Overview

Computer engineering is concerned with the characterization, design, analysis and implementation of hardware, software and the overall architecture of computers and computer systems, and with the development of applications enabled by such configurations. This ranges from embedded microprocessors and associated software supporting a variety of familiar devices, to large-scale distributed computer systems interconnected by high-speed telecommunication networks controlled by sophisticated communication protocols. Since modern electronic computing systems are digital in nature, the program provides in-depth coverage of a range of topics dealing with digital information processing systems. Among the topics covered are digital system design, computer organization and architecture, operating systems, software engineering, programming, data structures, algorithms, database systems, microprocessor-based systems, and embedded systems.

The department also offers electives in digital communications, computer networks, wireless and mobile networks, very large scale integration (VLSI), microelectronics, nanotechnology, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), image processing and computer vision, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, agent technology, and cybersecurity (application, information, network, systems security etc.).

Software Engineering Option

Software Engineering is concerned primarily with the systematic and disciplined approach to developing software systems. It requires the application of both computer engineering and computer science principles and practices to the creation, operation, and maintenance of software systems and applications. The Software Engineering Option of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree at the University of Miami is a unique interdisciplinary program developed and administered collaboratively by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science.

This Option prepares students for successful careers in software engineering. Software systems are becoming increasingly complex, and emerging technologies are pushing the boundaries of reusable components and software quality assurance. To prepare students to meet these challenges, this Option establishes a solid foundation of software system fundamentals, coupled with strong hands-on experience and an understanding of professional practice and conduct.

In addition to the core curriculum in software engineering, students are introduced to the paradigms of real-time, adaptive, and collaborative software systems, through a wide range of technical elective courses from both the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science. Students may also use courses from other departments with academic advisor approval. The technical electives allow students to apply the knowledge they have gained to different application areas. This provides valuable hands-on experience in contemporary application areas, which enhances the students’ potential career development opportunities.

Students pursuing the Software Engineering Option of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree must earn at least 15 credit hours in Computer Science as part of their degree requirements.

Pre-Med Option

Our Department offers a pre-medical option that allows motivated students to obtain the rigorous education of a bachelors degree in computer engineering while simultaneously completing the basic science requirements necessary for applying to medical or dental school. Much of the excitement in engineering involves applications of electrical and computer engineering to problems in health, such as the development of nano-scale biosensors, or the signal processing analysis of DNA sequences or the development and/or use of new hardware and software tools to better serve both medical professionals and patients. With the rapid advancement and application of technology in the medical field, the pre-med option ensures that students learn and understand the fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering while preparing them for entry into either medical school, advanced graduate study, or industry.

Curriculum Requirements: B.S. in Computer Engineering

Common Engineering Requirements
EGN 123Computing and Digital Solutions for the future3
ECE 112Introduction to Engineering II2
ECE 118Introduction to Programming3
ECE 201Electrical Circuit Theory3
ECE 202Electronics I3
ECE 203Electrical Circuits Laboratory1
ECE 211Logic Design3
ECE 212Processors: Hardware, Software, and Interfacing3
ECE 218Data Structures3
ECE 315Digital Design Laboratory1
ECE 316Structured Digital Design1
ECE 318Algorithms3
ECE 322Systems Programming3
ECE 414Computer Organization and Design3
ECE 417Embedded Microprocessor System Design3
ECE 421Computer Operating Systems3
ECE 467Database Design and Management3
ECE 481Senior Project I1
ECE 482Senior Project II2
Engineering and Technical Electives
ECE 206Circuits, Signals, and Systems3
ECE 302Electronics II3
ECE 303Electronics Laboratory1
ECE 454Digital System Design and Testing3
ECE 455Design-for-Testability Laboratory1
CE Technical Electives 112
Other Courses
Math & Basic Science Credit Hours
ECE 310Introduction to Engineering Probability3
MTH 151Calculus I for Engineers5
MTH 162Calculus II4
MTH 210Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MTH 309Discrete Mathematics I3
MTH 311Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations3
PHY 221University Physics I3
PHY 222University Physics II3
or PHY 223 University Physics III
PHY 224University Physics II Lab1
or PHY 225 University Physics III Lab
Basic Science Elective 13
Basic Science Elective + Lab 14
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 107First-Year Writing II: STEM3
Quantitative Skills:
Calculus I for Engineers (fulfilled through the major)
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts and Humanities Cognate9
People and Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
Total Credit Hours129
1

See description of electives under the Departmental Electives Section

Curriculum Requirements: B.S. in Computer Engineering - Software Engineering Option

Common Engineering Requirements
EGN 123Computing and Digital Solutions for the future3
ECE 112Introduction to Engineering II2
ECE 118Introduction to Programming3
ECE 201Electrical Circuit Theory3
ECE 202Electronics I3
ECE 203Electrical Circuits Laboratory1
ECE 211Logic Design3
ECE 212Processors: Hardware, Software, and Interfacing3
ECE 218Data Structures3
ECE 315Digital Design Laboratory1
ECE 316Structured Digital Design1
ECE 318Algorithms3
ECE 322Systems Programming3
ECE 414Computer Organization and Design3
ECE 417Embedded Microprocessor System Design3
ECE 481Senior Project I1
ECE 482Senior Project II2
Engineering and Technical Electives
ECE 412Software Engineering and Architecture3
ECE 413Software Design and Verification3
ECE 421Computer Operating Systems3
or CSC 421 Principles of Computer Operating Systems
ECE 467Database Design and Management3
or CSC 423 Database Systems
ECE 470Network Client-Server Programming3
SE Technical Electives 19
Other Courses
Computer Science Credit Hours
CSC 317Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis3
CSC 419Programming Languages3
Math & Basic Science Credit Hours
ECE 310Introduction to Engineering Probability3
MTH 151Calculus I for Engineers5
MTH 162Calculus II4
MTH 210Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MTH 309Discrete Mathematics I3
PHY 221University Physics I3
PHY 222University Physics II3
or PHY 223 University Physics III
PHY 224University Physics II Lab1
or PHY 225 University Physics III Lab
Basic Science Elective 13
Basic Science Elective + Lab 14
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 107First-Year Writing II: STEM3
Quantitative Skills:
Calculus I for Engineers (fulfilled through the major)
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts and Humanities Cognate9
People and Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
Total Credit Hours127
1

See description of electives under the Departmental Electives Section

Curriculum Requirements: B.S. in Computer Engineering Pre-Med Option

EGN 123Computing and Digital Solutions for the future3
ECE 112Introduction to Engineering II2
ECE 118Introduction to Programming3
ECE 201Electrical Circuit Theory3
ECE 202Electronics I3
ECE 203Electrical Circuits Laboratory1
ECE 211Logic Design3
ECE 212Processors: Hardware, Software, and Interfacing3
ECE 218Data Structures3
ECE 315Digital Design Laboratory1
ECE 316Structured Digital Design1
ECE 318Algorithms3
ECE 322Systems Programming3
ECE 414Computer Organization and Design3
ECE 417Embedded Microprocessor System Design3
ECE 421Computer Operating Systems3
ECE 467Database Design and Management3
ECE 481Senior Project I1
ECE 482Senior Project II2
CE Core Elective 13
Engineering and Technical Electives
CE Elective 16
Other Courses
Math & Basic Science Credit Hours
ECE 310Introduction to Engineering Probability3
MTH 151Calculus I for Engineers5
MTH 162Calculus II4
MTH 210Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MTH 309Discrete Mathematics I3
PHY 221University Physics I3
PHY 222University Physics II3
PHY 224University Physics II Lab1
PHY 223University Physics III3
PHY 225University Physics III Lab1
Biology and Chemistry Credit Hours
BIL 150General Biology4
BIL 151General Biology Laboratory1
BIL 160Evolution and Biodiversity4
BIL 161Evolution and Biodiversity Laboratory1
CHM 121Principles of Chemistry4
CHM 113Chemistry Laboratory I1
CHM 221Introduction to Structure and Dynamics4
CHM 205Chemical Dynamics Laboratory1
CHM 222Organic Reactions and Synthesis4
CHM 206Organic Reactions and Synthesis Laboratory1-2
Advanced BioScience Elective 13
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 107First-Year Writing II: STEM3
Quantitative Skills:
Calculus I for Engineers (fulfilled through the major)
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts and Humanities Cognate9
People and Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
Total Credit Hours137-138
1

See description of electives under the Departmental Electives Section.

Suggested Plan of Study: B.S. in Computer Engineering 

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
EGN 123 Computing and Digital Solutions for the future 3
ECE 118 Introduction to Programming 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 151 Calculus I for Engineers 5
 Credit Hours14
Spring
ECE 112 Introduction to Engineering II 2
ECE 218 Data Structures 3
WRS 107 First-Year Writing II: STEM 3
MTH 162 Calculus II 4
PHY 221 University Physics I 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
ECE 211 Logic Design 3
ECE 318 Algorithms 3
MTH 210 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3
PHY 222 or 223 University Physics II (Substitutes PHY 206)
or University Physics III
3
PHY 224 or 225 University Physics II Lab
or University Physics III Lab
1
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECE 201 Electrical Circuit Theory 3
ECE 212 Processors: Hardware, Software, and Interfacing 3
ECE 315 Digital Design Laboratory 1
ECE 310 Introduction to Engineering Probability 3
MTH 309 Discrete Mathematics I 3
People and Society Cognate 3
 Credit Hours16
Junior Year
Fall
ECE 202 Electronics I 3
ECE 203 Electrical Circuits Laboratory 1
ECE 316 Structured Digital Design 1
ECE 322 Systems Programming 3
ECE 414 Computer Organization and Design 3
Basic Science Elective 1 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
ECE 302 Electronics II 3
ECE 454 Digital System Design and Testing 3
ECE 455 Design-for-Testability Laboratory 1
ECE 467 Database Design and Management 3
MTH 311 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3
Basic Science Elective 1 3
Basic Science Lab Elective 1 1
 Credit Hours17
Senior Year
Fall
ECE 206 Circuits, Signals, and Systems 3
ECE 303 Electronics Laboratory 1
ECE 417 Embedded Microprocessor System Design 3
ECE 481 Senior Project I 2 1
CE Technical Elective 1 3
People and Society Cognate 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
ECE 421 Computer Operating Systems 3
ECE 482 Senior Project II 2
CE Technical Elective 1 3
CE Technical Elective 1 3
CE Technical Elective 1 3
People and Society Cognate 3
 Credit Hours17
 Total Credit Hours129
1

See description of electives under the Departmental Electives Section.

2

Offered only in the Fall semester.

Suggested Plan of Study: B.S. in Computer Engineering - Software Engineering Option 

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
EGN 123 Computing and Digital Solutions for the future 3
ECE 118 Introduction to Programming 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 151 Calculus I for Engineers 5
 Credit Hours14
Spring
ECE 112 Introduction to Engineering II 2
ECE 218 Data Structures 3
WRS 107 First-Year Writing II: STEM 3
MTH 162 Calculus II 4
PHY 221 University Physics I 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
ECE 211 Logic Design 3
ECE 318 Algorithms 3
MTH 210 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3
PHY 222 or 223 University Physics II (Substitutes PHY 206)
or University Physics III
3
PHY 224 or 225 University Physics II Lab
or University Physics III Lab
1
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECE 201 Electrical Circuit Theory 3
ECE 212 Processors: Hardware, Software, and Interfacing 3
ECE 310 Introduction to Engineering Probability 3
ECE 315 Digital Design Laboratory 1
MTH 309 Discrete Mathematics I 3
People and Society Cognate 3
 Credit Hours16
Junior Year
Fall
ECE 202 Electronics I 3
ECE 203 Electrical Circuits Laboratory 1
ECE 322 Systems Programming 3
ECE 412 Software Engineering and Architecture 3
ECE 414 Computer Organization and Design 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 1 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECE 316 Structured Digital Design 1
ECE 413 Software Design and Verification 3
ECE 421 or CSC 421 Computer Operating Systems
or Principles of Computer Operating Systems
3
ECE 467 or CSC 423 Database Design and Management
or Database Systems
3
Basic Science Elective 1 3
Basic Science Lab Elective 1 1
People and Society Cognate 3
 Credit Hours17
Senior Year
Fall
ECE 417 Embedded Microprocessor System Design 3
ECE 481 Senior Project I 2 1
CSC 317 Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis 3
SE Technical Elective 1 3
Basic Science Elective 1 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECE 470 Network Client-Server Programming 3
ECE 482 Senior Project II 2
CSC 419 Programming Languages 3
SE Technical Elective 1 3
SE Technical Elective 1 3
People and Society Cognate 3
 Credit Hours17
 Total Credit Hours127
1

See description of electives under the Departmental Electives Section.

2

Offered only in the Fall semester.

Suggested Plan of Study: B.S. in Computer Engineering - Pre-Med Option

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
EGN 123 Computing and Digital Solutions for the future 3
ECE 118 Introduction to Programming 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 151 Calculus I for Engineers 5
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
ECE 112 Introduction to Engineering II 2
ECE 218 Data Structures 3
WRS 107 First-Year Writing II: STEM 3
MTH 162 Calculus II 4
PHY 221 University Physics I 3
People and Society Cognate 3
 Credit Hours18
Sophomore Year
Fall
ECE 211 Logic Design 3
ECE 318 Algorithms 3
CHM 121 Principles of Chemistry 4
CHM 113 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
BIL 150 General Biology 4
BIL 151 General Biology Laboratory 1
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECE 201 Electrical Circuit Theory 3
ECE 212 Processors: Hardware, Software, and Interfacing 3
MTH 210 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3
PHY 222 University Physics II 3
PHY 224 University Physics II Lab 1
BIL 160 Evolution and Biodiversity 4
BIL 161 Evolution and Biodiversity Laboratory 1
 Credit Hours18
Junior Year
Fall
ECE 315 Digital Design Laboratory 1
ECE 322 Systems Programming 3
ECE 414 Computer Organization and Design 3
MTH 309 Discrete Mathematics I 3
PHY 223 University Physics III 3
CHM 221 Introduction to Structure and Dynamics 4
CHM 205 Chemical Dynamics Laboratory 1
 Credit Hours18
Spring
ECE 202 Electronics I 3
ECE 203 Electrical Circuits Laboratory 1
ECE 310 Introduction to Engineering Probability 3
ECE 316 Structured Digital Design 1
ECE 467 Database Design and Management 3
PHY 225 University Physics III Lab 1
CHM 222 Organic Reactions and Synthesis 4
CHM 206 Organic Reactions and Synthesis Laboratory 2
 Credit Hours18
Senior Year
Fall
ECE 417 Embedded Microprocessor System Design 3
ECE 481 Senior Project I 2 1
CE Core Elective 1 3
Advanced Bioscience Elective 1 3
People and Society Cognate 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECE 421 Computer Operating Systems 3
ECE 482 Senior Project II 2
CE Elective 1 3
CE Elective 1 3
People and Society Cognate 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours17
 Total Credit Hours138
1

See description of electives under the Departmental Electives Section.

2

Offered only in the Fall semester.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is to achieve and maintain, through a continuous improvement process, excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and service to the community and the nation. We endeavor to accomplish this by providing high-quality education and research programs which will impart the requisite knowledge and skills to our students enabling them to assume leadership roles in contributing to the advancement of the underlying electrical and computer engineering technologies which sustain the current world economy, to promote a strong commitment to life-long learning, to prepare them for a variety of alternative career paths and to participate as responsible citizens in a rapidly changing and shrinking global community.

Program Educational Objectives

We expect that the alumni of the Computer Engineering Program will exhibit the following:

  1. Successful careers in dynamic and multidisciplinary fields with the ability to apply computer engineering practices within societal, global, and environmental contexts in an ethical manner.
  2. Demonstrating life-long learning through activities such as completion of graduate degrees and/or professional development.

Student 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.