The computer engineering major at Georgia Tech covers a broad set of areas, ranging from design of microprocessors to cloud computing and everything in between. Students who major in computer engineering will learn about hardware, software, and computing principles in the context of important devices and systems such as smartphones, the Internet of Things, streaming systems, and large-scale computing and storage systems for the cloud.
Courses throughout the program, especially those in the junior and senior years, emphasize an open-ended, design-oriented approach to solving engineering problems. Teamwork, communication skills, and an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving are integrated into the senior, computer engineering design courses.
Please note: This curriculum will end Spring 2021. To access the new ECE undergraduate curriculum descriptions, please visit the Degrees and Threads page.
Joint B.S./M.S. Degree: This program allows students to receive either the bachelor of science in electrical engineering or bachelor of science in computer engineering and a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering within a five-year time frame. Students completing both a bachelor’s and master’s in electrical or computer engineering may also be eligible for the Graduate Option where they may use up to six credit hours of senior/graduate-level ECE coursework for both degrees.
In addition to required courses for the computer engineering degree, the program offers the ability to customize studies with a variety of electives. Elective courses for the major are grouped in the following thematic areas. Students can choose to pursue one of these areas or pick electives that span multiple areas.
Cloud Computing
Architecture and software for large-scale cloud computing and storage systems, platforms, and services.
Primary Courses: ECE 4100: Advanced Computer Architecture, ECE 4150: Cloud Computing, ECE 4122: Advanced Programming Techniques
Other related courses: ECE 3150: VLSI and Advanced Digital Design, ECE 4130: Advanced VLSI Systems, CS 4365: Introduction to Enterprise Computing
Mobile Computing
Hardware and software design for hand-held devices. Wireless and mobile networks. Low-power design and energy-efficient systems..
Primary Courses: ECE 4xxx1: Energy-Efficient VLSI, ECE 4606: Wireless Communications, ECE 4607: Mobile and Wireless Networks
Other related courses: ECE 3150: VLSI and Advanced Digital Design, ECE 4100: Advanced Computer Architecture, ECE 4180: Embedded Systems Design, CS 4261: Mobile Applications and Services, CS 4605: Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
Cybersecurity
Principles of cybersecurity for robust hardware, system, and network design. White-hat hacking and system defenses and countermeasures.
Primary Courses: ECE 4115: Introduction to Computer Security, ECE 3xxx1: Hardware Oriented Security and Trust, ECE 4xxx1: Introduction to Malware Reverse Engineering
Other related courses: CS 4235: Intro to Information Security, ECE 4122: Advanced Programming Techniques
Internet of Things
Networking and control of physical devices and systems. Cyber-physical systems and embedded systems.
Primary Courses: ECE 4xxx1: Internet of Things, ECE 4110: Internetwork Programming, ECE 4180: Embedded System Design, ECE 4181: Embedded Computing Systems
Other related courses: ECE 4550: Control System Design, ECE 4606: Wireless Communications, ECE 4607: Mobile and Wireless Networks
Multimedia/Streaming Systems
Video and audio processing techniques. Streaming systems. Computer graphics.
Primary Courses: ECE 4580: Computer Vision, ECE 4271: Applications of Digital Signal Processing, ECE 4893: GPU Programming for Video Games
Other related courses: ECE 4122: Advanced Programming Techniques, ECE 4100: Advanced Computer Architecture, CS 3451: Computer Graphics, CS 4496: Computer Animation, CS 4590: Computer Audio
1. 4xxx refers to a Special Topics course that has not yet been assigned a permanent course number in the Georgia Tech system.