Computer Engineering

https://cpe.calpoly.edu

The mission of the Computer Engineering Program (CPE) is to provide students with a well-rounded education encompassing the theory and practice of selected, balanced topics in electrical engineering and computer science, to enable students to contribute and continue their education in a wide range of computer-related engineering careers. The program seeks to emphasize “hands-on” experience, problem solving skills, the creative process and responsible action. Through professional development activities, faculty contribute to the advancement of the state-of-the-art and strives to directly incorporate this experience in the classroom.

Four educational objectives inspire alumni of the Cal Poly Computer Engineering program to excel professionally:

1. Make positive contributions to society and the practice of computer engineering by applying foundational knowledge and the engineering process to solve engineering problems.
2. Work in an individual or team environment in a socially responsible manner.
3. Engage in lifelong learning through continued professional development or graduate studies.
4. Communicate effectively and demonstrate leadership.

The program prepares graduates for professional practice in industry, as well as continued study in graduate school. Cal Poly’s “learn by doing” philosophy is emphasized by integrating design throughout the curriculum, especially in the numerous design-centered laboratories. In the required senior capstone experience, which is a group-project based course completed over two quarters, students demonstrate their understanding of engineering knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge creatively to practical problems.

This integrated approach allows students to work effectively in such diverse areas as digital systems simulation and digital control systems. Knowledge and laboratory experience in computer architecture and structures provide the understanding necessary to design and build computer systems, computer networks, and digital communications systems. A thorough knowledge of modern microprocessors and microcontrollers enables the graduate to apply these technologies in applications such as robotics, medical and data acquisition. Twelve units of technical electives allow students the option to specialize in an area of special interest. Current areas of special interest include:

• robotics
• embedded systems
• computer architecture
• computer networks
• computer based controls
• software systems
• graphics and multimedia
• electronics implementation and VLSI

In addition to a sound theoretical background in computer engineering concepts, students experience practical design courses intended to build problem solving skills. Laboratory courses supplement the program to develop “hands on” skills in all areas of study. Students are exposed to a wide variety of computing equipment: microprocessor development systems, workstations and personal computers, and advanced network hardware and software.

Active student groups of interest to computer engineering majors include the Computer Engineering Society, the IEEE Student Branch, the Association for Computing Machinery, the Society of Women Engineers, Women Involved in Software and Hardware, and many other project-oriented student clubs and activities.

For more information about the CPE program, please visit Engineering Advising website.

Undergraduate Programs

Stephen Beard
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2010 ; M.S., Princeton, 2011; Ph.D., 2019.

John M. Bellardo
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1999; M.S., University of California, San Diego, 2001; Ph.D., 2006.

Bridget G. Benson
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2005; M.S., University of California Santa Barbara, 2007; Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, 2010

John Clements
B.A., Princeton University, 1996; M.S., Rice University, 2001; Ph.D., Northeastern University, 2005.

Andrew R. Danowitz
B.S., Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, 2008; M.S., Stanford University, 2010; Ph.D., Stanford University, 2014.

Bruce E. DeBruhl
B.S. Kettering University, 2009; M.S. Carnegie Mellon University, 2013; Ph.D. 2015.

Carlos Diaz Alvarenga
B.S., University of California, Merced, 2017; Ph.D., University of California, Merced, 2024.

Dongfeng Fang
B.S., Harbin Institute of Technology, China, 2009; M.S., Shanghai University, China, 2014; Ph.D., University of Nebraska, 2019.

Katharina Gillen
Vordiplom, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms Universität Bonn, 1998; M.S., The Ohio State University, 2000; Ph.D., 2005.

Ria Kanjilal
B.T. West Bengal University of Technology, India, 2009; M.T., West Bengal University of Technology, India, 2014; Ph.D., University of South Florida, 2022.

Foaad Khosmood
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1999; M.S., 2005; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz, 2011.

Satchiko Mastumoto
B.A. Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley; 2018; B.A. Physics, University of California, Berkeley, 2018; Ph.D., University of California, San Diego; 2025.

Bryan J. Mealy
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1990; M.S., 1993; M.S., University of California, Santa Cruz, 1999; Ph.D., 2002.

John Y. Oliver
B.S., Boston University, 1998; M.S., University of California, Davis, 2006; Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 2007

Andrea Schuman
B.S. University of Oklahoma, 2019; M.S. Virginia Tech, 2022; Ph.D., 2025.

John S. Seng
B.S., Northwestern University, 1997; M.S., University of California, San Diego, 1999; Ph.D., 2003.

Lynne A. Slivovsky
B.S., Purdue University, 1992; M.S., 1993; Ph.D., 2001.

Hugh M. Smith
B.S., Xavier University, 1985; M.S., Michigan State University, 1994; Ph.D., 1999.