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

Consequently, the curriculum contains fundamental sequences of courses in these four areas of study. These sequences provide a solid foundation in both computer software and hardware, which is the essence of the Computer & Information Engineering education.

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.

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 Imformation 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.

1. be employed as computer engineering professionals beyond entry level positions or be making satisfactory progress in graduate programs
2. have peer-recognized expertise together with the ability to articulate that expertise as computer engineering professionals
3. apply good analytic, design, and implementation skills required to formulate and solve computer engineering problems
4. demonstrate that they can function, communicate, collaborate and continue to learn effectively as ethically and socially responsible computer engineering professionals

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

A practicing Computer & Information engineer will need an in-depth of knowledge of an area related to their particular interest(s), as well as firsthand experience. We have designed the curriculum such that 17 - 20 credits of Emphasis Area Electives are available. Of these credits, 15 - 18 must be taken as a unit in one of the following areas of study, consisting of the listed courses:

• Computer Systems Architecture
  • Parallel Computing (CS 415)
  • Real-Time Computer Systems (CPE 406/606)
  • Computer Systems Administration (CS 447)
  • Digital Electronics (EE 421)
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (CPE 470)
• Knowledge Engineering
  • Real-Time Computer Systems (CPE 406/606)
  • Database Management Systems (CS 457)
  • Digital Image Processing (CS 474)
  • Artificial Intelligence (CS 482)
  • Pattern Recognition (CS 479)
• Communications & Networking
  • Computer Systems Administration (CS 447)
  • Engineering Electromagnetics (EE 330)
  • Singals and Systems (EE 362)
  • Optical Fiber Communication (EE 410)
  • Optical Fiber Communication Lab (EE 410L)
  • Digital Signal Processing (EE 480)
• Game Engineering
  • Introduction to Computer Game Development (CS 281)
  • Real-Time Computer Systems (CPE 406/606)
  • Embedded Games Development (CPE 481)
  • Human Computer Interaction (CS 420)
  • Computer Graphics (CS 480)
  • Artificial Intelligence (CS 482)

To gain practical experience in industry, students are also required to take 1 - 3 credits of Internship. The remaining credits may consist of 300- or 400-level Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering courses.

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 & Engineering students may register for up to nine satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) credits in courses not specifically required by the program.

All Computer & 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.