As a computer engineering major, you will learn how to design and manufacture computer hardware using the latest semiconductor chip technologies, which form the foundation of everything from automobiles to household appliances to defense systems. In addition, you will learn how to design and analyze systems that process, store and convey digital information, and to develop efficient software for them. Examples of systems that computer engineering majors explore include wearable devices, mobile computing devices like smartphones and tablets, personal computers, servers deployed in the cloud, and many types of embedded systems. You can also specialize in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science, and earn a named option on your transcript.

How to Get in

Admission to the College as a Freshman

Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission to a major means students will start in the program of their choice in the College of Engineering and will need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.

Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering

UW–Madison students in other schools and colleges on campus must meet minimum admission requirements for admission consideration to engineering degree granting classifications. Cross-campus admission is competitive and selective, and the grade point average expectations may increase as demand trends change. The student’s overall academic record at UW–Madison is also considered. Students apply to their intended engineering program by submitting the online application by stated deadlines for spring and fall. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and drop-in advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.

Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering

With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their major in the college. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is competitive and selective, and students who have exceeded the 80 credit limit at the time of application are not eligible to apply.

The College of Engineering has dual degree programs with select four-year UW System campuses. Eligible dual degree applicants are not subject to the 80 credit limit.

Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer Coordinator in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu or 608-262-2473.

Second Bachelor's Degree

The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.

Requirements

University General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.

University General Education Requirements

Requirements

Detail

General Education

Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits Communication Part A & Part B * Ethnic Studies * Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B * * The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements.

Summary of Requirements

The following curriculum applies to students admitted to the computer engineering degree program .

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Mathematics		19
Science		20-21
Computer Engineering Core		33
Computer Engineering Advanced Electives		16
Professional Electives		9
Communication Skills		6
Liberal Studies		15
Free Elective		2
Total Credits		120-121

Mathematics

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MATH 221	Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1	5
or MATH 217	Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II
MATH 222	Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2	4
MATH 234	Calculus--Functions of Several Variables 1	4
MATH/​COMP SCI  240	Introduction to Discrete Mathematics	3
or MATH/​COMP SCI/​STAT  475	Introduction to Combinatorics
Probability/Statistics Elective (select one)		3
STAT 311	Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I
MATH/​STAT  431	Introduction to the Theory of Probability
E C E 331	Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics
Total Credits		19

¹

 MATH 375 and MATH 376 taken in sequence will fulfill the requirement for MATH 234.

Science

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
COMP SCI 300	Programming II	3
COMP SCI 400	Programming III	3
PHYSICS 201	General Physics 1	5
or PHYSICS 207	General Physics
or PHYSICS 247	A Modern Introduction to Physics
PHYSICS 202	General Physics	5
or PHYSICS 208	General Physics
or PHYSICS 248	A Modern Introduction to Physics
Select one of the following:		4-5
CHEM 109	Advanced General Chemistry
CHEM 103	General Chemistry I
CHEM 104	General Chemistry II
Total Credits		20-21

¹

 Students may also fulfill this requirement by taking E M A 201 Statics and E M A 202 Dynamics.

Computer Engineering Core

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
E C E 203	Signals, Information, and Computation	3
E C E 210	Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering	2
E C E 222	Electrodynamics I	4
E C E 230	Circuit Analysis	4
E C E/​COMP SCI  252	Introduction to Computer Engineering	3
E C E 270	Circuits Laboratory I	1
E C E 315	Introductory Microprocessor Laboratory	1
E C E 340	Electronic Circuits I	3
E C E/​COMP SCI  352	Digital System Fundamentals	3
E C E 353	Introduction to Microprocessor Systems	3
E C E/​COMP SCI  354	Machine Organization and Programming	3
E C E 551	Digital System Design and Synthesis	3
Total Credits		33

Computer Engineering Advanced Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Electronic Circuits Elective		3
E C E 342	Electronic Circuits II
E C E 447	Applied Communications Systems
E C E 541	Analog MOS Integrated Circuit Design
E C E 542	Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems
E C E 548	Integrated Circuit Design
E C E 555	Digital Circuits and Components
Systems Software Elective 1		3
E C E/​COMP SCI  506	Software Engineering
COMP SCI 536	Introduction to Programming Languages and Compilers
COMP SCI 537	Introduction to Operating Systems
COMP SCI 564	Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation
Capstone Design		4
E C E 453	Embedded Microprocessor System Design
E C E 454	Mobile Computing Laboratory 1
E C E 455	Capstone Design in Electrical and Computer Engineering
E C E 554	Digital Engineering Laboratory
CMPE Elective I		3
E C E 537	Communication Networks
E C E/​COMP SCI  552	Introduction to Computer Architecture
E C E 553	Testing and Testable Design of Digital Systems
E C E 556	Design Automation of Digital Systems
CMPE Elective II		3
Select from E C E 399 - E C E 699
Select from COMP SCI 400 - COMP SCI 699 2
Total Credits		16

¹

If a 4-credit course is taken, one credit may be used toward satisfying the professional elective and free elective requirement.

²

 E C E 454 Mobile Computing Laboratory and COMP SCI 407 Foundations of Mobile Systems and Applications cannot both be taken for degree credit.

Professional Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Professional Electives		9
Courses to be taken in an area of professional interest. The following courses are acceptable as professional electives if the courses are not used to meet any other degree requirements.
E C E 1	Cooperative Education Program (One co-op credit can count towards professional electives.)
E C E 204	Data Science & Engineering
E C E/​PHYSICS  235	Introduction to Solid State Electronics
E C E 320	Electrodynamics II
E C E 330	Signals and Systems
E C E 331	Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics
E C E 332	Feedback Control Systems
E C E 334	State Space Systems Analysis
E C E 335	Microelectronic Devices
E C E 342	Electronic Circuits II (may be used if not already used as an Electronic Circuits Advanced Elective)
E C E 355	Electromechanical Energy Conversion
E C E 356	Electric Power Processing for Alternative Energy Systems
E C E courses numbered 370 and higher
COMP SCI courses numbered 400 and higher
MATH 319	Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations
MATH 320	Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 1
MATH 321	Applied Mathematical Analysis
MATH 322	Applied Mathematical Analysis
MATH 340	Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra 1
MATH 341	Linear Algebra
MATH courses numbered 400 and higher
STAT courses numbered 400 and higher
Any biological sciences course that is designated as intermediate or advanced level
Any physical science course that is designated as intermediate or advanced level
Any natural science course that is designated as advanced level, except that math, computer sciences, and statistics courses must follow the above criteria
Engineering courses numbered 300 and higher that are not E C E or cross-listed with E C E
Up to six credits of Professional Electives can be taken from School of Business classes numbered 300 and higher.
DS 501	Special Topics (Wearable Technologies)
DANCE 560	Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (Making Digital Lighting Controls)

¹

 Students may only earn degree credit for MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations or MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, not both.

Communication Skills

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ENGL 100	Introduction to College Composition	3
or LSC 100	Science and Storytelling
or COM ARTS 100	Introduction to Speech Composition
or COM ARTS 181	Elements of Speech-Honors Course
or ESL 118	Academic Writing II
INTEREGR 397	Engineering Communication	3
Total Credits		6

Liberal Studies Electives 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements
complete requirements/ 1		15
Total Credits		15

¹

All liberal studies credits must be identified with the letter H, S, L, or Z. Language courses are acceptable without the letter and are considered humanities. Note: See an E C E advisor and/or the EE Curriculum Guide for additional information.

Honors in Undergraduate Research Program

Qualified undergraduates may earn an Honors in Research designation in their transcript. The Honors in Research program gives an undergraduate the opportunity to participate in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. It is expected that the student will be actively involved in research that could lead to new knowledge. The project can be independent or a component of a larger team effort. 

Admission Requirements include: 

1.    Complete at least one semester on the UW-Madison campus, 
2.    Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5,
3.    Major in Computer Engineering (CMPE) or Electrical Engineering (EE), 
4.    Identify an ECE faculty advisor who is willing to supervise the research project. 

Students admitted to the program should register for one to three credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research. A thesis worth three credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research is required. The thesis is a written document that details the objectives of the project, the methods used to carry out the research, and the results of the research activity. The thesis must be approved by the faculty advisor and the student is encouraged to present a seminar.
 
The “Honors in Research” designation will be awarded to graduates who:

1.    Complete either the CMPE or EE degree requirements.
2.    Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 at graduation.
3.    Complete a total of at least six credits of E C E 489 Honors in Research.
4.    Receive a final grade of at least B in E C E 489 Honors in Research.

Named Option

Total Degree Credits: 120

University Degree Requirements

University General Education Requirements

Requirements	Detail
Total Degree	To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements.
Residency	Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs.
Quality of Work	Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation.

Learning 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.

Four-Year Plan

Sample Four-Year Plan

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
MATH 221	5	MATH 222	4
E C E/​COMP SCI  252	3	PHYSICS 201	5
or Communications A		E C E 210	2
CHEM 103, 104, or 109	4-5	Communications A or	3
Liberal Studies Elective	3	E C E/​COMP SCI  252
	15-16		14
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
E C E 203	3	MATH/​COMP SCI  240	3
E C E/​COMP SCI  352	3	E C E 222	4
MATH 234	4	E C E 230	4
PHYSICS 202	5	E C E 270	1
		COMP SCI 300	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
E C E 353	3	E C E 315	1
E C E 340	3	E C E 551	3
E C E/​COMP SCI  354	3	Circuits Elective	3
COMP SCI 400	3	Probability and Statistics Elective	3
Liberal Studies Elective	3	INTEREGR 397	3
		Liberal Studies Elective	3
	15		16
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
E C E 453, 454, 455, or 554	4	COMP SCI 536, 537, or 564	3-4
Computer Engineering Elective	3	Computer Engineering Elective	3
Professional Elective	3	Professional Elective	3
Liberal Studies Elective	3	Liberal Studies Elective	3
Professional Elective	3	Free Elective	2
	16		14-15
Total Credits 120-122

Advising and Careers 

Advising

Each College of Engineering program has academic advisors dedicated to serving its students. Program advisors can help current College of Engineering students with questions about accessing courses, navigating degree requirements, resolving academic issues and more. Students can find their assigned advisor on the homepage of their student center. 

Engineering Career Services

Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in identifying pre-professional work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, considering and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment during their graduation year.

ECS offers two major career fairs per year, assists with resume writing and interviewing skills, hosts workshops on the job search, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.

Students are encouraged to utilize the ECS office early in their academic careers. For comprehensive information on ECS programs and workshops, see the ECS website or call 608-262-3471.

People

Professors

Susan Hagness (Chair)
Nader Behdad
Daniel Botez
Azadeh Davoodi (Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies)
Kassem Fawaz (Associate Chair for Research)
John A. Gubner (Associate Chair for Operations)
Yu Hen Hu
Hongrui Jiang (Associate Chair for Graduate Studies)
Irena Knezevic
Bernard Lesieutre
Mikko Lipasti
Zhenqiang Ma
Luke J. Mawst
Robert Nowak
Parameswaran Ramanathan
Bulent Sarlioglu
William A. Sethares
Daniel van der Weide
Giri Venkataramanan
Amy E. Wendt
Zongfu Yu

Associate Professors

Mikhail Kats
Daniel Ludois
Paul H. Milenkovic
Umit Ogras
Dimitris Papailiopoulos
Line Roald
Andreas Velten

Assistant Professors

Joseph Andrews
Jennifer Choy
Grigoris Chrysos
Jeremy Coulson
Dominic Gross
Chirag Gupta
Tsung-Wei Huang
Robert Jacobberger
Akhilesh Jaiswal
Bhuvana Krishnaswamy
Kangwook Lee
Chu Ma
Pedro Morgado
Shubhra Pasayat
Jinia Roy
Joshua San Miguel
Manish Singh
Haihan Sun
Eric Tervo
Ramya Korlakai Vinayak
Ying Wang
Feng Ye
Lei Zhou

Teaching Faculty

Mark C. Allie
Eric Hoffman
Joe Krachey
Srdjan Milicic
 

Teaching Professor

Eduardo Arvelo
Setareh Behroozi
Steven Fredette
Nathan Strachen

See also Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Directory.

Accreditation