DEGREES AVAILABLE: Major
Offered jointly with The Henry Samueli School of Engineering
The Computer Science and Engineering major gives students access to multidisciplinary problems with a focus on total systems engineering.
Students will learn the computer science principles that are critical to development of software, hardware and networking of computer systems.
From that background, engineering concepts and methods are added to give students exposure to circuit design, network design and digital signal processing.
Elements of engineering practice include the systems view, manufacturing and economic issues, and multi-disciplinary engineering applications.
This program is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of computer science, both hardware and software, and the application of engineering concepts, techniques and methods to both computer systems engineering and software system design.
› Is Computer Science and Engineering for me?
› What do I take?
› What can I do with this degree?
› Special Programs and Courses
› Still not sure?Is Computer Science for me?
Graduates of the program will:
- Demonstrate broad knowledge of computer science and engineering
- Design, describe, and use state-of-the-art hardware/software systems
- Maintain awareness of contemporary issues in computer science and engineering in a global and societal context and an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibilities of their profession;
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication
Still not sure? Try the major advisor
Finding the right major can be a bit overwhelming, but by consulting our major advisor you should get a better sense of which Bren School major(s) are right for you.
What do I take?
A sample course of study for the Computer Science and Engineering degree is available.
This is just one example; students may complete these courses in any order that is consistent with the prerequisites and the actual offerings each year.
Students also complete one of the following tracks with the approval of a faculty advisor:
- Algorithms
- Artificial Intelligence
- Embedded Systems
- Parallel Computing
What can I do with this degree?
Computer Science and Engineering majors are involved in building the hardware infrastructure – computers, networks, embedded devices, as well as operating systems, compilers and networking software.
The focus is on cooperation between hardware and software to yield the highest performance.
Examples of such problem areas would be in traffic management, flight control, earthquake monitoring, automotive control and smart homes.
Many students also go on to graduate school, continuing their studies, conducting research, and earning graduate degrees in computer engineering, computer science, information science, management or law.
Special Programs and Courses
» OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONORS-LEVEL STUDY
Incoming freshmen majoring in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, and Information and Computer Science are invited to apply for admission to the Bren School of ICS's introductory honors sequence (ICS H21/H22/H23) in the summer preceding their fall quarter entry; details are provided during summer orientation workshops.The honors courses provide a uniquely challenging and intimate learning environment in which the conventional course material is explored in greater depth.
» BREN SCHOOL OF ICS HONORS PROGRAM
Allows juniors and seniors majoring in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Informatics, or Information and Computer Science to pursue advanced work in one of many research areas.Students admitted to the program participate in an honors seminar, conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member, and write a research paper.
More information about eligibility criteria and benefits of successful completion of the honors program is available at the Honors program web site.
» INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The School encourages all majors to take advantage of this valuable experience, and faculty advertise many research opportunities every year.Students are also encouraged to participate in the campus Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which offers guidance and grant funding for student-proposed independent research, and sponsors programs which provide summer stipends for students working on faculty-guided research.
» CAMPUSWIDE HONORS PROGRAM
Available to selected high-achieving students from all academic majors from their freshman through senior years. For more information see the CHP web site.» EDUCATION ABROAD PROGRAM
Upper-division students have the opportunity to experience different cultures while making progress toward degree objectives through the Education Abroad Program (EAP).EAP is an overseas study program which operates in cooperation with host universities and colleges throughout the world.
Still not sure?
Undergraduate counselors are eager to talk to you about this and other Bren School degrees, just drop them a note.
You may also want to visit campus, take a tour and experience the Bren School and UCI in person.
