Overview

Computer hardware engineers develop and design new processor chips that power computers, tablets, smart-phones and play a central role in countless other modern electronic devices, appliances, and vehicles.

This FA focuses on the design of modern high-performance computers and microcontrollers, including digital electronics, computer and processor architecture, and the design and testing of integrated circuit chips.

Students pursuing this FA may find employment with large computer chip manufacturers such as Intel and AMD, or any of thousands of smaller companies that design customized digital hardware for use in their products and applications.

Students interested in this FA are encouraged to consider the course suggestions listed below when completing their plan of study form.

 Plan of Study Form

Electrical Track Suggested Options
Track Electrical
Depth Elective
(Select One)
ECE:5995 Quantum Engineering: Computing and Devices (Prerequisites: MATH:2550 and ENGR 2730)
ECE:5410 Advanced Circuit Techniques
Breadth Elective
(Select One)
ECE:3330 Software Design
ECE:3350 Computer Architecture and Organization
ECE:3540 Communication Networks
5000-Level ECE Elective
(Select Two)
All 5000-level depth electives listed above and

ECE:5300 Switching Theory
ECE:5320 High Performance Computer Architecture (Same as: CS:5610) (requires ECE:3350 as a prerequisite)
ECE:5380 Testing of Digital Logic Circuits
ECE:5550 Internet of Things (Prerequisite: ENGR 2730)

ECE Elective
(Select One)
All breadth, depth and 5000-level ECE electives listed above 
Technical Elective
(Select One)
All breadth, depth and 5000-level ECE electives listed above 
Additional Electives
(Select one 3 s.h. & one ≥2 s.h.)
Any of the above OR course selected in consultation with advisor.

 

Advising Notes

A minor in mathematics can be earned by including one qualifying math course in the FA plan.

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