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 strive to directly incorporate this experience in the classroom.
Four educational objectives inspire alumni of the Cal Poly Computer Engineering program to excel professionally:
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 techonolgies 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:
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 https://eadvise.calpoly.edu.
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering broadly prepares students for the design and application of computers and computer-based systems. Students learn to integrate a variety of skills, knowledge, and expertise at the intersection of hardware and software, general education, ethics, and society. Curricular concentrations provide students with autonomy to specialize in the computer engineering core, security, computer hardware, computer architecture, computer systems, embedded systems, or robotics and autonomous systems. Our graduates are valued for their diversity in body and voice, their ability to negotiate complexity and ambiguity, and their capacity and agency to make a positive impact on society.
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
This concentration prepares students for success in technical careers in computer architecture, including emerging architectures. Students will take a breadth of relevant courses developing their skills in hardware and software design.
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The Computer Hardware Engineering Concentration prepares students for success in technical careers in designing and implementing computer hardware. Students will take a breadth of relevant courses developing their skills in design and engineering.
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The computer systems concentration prepares students for success in technical careers in computer systems including designing and building distributed computer systems. Evaluate computer architecture designs with particular emphasis on the balance between performance, efficiency, cost, reliability, and security. Students will take a breadth of relevant courses developing their skills in hardware and software design.
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The embedded systems concentration prepares students for success in technical careers in embedded systems integrating hardware and systems in increasingly common embedded systems. Students will take a breadth of relevant courses developing their skills in hardware and software integration.
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The Robotic Engineering Concentration prepares students for success in technical careers in designing and implementing robots and autonomous systems. Students will take a breadth of relevant courses developing their skills in design and engineering.
Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The Privacy and Security concentration prepares students for success in technical careers in cybersecurity. Students will take a breadth of relevant courses developing their skills in hardware and software design.
In addition to the general abilities expected of College of Engineering graduates, computer engineering students are expected to graduate with:
In addition to the program requirements listed on this page, students must also satisfy requirements outlined in more detail in the Minimum Requirements for Graduation section of this catalog, including:
Note: No Major or Support courses may be selected as credit/no credit. In addition, no more than 12 units of cooperative or internship courses can count towards your degree requirements.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MAJOR COURSES | ||
| CPE/CSC 1000 | Computing Majors Orientation | 1 |
| CSC 1001 & 1001L | Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of Computer Science Laboratory | 4 |
| CPE/CSC 1024 | Introduction to Computing | 2 |
| CSC 2001 & 2001L | Data Structures and Data Structures Laboratory | 4 |
| CPE/CSC 2050 | System Software Mechanics | 3 |
| CPE 2300 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 |
| CPE 2301 | Introduction to HDL and Digital Design Laboratory | 1 |
| CPE 3160 | Microcontrollers and Embedded Applications | 3 |
| CPE/CSC 3201 | Introduction to Computer Security | 3 |
| CPE 3300 | Computer Architecture | 4 |
| CPE 4464 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
| CPE/CSC 4553 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| EE 2211 & EE 2241 | Electric Circuit Analysis I and Electric Circuit Analysis Laboratory I | 4 |
| General Curriculum in Computer Engineering or Concentration | ||
| (See General Curriculum and list of Concentrations below) 1 | 27-30 | |
| SUPPORT COURSES | ||
| Select from the following: (5B) 2 | 3-4 | |
| General Biology | ||
| Life Science for Engineers | ||
| General Botany | ||
| Introduction to Microbiology | ||
| MATH 1261 | Calculus I (2) 2 | 4 |
| MATH 1262 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 2031 | Transition to Advanced Mathematics | 3 |
| PHIL 3323 | Ethics, Science, and Technology (Upper-Division 3) 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 1141 | General Physics I (5A & 5C) 2 | 4 |
| PHYS 1143 | General Physics II | 4 |
| Select from the following: (Upper-Division 2/5) 2 | 3 | |
| Engineering Statistics | ||
| Probability and Random Processes for Engineers | ||
| WGQS 3350 | Gender, Race, Culture, Science, and Technology | 4 |
| or WGQS 3351 | Gender, Race, Class, Nation: Critical Computing and Engineering Studies | |
| GENERAL EDUCATION (GE) | ||
| (See GE program requirements below) | 27 | |
| FREE ELECTIVES | ||
| Free Electives | 0 | |
| Total Units | 124-128 | |
Courses may need to be at the 3000-4000 level to ensure completion of the requirement minimum of 40 units of upper-division.
Required in Major or Support; also satisfies General Education (GE) requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| Select from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Linear Analysis | ||
| Math/Science Support Elective | ||
| Select any ASTR, BIO, BOT, CHEM, GEOL, MATH, MCRO, MSCI, PHYS, or STAT course 1 | 3 | |
| EE 3306 & 3306L | Electronics I and Electronics Laboratory I | 4 |
| or EE 2328 | Signals and Systems | |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select from the following: 2 | 14 | |
Select any 2000-5000 level course offered by the College of Engineering or Bailey College of Science and Mathematics up to 4 units | ||
Select any 3000-5000 level CPE, CSC, or EE courses | ||
| Senior Project | ||
| Select from the following: 3 | 4 | |
| Capstone Senior Project I and Capstone Senior Project II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Privacy and Security Capstone I and Senior Project - Privacy and Security Capstone II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Senior Project I and Interdisciplinary Senior Project II | ||
| Total Units | 28 | |
Excess units at the 2000-5000 level may be applied toward technical electives.
A combined maximum of 8 units may be taken from CPE 4491, CPE 4492, CPE 4493, CPE 4495, CSC 4091, CSC 4092, CSC 4093, CSC 4191, CSC 4192, CSC 4193, CSC 4291, CSC 4292, CSC 4293, CSC 4400, CSC 4495, CSC 4691, CSC 4692, CSC 4693, CSC 4791, CSC 4792, CSC 4793, CSC 4891, CSC 4892, CSC 4893, CSC 4991, CSC 4992, CSC 4993, DATA 4720, and ENGR 4995; of which up to a combined 4 units may be taken from CPE 4400 and CSC 4400.
Excess units completed for senior project may be applied toward technical electives.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| MATH 1151 | Linear Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MATH 2341 | Linear Analysis | |
| MATH 2263 | Calculus III | 3 |
| PHYS 2211 | General Physics III: Modern Physics | 4 |
| Select from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Quantum Computing | ||
| Introduction to Hardware Security | ||
| Design of Fault-Tolerant Systems | ||
| Distributed Systems | ||
| Compiler Construction | ||
| EE 3306 & 3306L | Electronics I and Electronics Laboratory I | 4 |
| CPE 4300 | Advanced Computer Architecture | 4 |
| Senior Project | ||
| Select from the following: | 6 | |
| Interdisciplinary Privacy and Security Capstone I and Senior Project - Privacy and Security Capstone II | ||
| Capstone Senior Project I and Capstone Senior Project II | ||
| Total Units | 27-29 | |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| EE 3306 & 3306L | Electronics I and Electronics Laboratory I | 4 |
| EE 4431 | Computer-Aided Design of VLSI Devices | 3 |
| Math and Science Support | ||
| Select from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | ||
| Linear Analysis | ||
& Select any MATH course 1 | ||
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select from the following: 2, 3 | 12 | |
| Introduction to Hardware Security | ||
| Special Problems for Undergraduates | ||
| Design of Fault-Tolerant Systems | ||
| Seminar in Computer Engineering | ||
| Research Experience in Computer Engineering | ||
| Projects in Computer Engineering | ||
| Electric Circuit Analysis II | ||
| Signals and Systems | ||
| Classical Control Systems and Classical Control Systems Laboratory | ||
| Electronics II and Electronics Laboratory II | ||
| Electromagnetic Fields and Transmission and Electromagnetic Fields and Transmission Laboratory | ||
| Advanced Analog and Mixed-Signal Electronics | ||
| Advanced Analog and Mixed-Signal Electronics Laboratory | ||
| Digital Image Processing | ||
| Vertically Integrated Project Experience I | ||
| Vertically Integrated Project Experience II | ||
| Vertically Integrated Project Experience III | ||
| Introduction to Modern Electronics Manufacturing | ||
| Principles of Materials Engineering for Non-Majors | ||
| Electronic Materials Systems | ||
| General Physics III: Modern Physics | ||
| Solid State Physics | ||
| Senior Project | ||
| Select from the following: 4 | 4 | |
| Capstone Senior Project I and Capstone Senior Project II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Privacy and Security Capstone I and Senior Project - Privacy and Security Capstone II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Senior Project I and Interdisciplinary Senior Project II | ||
| Total Units | 29 | |
Excess units may be applied toward technical electives.
A minimum of 3 units must be taken at the 3000-5000 level.
A combined maximum of 8 units may be taken from CPE 4491, CPE 4492, CPE 4493,CPE 4495, ENGR 2995, ENGR 4995, ENGR 5995; of which up to a combined 4 units may be taken from CPE 4495.
Excess units completed for senior project may be applied toward technical electives.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| MATH 1151 | Linear Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MATH 2341 | Linear Analysis | |
| Math/Science Elective | ||
| Select any BIO, BOT, MCRO, MSCI, CHEM, MATH, ASTR, GEOL, PHYS, or STAT course | 3 | |
| EE 3306 & 3306L | Electronics I and Electronics Laboratory I | 4 |
| or EE 2328 | Signals and Systems | |
| Select from the following: | 3 | |
| Binary Exploitation: Tools and Techniques | ||
| Network Security | ||
| Introduction to Hardware Security | ||
| Select from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Compiler Construction | ||
| Implementation of Operating Systems | ||
| Advanced Computer Networks | ||
| CPE 4650 | Scalable Server Implementation and Testing | 3 |
| CPE 4669 | Distributed Systems | 4 |
| Senior Project | ||
| Select from the following: | 6 | |
| Capstone Senior Project I and Capstone Senior Project II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Privacy and Security Capstone I and Senior Project - Privacy and Security Capstone II | ||
| Total Units | 29-30 | |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| Linear Algebra + Differential Equations | ||
| Select from the following: | 6 | |
| Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | ||
| Linear Analysis | ||
& Select any BIO, BOT, MCRO, MSCI, CHEM, MATH, ASTR, GEOL, PHYS, or STAT course | ||
| EE 2328 | Signals and Systems | 4 |
| CPE 4180 | Advanced Microcontrollers and Embedded Applications | 3 |
| CPE 4390 | Introduction to Real-Time Operating Systems | 3 |
| CPE 4420 | High-Performance Embedded Systems | 3 |
| CPE 4455 | Design of Fault-Tolerant Systems | 4 |
| Senior Project | ||
| Select from the following: | 4-6 | |
| Capstone Senior Project I and Capstone Senior Project II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Privacy and Security Capstone I and Senior Project - Privacy and Security Capstone II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Senior Project I and Interdisciplinary Senior Project II | ||
| Total Units | 27-29 | |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| EE 2328 | Signals and Systems | 4 |
| ENGR 2211 | Introduction to Mechanics | 4 |
| MATH 2341 | Linear Analysis | 4 |
| ME 2212 | Engineering Dynamics | 3 |
| Robotic Electives | ||
| Select from the following: 1, 2 | 11 | |
| Biomechanics | ||
| Robotic Systems Integration | ||
| Autonomous Mobile Robotics | ||
| Advanced Microcontrollers and Embedded Applications | ||
| Introduction to Hardware Security | ||
| Introduction to Real-Time Operating Systems | ||
| High-Performance Embedded Systems | ||
| Design of Fault-Tolerant Systems | ||
| Seminar in Computer Engineering | ||
| Research Experience in Computer Engineering | ||
| Projects in Computer Engineering | ||
| Seminars in Privacy and Security | ||
| Research Experience in Privacy and Security | ||
| Projects in Privacy and Security | ||
| Computer Vision | ||
| Classical Control Systems and Classical Control Systems Laboratory | ||
| Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Digital Image Processing | ||
| Sensing Systems and the Industrial Internet of Things | ||
| Intermediate Dynamics | ||
| Vibrations and System Modeling | ||
| Mechanical Vibrations | ||
| Ground Vehicle Dynamics and Design | ||
| Mechanical Controls and Implementations | ||
| Robotics: Fundamentals and Applications | ||
Select any 3000-4000 level CPE, CSC, EE, ENGR, or ME courses up to 4 units | ||
| Senior Project | ||
| Select from the following: 2 | 4 | |
| Capstone Senior Project I and Capstone Senior Project II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Privacy and Security Capstone I and Senior Project - Privacy and Security Capstone II | ||
| Interdisciplinary Senior Project I and Interdisciplinary Senior Project II | ||
| Total Units | 30 | |
A maximum of 4 units from CPE 4491, CPE 4492, CPE 4493, CPE 4495, CSC 4091, CSC 4092, CSC 4093, CSC 4192, CSC 4193, CSC 4291, CSC 4292, CSC 4293, CSC 4400, CSC 4495, CSC 4691, CSC 4692, CSC 4693, CSC 4791, CSC 4792, CSC 4793, CSC 4891, CSC 4892, CSC 4893, CSC 4991, CSC 4992, CSC 4993, DATA 4720, and ENGR 4995.
Excess units completed for senior project may be applied toward technical electives.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| MATH 1151 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| EE 3306 & 3306L | Electronics I and Electronics Laboratory I | 4 |
| CSC 4260 & CSC 4261 | Interdisciplinary Privacy and Security Capstone I and Senior Project - Privacy and Security Capstone II | 6 |
| Select from the following: | 3 | |
| Calculus III | ||
| Combinatorics I | ||
| Graph Theory | ||
| Number Theory | ||
| Game Theory | ||
| CPE Security Elective | ||
| Select from the following: | 3 | |
| Malware Design and Analysis | ||
| Network Security | ||
| Wireless Security | ||
| Introduction to Hardware Security | ||
| Concentration Elective | ||
| Select from the following: | 11 | |
| Modern Application Development | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Cryptography Engineering and Applications | ||
| Introduction to Privacy: Policy and Technology | ||
| Software Security | ||
| Malware Design and Analysis | ||
| Binary Exploitation: Tools and Techniques | ||
| Web and Cloud Security | ||
| Special Advanced Topics in Computer Security | ||
| Seminars in Privacy and Security | ||
| Research Experience in Privacy and Security | ||
| Projects in Privacy and Security | ||
| Compiler Construction | ||
| Special Advanced Laboratory | ||
| Special Advanced Activity | ||
| Computer Security and Privacy | ||
| Software Security | ||
| Advanced Network Security and Privacy | ||
| Special Advanced Topics in Computer Security | ||
| Special Advanced Laboratory | ||
| Special Advanced Activity | ||
| Network Security | ||
| Wireless Security | ||
| Introduction to Hardware Security | ||
| Cooperative Education Experience | ||
| Vertically Integrated Project Experience I | ||
| Vertically Integrated Project Experience II | ||
| Vertically Integrated Project Experience III | ||
| Combinatorics I | ||
| Graph Theory | ||
| Number Theory | ||
| Game Theory | ||
| Total Units | 30 | |
| Lower-Division General Education | ||
| Area 1 | English Communication and Critical Thinking | |
| 1A | Written Communication | 3 |
| 1B | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| 1C | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Area 2 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning | |
| 2 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| Area 3 | Arts and Humanities | |
| 3A | Arts | 3 |
| 3B | Humanities: Literature, Philosophy, Languages other than English | 3 |
| Area 4 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4 courses must come from at least two different course prefixes.) | |
| 4A | American Institutions (Title 5, Section 40404 Requirement) | 3 |
| 4B | Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Area 5 | Physical and Life Sciences | |
| 5A | Physical Sciences (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| 5B | Life Sciences (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| 5C | Laboratory (may be embedded in a 5A or 5B course) (1 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| Area 6 | Ethnic Studies | |
| 6 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Upper-Division General Education | ||
| Upper-Division 2/5 | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning or Physical and Life Sciences (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| Upper-Division 3 | Arts and Humanities (3 units in Support) 1 | 0 |
| Upper-Division 4 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4 courses must come from at least two different course prefixes.) | 3 |
| Total Units | 27 | |
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