Computer Engineering, B.S.

In Saint Louis University’s School of Science and Engineering, we have developed a unique, hands-on computer engineering program that incorporates analysis, design and development of computer systems containing hardware and software components.

As a student in the computer engineering program at SLU, you will gain a solid foundation through a combination of coursework and hands-on learning. You will use computing theory and tools to design solutions for today’s technology-based devices and systems, analyze and design micro-controller-based computing hardware, and produce embedded systems that go into robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, smart cars, gaming controllers, avionics and autopilots.

With easy access to a sophisticated computer-aided design laboratory and other technological spaces, graduates will have the necessary skills for entry into the profession as productive and effective engineers or to pursue graduate education.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's computer engineering program coursework provides students with both breadth and depth in computer engineering. Students develop the ability to apply their knowledge of mathematics, sciences and computer engineering to find solutions to practical problems. The program also ensures that graduates have an opportunity to work on multidisciplinary teams and develop effective communication skills.

In addition to a strong focus on computer skills and computer hardware and software, the program provides a broad design experience that is integrated throughout the program by introducing fundamental elements of the design process in coursework.

SLU's computer engineering program also includes a two-semester design sequence to provide a meaningful and significant engineering design experience that focuses on and prepares students for professional practice.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Benefits of SLU's computer engineering program also include several internship, research and career opportunities. Students are encouraged and assisted in obtaining summer internships with local and global companies through career services.

Undergraduate research opportunities within the college are available during the summer or regular semesters. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to seek opportunities for research with faculty of the program or faculty in other programs.

Careers

Computer engineers enjoy a variety of career paths spanning industrial or consulting positions. Students in this program are also prepared for graduate school and professional schools such as law, business administration or medicine.

Computer engineering graduates from SLU have found employment at such companies as:

  • Amazon
  • AT&T
  • Boeing
  • Citibank
  • Department of Defense
  • Emerson Electric
  • Express Scripts
  • Garmin
  • General Motors
  • Intel
  • Rockwell
  • Samsung
  • SpaceX
  • Texas Instruments
  • U.S. Air Force

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission and matriculation requirements of the University, applicants to SLU’s engineering programs must meet the following requirements:

  • GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.00 high school GPA for freshmen applicants and 2.70 college GPA for transfer applicants.
  • Coursework: Fifteen total units of high school work are required: three or four units of English; four or more units of mathematics, including algebra I and II, geometry and precalculus (Algebra II with Trigonometry is not sufficient). Students should be prepared to start the first semester of freshmen year in Calculus I or higher; three or four units of science, including general science, introduction to physical science, earth science, biology, physics or chemistry; two or three units of social sciences including history, psychology or sociology; and three units of electives.

Admission to the School of Science and Engineering’s degree programs is based on a combination of secondary school grades, college admission test scores, co-curricular activities and attempted college coursework, as well as other indicators of the applicant’s ability, career focus and character. This process respects the non-discrimination policy of the University and is designed to select a qualified, competent and diverse student body with high standards of scholarship and character, consistent with the mission of the University.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $52,260

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2022, 99% of first-time freshmen and 90% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $445 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

Accreditation

The aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering undergraduate curricula are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

See Enrollment and Graduation Data for Computer Engineering 

The undergraduate computer engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org).

Program Educational Objectives

The undergraduate program is designed to meet the following specific objectives in order to fulfill the departmental and institutional missions.

  • Our graduates will have acquired advanced degrees or are engaged in advanced study in engineering, business, law, medicine or other appropriate fields.
  • Our graduates will have established themselves as practicing engineers in electrical, computer or related engineering fields.
  • Our graduates will be filling the technical needs of society by solving engineering problems using electrical or computer engineering principles, tools and practices.

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes are defined by ABET as the skills that graduates will attain at the time of graduation. Student outcomes are listed below:

An ability to:

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
  2. 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. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. 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. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
University Undergraduate Core32-35
Basic Engineering and Communication
SE 1700Engineering Fundamentals2
ECE 1001Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering I1
ENGL 1920Advanced Writing for Professionals3
Basic Science and Mathematics
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
PHYS 1610
PHYS 1620
University Physics I
and University Physics I Laboratory
4
PHYS 1630
PHYS 1640
University Physics II
and University Physics II Laboratory
4
MATH 1660Discrete Mathematics3
MATH 1510Calculus I4
MATH 1520Calculus II4
MATH 2530Calculus III4
MATH 3110Linear Algebra for Engineers3
MATH 3550Differential Equations3
ECE 3052Probability and Random Variables for Engineers3
Computer Science
CSCI 1300Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming4
CSCI 2100Data Structures4
CSCI 2300Object-Oriented Software Design3
CSCI 2510Principles of Computing Systems3
Computer Engineering Core
ECE 1100Electrical Engineering 1012
ECE 1200Computer Engineering 1012
ECE 2101Electrical Circuits I3
ECE 2103Electrical Circuits Lab1
ECE 2205
ECE 2206
Digital Design
and Digital Design Lab
4
ECE 3205Advanced Digital Design3
ECE 3215
ECE 3216
Computer Systems Design
and Computer Systems Design Lab
4
ECE 3217Computer Architecture and Organization3
ECE 3225
ECE 3226
Microprocessors
and Microprocessors Laboratory
4
ECE 3130Semiconductor Devices3
ECE 3131
ECE 3132
Electronic Circuit Design
and Electronic Circuit Design Lab
4
ECE 3150
ECE 3151
Linear Systems
and Linear Systems Lab
4
ECE 3090Junior Design1
ECE 4245Computer Networks Design3
ECE 4800Electrical and Computer Engineering Design I3
ECE 4810Electrical and Computer Engineering Design II3
ECE or CSCI Electives6
Students are required to take six (6) credits from an approved list and as offered. A partial list is given below. Please check with the program for a complete list of approved electives. Electives cannot be used to satisfy other curriculum requirements.
Electric Energy Conversion
Electromagnetic Fields
Hardware/Software Co-Design
Mobile Robotics
Digital IC Design
Digital Signal Processing
Algorithms
Programming Languages
Databases
Artificial Intelligence
Technical Elective3
Select one 3-credit course 1
Internship and Co-op
Although not required, students can elect to participate in an internship or cooperative experience before graduation.
Select from the following:0
Co-op in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Co-op with Industry
Co-Op with Industry
Internship with Industry
Internship with Industry
Internship with Industry
Total Credits133-136
1

One 3 credit course selected from an approved list in science, mathematics, or engineering, at the 2000-level or higher, or Computer Science at 3000 or higher.

Non-Course Requirements

All Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program. 

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
ECE 1001 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering I 1
SE 1700 Engineering Fundamentals 2
CHEM 1110
CHEM 1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
ENGL 1920 Advanced Writing for Professionals 1 3
Critical course:  MATH 1510 Calculus I 4
ECE 1200
Computer Engineering 101
or Electrical Engineering 101
2
COREEquity and Global Identities: Identities in Context 0-3
 Credits16-19
Spring
CSCI 1300 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming 4
Critical course:  MATH 1660 Discrete Mathematics 3
Critical course:  MATH 1520 Calculus II 4
Critical course:  PHYS 1610
PHYS 1620
University Physics I
and University Physics I Laboratory
4
ECE 1100
Electrical Engineering 101
or Computer Engineering 101
2
 Credits17
Year Two
Fall
Critical course:  ECE 2101
ECE 2103
Electrical Circuits I
and Electrical Circuits Lab
4
Critical course:  MATH 2530 Calculus III 4
CORE 1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
PHYS 1630
PHYS 1640
University Physics II
and University Physics II Laboratory
4
CORE 2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
CORE 2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
 Credits17-18
Spring
Critical course:  CSCI 2100 Data Structures 4
ECE 2205
ECE 2206
Digital Design
and Digital Design Lab
4
MATH 3110 Linear Algebra for Engineers 3
Critical course:  MATH 3550 Differential Equations 3
ECE 3052 Probability and Random Variables for Engineers 3
 Credits17
Year Three
Fall
Critical course:  ECE 3217 Computer Architecture and Organization 3
ECE 3130 Semiconductor Devices 3
Critical course:  ECE 3150
ECE 3151
Linear Systems
and Linear Systems Lab 2
4
ECE 3225
ECE 3226
Microprocessors
and Microprocessors Laboratory 2
4
ECE 3205 Advanced Digital Design 3
 Credits17
Spring
CSCI 2510 Principles of Computing Systems 3
Critical course:  ECE 3090 Junior Design 1
ECE 3131
ECE 3132
Electronic Circuit Design
and Electronic Circuit Design Lab
4
ECE 3215
ECE 3216
Computer Systems Design
and Computer Systems Design Lab
4
CSCI 2300 Object-Oriented Software Design 3
CORE 3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
COREEquity and Global Identities: Global Interdependence 0-3
 Credits16-19
Year Four
Fall
Critical course:  ECE 4800 Electrical and Computer Engineering Design I 4 3
CORE 1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
ECE/CSCI Elective 5 3
CORE 1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
CORE 3600 Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
COREEloquentia Perfecta: Writing Intensive 0-3
CORE 4000 Collaborative Inquiry 0-3
 Credits15-21
Spring
ECE 4810 Electrical and Computer Engineering Design II 3
ECE 4245 Computer Networks Design 3
ECE/CSCI Elective 5 3
CORE 3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
Technical Elective 3 3
CORE 4500 Reflection-in-Action 0
COREEquity and Global Identities: Dignity, Ethics, and a Just Society 0-3
 Credits15-18
 Total Credits130-146
1

Students needing prerequisite work in writing skills as determined by ACT or SAT scores will be required to take ENGL 1500 The Process of Composition (3 cr)

2

Prerequisite requirement of computer programming, either CSCI 1060, CSCI 1300, or BME 2000

3

Must be selected from courses in science, math, computer science, or engineering at the 2000 level or higher.

4

Requires Senior standing (all required technical courses through the junior year have been completed and passed)

5

Must be taken from an approved list of engineering or CSCI elective courses.