Santa Clara University

Department of Computer Engineering » Undergraduate Studies » Degree Programs

Computer Engineering Degree Programs

For all degree programs, students should refer to the undergraduate bulletin for more complete information.

Major in Computer Science and Engineering/Computer Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (sample four-year plans) features a balanced core program in which each student studies the engineering aspects of software and hardware as well as the mathematical foundations of computation. The computer engineering electives permit students to build on this core with varying emphasis, depending on their interests.

(The name “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering” is the new name for the “Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering” degree. Students may choose either degree name during the period of transition.)

Students must also complete the University Core Curriculum requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in the engineering school, Engineering 1 (Introduction to Engineering), and sufficient electives for a total of 190 units (formerly, 187 units).

Computer Science and Engineering

COEN 10 — Introduction to Programming
COEN 11 — Advanced Programming
COEN 12 — Abstract Data Types and Data Structures
COEN 19 — Discrete Mathematics
COEN 20 — Embedded Systems
COEN 21 — Logic Design
COEN 70 — Formal Specification and Advanced Data Structures
COEN 122 — Computer Architecture
COEN 146 — Computer Networks
COEN 174 — Software Engineering
COEN 175 — Formal Language Theory and Compiler Construction
COEN 177 — Operating Systems
COEN 179 — Theory of Algorithms
COEN 194, 195, 196 — Design Project I, II, III
Three upper-division electives selected from COEN 100–180, ELEN 123, 133, and 134

COEN 10 (Introduction to Programming) may be waived by demonstrating equivalent programming proficiency, such as by having AP credit or by passing the department’s programming diagnostic exam.

Electrical Engineering

ELEN 50 — Electric Circuits I
ELEN 115 — Electronic Circuits I
ELEN 153 — Digital Integrated Circuit Design

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

MATH 11, 12, 13, 14 — Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, II, III, IV
PHYS 31, 32, 32L, 33, 33L — Physics for Scientists and Engineers I, II, III
CHEM 11 — General Chemistry I
AMTH 106 (or MATH 22) — Differential Equations
AMTH 108 (or MATH 122) — Probability and Statistics
One of the following:
- MATH 53 — Linear Algebra
- MATH 166 — Numerical Analysis
- AMTH 118 — Numerical Methods

Effective Fall 2009, students may replace CHEM 11 with an advisor-approved natural science elective, and may replace AMTH 106 with an advisor-approved mathematics or natural science elective.

Educational Enrichment Electives

An educational enrichment experience selected from one of the following options:

Eight or more units in a study abroad program (cannot duplicate other coursework)
Six-month co-op experience in industry (COEN 188 and COEN 189)
Six or more units of undergraduate research (cannot also be used as an elective)
Twelve or more units selected in consultation with an advisor (cannot be used to satisfy University Core requirements, but a minor or second major may be used)
Admission to one of the department’s master’s degree programs and completion of twelve or more units of graduate coursework

Program Concentrations

Students may optionally complete one of four concentrations with certification by the department and on the student’s transcript. The concentration in information assurance is also certified by the National Security Agency. All courses taken as part of a concentration may be used to satisfy other program requirements.

Information Assurance

AMTH 387 — Cryptology
COEN 150 or 250 — Information Security Management
One of COEN 252, COEN 253, COEN 350, and CSCI 182
Co-op experience or 8 units of additional coursework (with advisor’s approval)
Design project directly related to the concentration

Game Development

COEN 148 — Computer Graphics Systems
COEN 165 — Modeling and Control of Rigid Body Dynamics
COEN 166 — Artificial Intelligence
Design project or co-op experience directly related to the concentration

Web Technologies

COEN 161 — Web Programming
COEN 162 — Web Infrastructure
COEN 163 — Web Usability
Design project or co-op experience directly related to the concentration

Robotics

COEN 120 — Real-Time Systems
COEN 165 — Modeling and Control of Rigid Body Dynamics
COEN 166 — Artificial Intelligence
Design project or co-op experience directly related to the concentration

Major in Web Design and Engineering

Web Design and Engineering

COEN 10 — Introduction to Programming
COEN 11 — Advanced Programming
COEN 12 — Abstract Data Types and Data Structures
COEN 146 — Computer Networks
COEN 161 — Web Programming
COEN 162 — Web Infrastructure
COEN 163 — Web Usability
COEN 194, 195, 195 — Design Project I, II, III

COEN 10 (Introduction to Programming) may be waived by demonstrating equivalent programming proficiency, such as by having AP credit or by passing the department’s programming diagnostic exam.

Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

ENGL 138 or ENGL 181 and 182 — Advanced Writing
ARTS 174 — Computer Imaging
ARTS 175 — Graphic Design
ARTS 177 — Constructing Web Sites
COMM 2 — Introduction to Mass Communication
COMM 12 — Technology and Communication
COMM 30 — Visual Communication
SOCI 49 — Computers, the Internet, and Society
An advisor-approved discipline-related ethics course

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

MATH 11, 12, 13, 14 — Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, II, III, and IV
AMTH 108 (or MATH 122) — Probability and Statistics

Educational Enrichment Electives

Same as for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering.

Minor in Computer Engineering

Students must complete the following requirements for a minor in computer engineering:

COEN 11 (or COEN 44, or CSCI 10, or OMIS 30) — Advanced Programming
COEN 12 (or CSCI 61) — Abstract Data Types and Data Structures
COEN 20 — Embedded Systems
COEN 21 — Logic Design
Four additional courses selected from COEN 70 and COEN 100–180

Work completed to satisfy these requirements must include at least two courses beyond any free electives or other courses required to earn the bachelor’s degree in the student’s primary major.

Five-Year Dual B.S./M.S. Degree

Under the combined B.S./M.S. Program, a full-time SCU undergraduate student can begin work on courses required for a master’s degree before the B.S. degree requirements are complete, typically leading to a master’s degree within a year of obtaining the bachelor’s degree. This program is open only to students at Santa Clara University who are completing a B.S. degree in either computer science and engineering, web design and engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.

No course can be used to simultaneously satisfy requirements in both the B.S. and M.S. degree programs. However, completion of 12 or more units of courses in computer engineering taken for the master’s degree will satisfy the Educational Enrichment Electives of the undergraduate program.

Students in this program will receive a B.S. degree after satisfying the standard undergraduate degree requirements. To earn the M.S. degree, students must fulfill all the requirements for the M.S. degree specified in the graduate catalog, including the completion of 45 units of coursework beyond that applied to the bachelor’s degree.