Apr 08, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Computer Engineering Systems B.S.Cp.E.


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Plans of Study

The Computer Engineering Systems major focuses on the analysis, design, and development of advanced computer hardware and systems, spanning topics such as hardware architecture, microprocessors, embedded systems, nanoelectronics, and semiconductors, with applications in areas like VLSI design, robotics, quantum computing, and intelligent automation. Students gain both a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on laboratory experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world engineering practice. Students in the Computer Engineering Systems program also benefit from strong exposure to Electrical Engineering principles and interactions, which help provide a deeper understanding of the hardware foundations that drive computing technologies.

Mission Statement


The mission of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is to provide a high-quality education in electrical and computer engineering systems for our students and practicing professionals; create new knowledge and solve real world problems via innovative research, and disseminate this information for the benefit of society; and to engage in effective regional, national and international service and outreach.

Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes


Educational Objectives

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is committed to graduating electrical and computer engineers who shall within a few years of graduation:

  • Demonstrate a progression in technical competence and increasing responsibility in the practice of engineering, and the ability to contribute to the range of perspectives and creativity in the workplace.
  • Continue to develop professionally through life-long learning, advanced education, or other creative pursuits in science and technology.

​​​​​​​Student Outcomes

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Please refer to the mission statement on the department website for additional information.

University Admissions - College of Engineering


Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following urls:

For Admission information specific to the College of Engineering, see the information at College of Engineering .

Progression Requirements - Computer Engineering Systems B.S.Cp.E.


Computer Engineering Systems students who have fully met the below requirements and are in good academic standing, may progress into the upper division of the major. Prior to progression into the upper division, a student may be permitted to take no more than two departmental engineering courses beyond the first two years. Upon admission to the department all students must meet with a Computer Engineering Systems Undergraduate Program Advisor, to discuss their pathway to graduation, and the department’s Academic Integrity policies.  The Department has continuation requirements which specify minimum performance standards in core major courses which must be met before further registration in the Department is granted.

1. Completion of:

CHM 2045 - General Chemistry I  Credit(s): 3 AND CHM 2045L - General Chemistry I Laboratory  Credit(s): 1 

MAC 2311 - Calculus I  Credit(s): 4 AND  MAC 2312 - Calculus II  Credit(s): 4 AND MAC 2313 - Calculus III  Credit(s): 4 

PHY 2048 - General Physics I - Calculus Based  Credit(s): 3 AND PHY 2048L - General Physics I Laboratory  Credit(s): 1  

A minimum grade of C in each course (C- is insufficient) and a 3.0 GPA based upon the best attempt in these courses (maximum two attempts) for guaranteed progression to the upper division, OR a 2.75 GPA based upon the best attempt in these courses (maximum two attempts) for a conditional progression to the upper division pending review of complete transcript.
2. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0
3. A minimum USF GPA of 2.0

Departmental Policies - Computer Engineering Systems B.S.Cp.E.


In addition to the College’s graduation requirement, the department has the following policies:

Students must consult with an academic advisor for the development of their individual academic study plan, and selection and approval of their Computer Engineering Systems Technical Electives. 

To hear a brief welcome message, access current course listings and to schedule an appointment with an ECE undergraduate advisor, the student can use the following link: https://www.usf.edu/engineering/ece/undergraduate/ugadvising.aspx 

 To reach an ECE undergraduate advisor via e-mail, please use the following ENG-ECEAdvising@usf.edu 

Students must complete Exit interviews as a graduation requirement.

Required Courses: (105 credit hours)


State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites - Computer Engineering Systems B.S.Cp.E. (27 Credit Hours)*


Following Florida BOG Regulation 8.007, state mandated common course prerequisites are lower-division courses that are required for progression into the upper division of a particular baccalaureate degree program. 

Transfer students should complete the State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted. Successful completion of the common prerequisites alone does not guarantee a student admission into the degree program. 

Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C- is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses. 

  • MAC X311 OR MAC X281 - 4 credit hours
  • MAC X312 OR MAC X282 - 4 credit hours
  • MAC X313 OR MAC X283 - 4 credit hours
  • MAP X302 OR MAP X305 OR EGN 3433 - 3 credit hours
  • (CHM X045 AND CHM X045L) OR CHM X045C OR (CHS X440 AND CHS X440L) - 4 credit hours
  • (PHY X048 AND PHY X048L) OR PHY X048C - 4-5 credit hours
  • (PHY X049 AND PHY X049L) OR PHY X049C OR (PHY X044 AND PHY X049L) OR (PHY X042 AND PHY X049L) - 4-5 credit hours

* All state common prerequisite courses count towards major-required Mathematics and Science courses and are not additional credit hours.

State Mathematics Pathway – Computer Engineering Systems B.S.Cp.E. (7 Credit Hours)*


The Computer Engineering Systems B.S.Cp.E. uses the Algebra through Calculus Mathematics Pathway with the following requirements:

  • Credit(s): 3 **
  • Credit(s): 4

  • * Mathematics Pathway courses count towards the State Common Prerequisite math courses and are not additional credits.

    ** Students may place out of MAC 1105 and begin at a higher-level math class.

Major Core Courses: 36 courses; 92 credit hours


Capstone Design Sequence Courses: 2 Courses; 6 Credit Hours


Please note that the capstone design sequence including the EEL 4906 - ECE Design 1  and the  EEL 4914 - ECE Design 2  courses, must be taken within the final year of the student’s degree program.

Major Elective Courses: 5 Courses; 13 Credit Hours


Students must complete a minimum of 13 non-overlapping credit hours of generally hardware oriented technical electives.  A list of approved technical electives will be published and made available to students on a semester basis.  Courses may be taken in any order, provided prerequisite requirements are met. Students may also select graduate-level ECE courses as technical electives (note that tuition rates are higher for graduate courses).  Please contact the department advisors (ENG-ECEAdvising@usf.edu) for more information on registering for graduate courses.

  • EEE 3000*-4999*
  • EEL 3000*-4999*

In order to recognize our students’ extra-curricular professional formation activities, the department also allows the students to take EEL 4940 - Undergraduate Internship Experience  for up to 3-credit hours if they secure an internship within the computer engineering systems discipline. The credit hours will depend on the specifics of the internship (i. e., part-time versus full-time) and will be approved by the undergraduate program director. Students are encouraged to reach out to EE Advising (ENG-ECEAdvising@usf.edu) when they receive an offer for an internship for further instructions.

Students can also receive technical elective credits for undergraduate research activities. All students who engage in undergraduate research or independent study with a faculty member are expected to enroll in EEL 4915 - Advanced Undergraduate Research Experience  for 0-credit hours. Based on the specifics and work intensity of their research they can sign up for up to 3-credit hours to be counted towards their major electives.

The combined contribution of internship and research credits towards degree completion cannot exceed 3 hours.  For example, a student can use 3-credits of internship or 2-credits of internship and 1-credit of research and so on.

Additional Information - Computer Engineering Systems B.S.Cp.E.


GPA Requirements


Students must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 semester GPA, 2.0 Math and Science GPA, 2.0 Engineering GPA, 2.0 Specialization GPA, 2.0 USF GPA, and 2.0 overall GPA

Grading Requirements


Unless otherwise stated, the minimum acceptable grade in BSCpE required math, science, engineering and specialization courses is a C or higher (C- is insufficient).

Residency Requirement


Transfer students must complete a minimum number of approved specialization courses in the major at USF. The minimum number of USF specialization credit hours required is established by the respective academic department. In no case will this be less than 18 hours. Basic engineering courses are not considered specialization courses. The University residency requirement must also be met.

A dual degree student must meet the requirements of each major and have a minimum of 18 approved specialization hours taken in the degree granting department beyond those specialization hours required for the first degree.

Internship Opportunities


The College of Engineering and USF’s Center for Career and Professional Development Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program provides services for students interested in experiential educational experiences. A wide variety of industries and government agencies offer internships and cooperative education employment opportunities for engineering students. Participants gain valuable expertise in practical applications and other aspects of operations and development in a professional engineering environment. Students normally apply for participation in this program during their first year in the engineering college and pursue actual internships during their sophomore, junior, and senior years. 

Students seeking to secure an internship, are strongly encouraged to sign up on Handshake (https://usf.joinhandshake.com/login) and complete their profile.

Research Opportunities - College of Engineering


Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements.

Advising Information - Computer Engineering Systems B.S.Cp.E.


All incoming freshman and transfer students must meet with one of the college advisors in the Engineering Student Services (ESS).

Engineering Student Services

Office: Engineering Building III (ENC) 1302
Phone: (813) 974-2684
Email(s): Can be found here: https://www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services/academic-advising/advisors.aspx

Website: www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services

Computer Engineering Systems students progressing into the upper-division should meet with one of the ECE Department Undergraduate Advisors.

Location: Engineering Building II (ENB) 379B

Phone number: (813) 974-2659

Email: ENG-ECEAdvising@usf.edu

All information on upper-division EE advising along with useful links on class schedules and course permits can be found on the following website:

https://www.usf.edu/engineering/ece/undergraduate/ugadvising.aspx

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