCI  3543Circuits Elective3
COMP SCI 4003Probability and Statistics Elective3
Liberal Studies Elective3INTEREGR 3973
 Liberal Studies Elective3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
E C E 453, 454, 455, or 5544COMP SCI/​E C E  506, 536, 537, or 5643
Computer Engineering Elective3Computer Engineering Elective3
Professional Elective3Professional Elective3
Liberal Studies Elective3Liberal Studies Elective3
Professional Elective3Free Elective2
 16 14
Total Credits 120-121

Advising and Careers

Advising

Every College of Engineering undergraduate has an assigned academic advisor. Academic advisors support and coach students through their transition to college and their academic program all the way through graduation. 

Advisors help students navigate the highly structured engineering curricula and course sequencing, working with them to select courses each semester.  

When facing a challenge or making a plan toward a goal, students can start with their academic advisor. There are many outstanding resources at UWMadison, and academic advisors are trained to help students navigate these resources. Advisors not only inform students about the various resources, but they help reduce the barriers between students and campus resources to help students feel empowered to pursue their goals and communicate their needs. 

Students can find their assigned advisor in their MyUW Student Center.

Engineering Career Services

Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in finding work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, exploring and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment. 

ECS offers two large career fairs per year, assists students with resume building and developing interviewing skills, hosts skill-building workshops, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations. 

Students are encouraged to engage with the ECS office early in their academic careers. For more information on ECS programs and workshops, visit: https://ecs.wisc.edu. 

People

Professors

Susan Hagness (Chair)
Nader Behdad
Daniel Botez
Azadeh Davoodi (Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies)
Kassem Fawaz (Associate Chair for Research)
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

Mikhail Kats
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
Haihan 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. 

Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering 

Within the first few years after graduation, our graduates should be engaged in activities such as: 

  1. 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. 

  2. 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. 

  3. Taking a principal role in starting a new business or product line. 

  4. Pursuing a postgraduate degree. 

Note: Undergraduate Student Outcomes, number of degrees conferred, and enrollment data are made publicly available at the Computer Engineering Undergraduate Program website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are available through the "Learning Outcomes" tab.)