Skip to content

Computer Engineering

Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering combines education in hardware and software development, with students gaining the background necessary to become broadly educated professionals who are knowledgeable in both domains, understanding how the domains interact, restrict or enable interdependent capabilities. Core coursework encompasses the physical and mathematical sciences, object-oriented programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, technical communications, circuits and systems, microprocessors, embedded systems and operating systems. The major also offers the opportunity to build a strong foundation in network design and development, signal processing, mobile computing, sensor systems, semiconductor devices, testing and quality assurance and project management, among others.

Major category:

Area(s) of interest: Computing, Engineering

website
Degree requirements

Applicant type

Applicant type

First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

The primary pathway to Computer Engineering is through direct admission as a first-year student. If you want to major in computer science, be sure to list it as your first-choice major on the first-year application.

An application for general admission to the UW is required for all transfer students. UW accepts general applications for Autumn and Winter with some select majors allowing applications in Spring. Review your intended major’s website for information about which quarters it is open for admission.

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.

Use the information below to help you prepare for this major. Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Department admission information

This major is capacity-constrained. Completion of prerequisites does not guarantee admission.
  • To be eligible to apply, you must have a 2.0 (“C” grade) minimum GPA in each prerequisite course and a 2.5 cumulative GPA in all the prerequisites. These are minimums; the actual GPA of those admitted is much higher.
  • Minimum 30 graded credits completed by the Allen School supplemental application deadline.
  • To plan your transfer, be sure to utilize the College of Engineering transfer admission website and contact the department if you have additional questions.
  • A separate departmental application is required in addition to the UW application for admission. For more information, please visit the department’s website.

Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Courses REQUIRED for admission:

  • CSE 123 NSc RSN – Introduction to Computer Programming III or CSE 143 NSc RSN – Computer Programming II
  • MATH 124 NSc RSN – Calculus Analytic Geometry I
  • MATH 125 NSc – Calculus Analytic Geometry II
  • MATH 126 NSc – Calculus Analytic Geometry III
  • PHYS 121 NSc RSN – Mechanics or PHYS 141 NSc – Honors Mechanics
  • English Composition C

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 140
Total from Washington community colleges: 16

Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):

3.75 – 4.00: 13
3.50 – 3.74: <5
3.25 – 3.49: <5
3.00 – 3.24: <5
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5

Career outcomes

«
»

See list of all majors