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:
| Computer Science and Engineering Requirements | Suggested Options |
|---|---|
| Theory Elective (Select one) |
CS: 5340 Limits of Computation CS: 4330 Theory of Computation |
| 5000-Level ECE Elective (Select one) |
ECE:5300 Switching Theory ECE:5320 High Performance Computer Architecture (Same as: CS:5610) ECE:5380 Testing of Digital Logic Circuits ECE:5995 Quantum Engineering: Computing and Devices (Prerequisites: MATH:2550 and ENGR 2730) ECE:5410 Advanced Circuit Techniques (Prerequisites: ECE:3410) ECE:5550 Internet of Things (Prerequisites: ENGR 2730) |
| ECE Elective (Select one) |
All 5000-level ECE electives listed above, and ECE:3410 Electronic Circuits ECE:3720 EE Materials and Devices |
| 4000-level or above CS Elective (Select one) |
CS:4700 High Performance and Parallel Computing (Same as: MATH:4860) CS:5610 High Performance Computer Architecture (Same as: ECE:5320) CS:4980 Topics in Computer Science II |
| CS Elective (Select one) |
All 4000-level and above CS electives listed above, and CS:2520 Human Computer Interaction |
| Additional Electives (Select one 3 s.h. & one ≥2 s.h.) |
Any of the above OR courses selected in consultation with advisor. |
Advising Notes
A minor in mathematics can be earned by including two qualifying math courses in the FA plan.
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