Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Academics - Undergraduate Programs
Computer & Information Engineering - Bachelor of Science
Description
Computer & Information engineers work with both the hardware and software facets of computer technology. By designing and developing prototypes of computing and communication systems, Computer & Information engineers facilitate the optimal utilization of technology for a particular use.
The curriculum is based upon the concept that there are four fundamental areas supporting Computer & Information Engineering. These are:
- Computer Architecture
- Software Engineering
- Computer Networking & Communications
- Electronic Circuits
Our curriculum contains fundamental sequences of courses in these four areas of study. These sequences provide a solid foundation in both computer software and hardware.
In addition to the four fundamental areas, a practicing Computer and Information Engineer will need a depth of knowledge in an area related to his or her particular interest. The curriculum is designed so that 17-20 credits of emphasis area electives are available. Fifteen to eighteen of these emphasis area elective credits must be taken as a unit in one of several emphasis areas. For example, emphasis areas could be in computer systems architecture, knowledge engineering, communications and networking, or gaming engineering. The fifteen to eighteen credits comprising each emphasis area is defined by the department faculty and will be changed to reflect the changing needs of industry. Likewise, new emphasis areas will be added as they become necessary. Students must take one to three credits of internship. The remaining one to three emphasis elective credits can be from computer science and engineering or electrical engineering 300- or 400-level courses.
Accreditation
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the board which accredits engineering and computer science programs in the United States. ABET is responsible for "establishing standards, procedures and an environment that encourages the highest quality for engineering, engineering technology and engineering-related education through accreditation so that each graduate possesses the skills necessary for lifelong learning and productive contribution to society, the economy, employers and the profession." By conducting periodic, comprehensive program evaluations, ABET determines which programs meet the established criteria and are awarded accreditation.
A degree from an ABET accredited program is an endorsement because the program has been "quality tested." Graduates from ABET accredited programs have an assurance that their investment and achievement are recognized by the worldwide engineering community. The Computer and Information Engineering program has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. All requirements for faculty, curricular objectives, administration, institutional facilities, and institutional commitments have been met by the University of Nevada, Reno, College of Engineering, and Department of Computer Science & Engineering.
Program Objectives
Within three to five years of graduation our graduates will:
- be employed as computer engineering professionals beyond entry level positions or be making satisfactory progress in graduate programs
- have peer-recognized expertise together with the ability to articulate that expertise as computer engineering professionals
- apply good analytic, design, and implementation skills required to formulate and solve computer engineering problems
- demonstrate that they can function, communicate, collaborate and continue to learn effectively as ethically and socially responsible computer engineering professionals
Prerequisites
In addition to the University of Nevada, Reno requirements for admission to undergraduate programs (see the Admission section of the UNR General Catalog), the Department of Computer Science & Engineering program imposes the following additional entrance requirements on its degree candidates:
* Mathematics - 4 units, including trigonometry or pre-calculus
* Science - 3 units, including physics and chemistry
Program Requirements
Credits
| I. University Core Curriculum Requirements | 33 - 36 |
| A. English | 3 - 6 |
| ENG 101 - Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 - Composition II | 3 |
| NOTE: Students who place in ENG 102 are not required to complete ENG 101. | |
| B. Mathematics | 4 |
| MATH 181 - Calculus I* | 4 |
| C. Natural Sciences | 8 |
| CHEM 201 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers I or CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I* | 4 |
| PHYS 180 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I* | 3 |
| PHYS 180L Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I* | 1 |
| D. Social Sciences | 3 |
| ECON 102 - Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| E. Fine Arts | 3 |
| Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum chapter in the course catalog. Note: Must not be a skills course. |
|
| F. Core Humanities | 9 |
| CH 201 - Ancient and Medieval Cultures | 3 |
| CH 202 - The Modern World | 3 |
| CH 203 - American Experience and Constitutional Change | 3 |
| G. Capstone Courses | |
| Included in major requirements. | |
| H. Diversity | 3 |
| Refer to the Diversity section of the Core Curriculum chapter of the course catalog. | |
| II. Additional College Requirements | |
| III. Major Requirements | 92 - 95 |
| A. Communications | 3 |
| ENGR 301 - Engineering Communication | 3 |
| B. Computer Science | 41 - 42 |
| CS 105 - Computers in the Information Age | 3 |
| CS 135 - Computer Science I* | 3 |
| CPE 201 - Introduction to Computer Engineering | 4 |
| CS 202 - Computer Science II* | 3 |
| CPE 301 - Microprocessor System Design | 4 |
| CS 302 - Data Structures* | 3 |
| CS 311 - Challenges and Social Aspects of Computing | 3 |
| CS 365 - Mathematics of Computer Science | 3 |
| CPE 400 - Data Communications & Computer Networks | 3 |
| CPE 401 - Computer Network Systems | 3 |
| CPE 411 - Digital Computer Architecture & Design | 3 |
| CS 425 - Software Engineering | 3 |
| CPE 426 - Senior Projects in Computer Engineering | 3 |
| CS 446 - Principles of Operating Systems | 3 |
| C. Electrical Engineering | 11 |
| EE 220 - Circuits I | 3 |
| EE 220L - Circuits I Laboratory | 1 |
| EE 320 - Electronics I | 3 |
| EE 320L - Electronics I Laboratory | 1 |
| EE 426R - Microprocessor Applications | 3 |
| ENGR 490 - Fundamentals of Engineering Exam | 0 |
| D. Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 181 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II* | 3 |
| E. Mathematics | 14 |
| MATH 182 - Calculus II* | 4 |
| MATH 283 - Calculus III* | 4 |
| MATH 330 - Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 352 - Probability & Statistics | 3 |
| F. Emphasis Area Electives | 17 - 20 |
| Students must take one to three credits of internship. Fifteen to eighteen of the option area elective credits must be taken as a unit consisting of an option area defined by the department. |
|
| IV. Minor Requirements | 0 |
| V. Total Credits | 128 |
*Must complete these courses with at least a "C"
Recommended Schedule
First Year - Fall Semester
- Computers in the Information Age (CS 105)
- Computer Science I (CS 135)
- Composition I (ENG 101)
- Calculus I (MATH 181)
- Core Curriculum Fine Arts Elective
First Year - Spring Semester
- Computer Science II (CS 202)
- Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 102)
- Composition II (ENG 102)
- Calculus II (MATH 182)
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (PHYS 180)
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I (PHYS 180L)
Second Year - Fall Semester
- Introduction to Computer Engineering (CPE 201)
- Calculus III (MATH 283)
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (PHYS 181)
- General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers (CHEM 201) or General Chemistry I (CHEM 121)
Second Year - Spring Semester
- Ancient and Medieval Cultures (CH 201)
- Data Structures (CS 302)
- Microprocessor System Design (CPE 301)
- Circuits I (EE 220)
- Circuits I Laboratory (EE 220L)
- Linear Algebra (MATH 330)
Third Year - Fall Semester
- Data Communications & Computer Networks (CPE 400)
- Mathematics of Computer Science (CS 365)
- Electronics I (EE 320)
- Electronics I Laboratory (EE 320L)
- Engineering Communications (ENGR 301)
- Probability & Statistics (MATH 352)
Third Year - Spring Semester
- The Modern World (CH 202)
- Digital Computer Architecture & Design (CPE 411)
- Data Communications & Computer Networks (CPE 400)
- Challenges and Social Aspects of Computing (CS 311)
- Principles of Operating Systems (CS 446)
- Emphasis area elective
Fourth Year - Fall Semester
- Internship in Computer Engineering (CPE 494)
- Software Engineering (CS 425)
- Microprocessor Applications (EE 426)
- American Experience and Constitutional Change (CH 203)
- Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (ENGR 490)
- Emphasis area elective
- Emphasis area elective
Fourth Year - Spring Semester
- Computer Network Systems (CPE 401)
- Senior Projects in Computer Engineering (CPE 426)
- Core curriculum diversity course
- Emphasis area elective
- Emphasis area elective
Emphasis Area Electives
The emphasis area elective credits must be taken as a unit consisting of an emphasis area defined by the department.
- Computer Systems Emphasis Area
Complete 15 credits from the following:
CPE 470, 481,
CS 415, 447, 479
EE 330, 362, 421, 426
OR
- Game Engineering Emphasis Area
CS 281, 381, and either CS 481 or CPE 481
Plus choose 6 credits from:
CS 420, 474, 480, 481, 482,
CPE 481
- Additional Credit
Complete additional 300-499 level coursework in CS, CPE, or EE to bring your total credits for this requirement to 17-20.
Program Completion Requirements
Students must meet the University of Nevada, Reno, College of Engineering, and Department of Computer Science & Engineering core curriculum requirements in order to graduate. Transfer students may apply coursework from other institutions toward these requirements, as determined by the department. Additionally, students must have a minimum "C" (2.0) average to be considered for graduation, as well as a "C" average in the core mathematics, science, and major courses. Technology courses may not be used to fulfill these grade requirements.
To satisfy degree requirements, students must earn at least 128 semester credits. Computer Information and Engineering students may register for up to nine satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) credits in courses not specifically required by the program.
All Computer and Information Engineering students must enroll in the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (ENGR 490) course during the semester of their senior year that they take the national Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, though passing of the exam is currently not required for graduation.