Computer Engineering, M.S.C.P.

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Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing (AI)
Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

Also offered as a Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathway

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering (M.S.C.P.) graduate program combines advanced coursework and research opportunities in areas related to computing systems, software, hardware, and algorithms. It equips students with advanced skills in computer engineering and software development, including but not limited to (a) the co-development of hardware and software, (b) efficient, low-power and low-energy realization of emerging applications, and (c) AI-driven automation to enhance system security. Students learn to design optimized hardware and explore advanced topics like digital circuit design, computer architecture, and embedded systems.

The curriculum also covers emerging fields in hardware and computer engineering, including quantum computing, neuromorphic engineering, edge computing, and hardware acceleration. Graduates are prepared to address complex challenges in creating secure, efficient, and intelligent systems tailored to the demands of modern technology.

Major Research Areas:
Interconnected hardware and software, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) of Integrated Circuits (ICs), AI chips, hardware and software security, computer architecture, computer networks, distributed systems, embedded systems, formal verification, robotics, databases, software engineering, compilers, programming languages, and VLSI design.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

The GRE is required except for US domestic applicants with an undergraduate degree from ABET-accredited degree programs, or from a Carnegie R1 university, or for applicants who have successfully completed USF Pathway to Computing (PTC) Graduate Certificate
Three letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Resume
PDF of unofficial GRE Scores
PDF of unofficial transcripts
PDF of English proficiency, if needed.
Students applying to this program are expected to have a solid foundation in mathematics and core areas of computer science and computer engineering, such as logic design, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems, and algorithms.
Applicants without the required background in computing must complete the Pathway to Computing (PTC) Graduate Certificate prior to starting the rest of the coursework in the curriculum. This certificate helps them acquire the necessary mathematical and computing foundations. Must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA in all referenced graduate certificate coursework. PTC courses cannot be counted as electives toward the degree. (Note: PTC is a program with a different tuition rate.)

Curriculum Requirements

Pathway to Computing (PTC) Graduate Certificate - 15 Credit Hours (Note: PTC has a different tuition rate)**

Total Minimum Hours: 30 Credit Hours

Core Requirements - 6 Credit Hours
Electives - 15 Credit Hours Minimum
Non-thesis Option - additional 9 hours of electives
Thesis Option - 9 Credit Hours Minimum

*Students with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field from an accredited institution complete a minimum of 30 credit hours.

**Students without a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field from an accredited institution complete a minimum of 45 credit hours, including the Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate coursework.

Core Requirements: (6 Credit Hours)

Successful completion with a letter grade of “B” or better of two core graduate-level courses is required:

EEL 6764 Principles of Computer Architecture Credit Hours: 3
COT 6405 Introduction to the Theory of Algorithms Credit Hours: 3

Electives (15 Credit Hours Minimum)

Students in the thesis option complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of electives.

Students in the non-thesis option complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of electives.

With prior permission from the Graduate Director, students can take a maximum of three (3) hours of Independent Study or Internship, a maximum of three (3) hours of one-hour seminar courses, and up to one graduate level course (3 credit hours) outside the department.

Students must select the graduate elective courses in consultation with the Graduate Director or individual advisor.

Non-thesis students need to take a minimum of nine (9) credits from the list of electives that are hardware related in the following topic areas: artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer architecture, distributed systems, embedded systems, expert systems, formal verification, computer security, or VLSI design and CAD as determined by the Graduate Director and documented in the Plan of Work.

Examples of Courses:
CAI 5005 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
CAI 5107 Machine Learning Credit Hours: 3
CAI 5815 Autonomous Mobile Robots Credit Hours: 3
CAP 6101 Mobile Biometrics Credit Hours: 3
CAP 6109 Brain-Computer Interfaces Credit Hours: 3
CAP 6110 Augmented Reality Credit Hours: 3
CAP 6455 Advanced Robotic Systems Credit Hours: 3
CAP 6505 Smart and Connected Health Credit Hours: 3
CDA 5416 Computer System Verification Credit Hours: 3
CDA 6328 Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems Credit Hours: 3
CIS 6214 Privacy-Preserving and Trustworthy Cyber-Infrastructures Credit Hours: 3
COP 6527 Computing in Massively Parallel Systems Credit Hours: 3
CIS 6900 Independent Study Credit Hours: 1-19
CIS 6930 Special Topics Credit Hours: 1-5
taken as:
- Security & Privacy in ML (3 Credit Hours for this program)
- Hardware Accelerators for ML (3 Credit Hours for this program)
- Quantum Computing & Algorithms (3 Credit Hours for this program)
- Emerging Topics in Net Security (3 Credit Hours for this program)
- CMOS- VLSI Design (3 Credit Hours for this program)
- Wireless & Mobile Computing (3 Credit Hours for this program)
- Practical Hardware Security (3 Credit Hours for this program)
- Seminar in AI (1 Credit Hour for this program)
CIS 6946 Internships/Practicums/Clinical Practice Credit Hours: 0-3
Or other graduate course approved by the Graduate Director

Thesis Option (9 Credit Hours Minimum)

The thesis option requires nine (9) credit hours of thesis in computer engineering related problems, as determined by the Major Professor and documented in the Plan of Work.

CIS 6971 Thesis: Master’s Credit Hours: 2-19 (9 Credit Hours Minimum)

Non-Thesis Option (9 Credit Hours Minimum)

The non-thesis option requires an additional nine (9) credit hours of graduate level electives for a total of 24 credit hours of electives selected in consultation with the Graduate Director.

Comprehensive Exam

For students taking the thesis option, the requirement for a comprehensive exam is satisfied by the successful completion and defense of the thesis. Non-thesis option students must pass the comprehensive exam in the semester prior to the semester of graduation.

Exit Survey

All students are required to complete the college exit survey.

University of South Florida

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