Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science Degree

RIT’s BS in computer engineering begins with the fundamental math, science, and technology courses that are essential to the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on selected areas of computer science, software engineering, and electrical engineering, including:

• Data structures
• Object-oriented programming languages
• Circuits
• Electronics
• Principles of software engineering

Upper-level computer engineering courses prepare you to integrate hardware and software by formulating complete system solutions. This is achieved through courses in:

• Computer architecture
• Digital systems
• Interfacing
• Computer networks
• Digital signal processing

Concentration areas provide you with an opportunity to gain additional in-depth knowledge in an area of particular interest within computer engineering. If you’re interested in conducting research, we highly encourage you to choose a concentration in an area of research that interests you and corresponds to the research initiatives of our engineering faculty. Concentrations are available in: 

• Software
• High-performance computing
• Computer architecture
• Integrated circuits and systems
• Networks and security
• Computer vision and machine intelligence
• Signal processing, control, and embedded systems

Learn more about the Student Learning Outcomes and Program Educational Objectives for the computer engineering bachelor’s degree.

Hands-On Experience in Computer Engineering

In RIT’s BS in computer engineering, you will gain valuable hands-on experience through a senior design capstone experience, undergraduate research, and more.

Senior Design Capstone Experience: Computer engineering students complete a senior project that consists of a two-semester capstone design experience. You will work in multidisciplinary design project teams of four to seven students from different engineering majors, including biomedical, computer, electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering. Teams are assigned to projects before the start of the first course. Most projects are initiated by industry sponsors, community partners, or faculty members; however, students may also propose their own project ideas. While completing your senior design project, you will develop engineering management and project organization skills, learn to communicate your ideas effectively within a multidisciplinary team, and present your project and ideas to a diverse audience of students, faculty, and industrial partners.

Furthering Your Education in Computer Engineering

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees: RIT offers Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees that enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years, giving you a competitive advantage.

• Computer Engineering BS/MS: In this combined dual degree option you’ll gain a foundation in computer engineering in the bachelor’s degree program while the computer engineering master’s focuses on the design and development of computer and computer-integrated systems, with consideration to engineering factors as function, performance, security, and sustainability.
• Computer Engineering BS/Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS: The computer engineering BS/science, technology, and public policy MS allows you to build a foundation in computer engineering and develop expertise in policy analysis and management. Its cross-disciplinary approach fosters collaborative problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, and communication, equipping you to drive progress in policy areas such as cybersecurity policy, AI regulation, ethical use of technology, environmental impact of computing, intellectual property protection, and more.
• Computer Engineering BS/Artificial Intelligence MS: The dual degree in computer engineering and artificial intelligence helps students to build a strong foundation in hardware and software systems while advancing into innovative AI topics, with comprehensive elective areas enabling students to customize their MS degree. This integrated program prepares graduates for dynamic careers at the intersection of computing, engineering, and intelligent systems.

What’s The Difference Between Engineering and Engineering Technology?

It’s a question we’re asked all the time. While there are subtle differences in the course work between the two, choosing a major in engineering or engineering technology is more about identifying what you like to do and how you like to do it.