Computer Engineering

Computer engineering is where software meets hardware. It's for people who want to understand the code and the circuits that make it possible for us to have smartphones, robots, driverless vehicles, computer networks, medical sensors and millions of other devices. In this program, you'll get to work with your head and your hands as you discover how to be a translator, making software and hardware work together as efficiently as possible. It's part computer science, part electrical engineering … and all pretty amazing.

What will I learn?

As a computer engineering (CE) major, your first few years will include courses in software, such as data structures and object-oriented programming, as well as classes in math, physics, chemistry and circuits that help you understand how computer hardware functions. Once you have this foundation, you’ll take more technical courses in computer organization, operating systems and microprocessors, as well as electives that let you explore interests in computer architecture, networks and other advanced topics. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to focus on your communications skills, teamwork and leadership ability.

What can I do outside of class?

Grab your laptop and go. At UB, you'll find countless ways to learn and have fun outside of class.

  • Internships, co-ops and experiential learning. Get real-world experience, like working on the Brain Connectivity project at a local hospital and on-campus engineering intramurals.
  • Student groups. Whether you're into hacking and tinkering or networking and making friends, check out UB's dozens of engineering student clubs, including clubs focused on computer science and engineering.
  • Research. As one student said, "I enjoy how research-oriented the professors are and how open they are to working with undergraduates."
  • Study abroad. If you're looking for a life-changing experience and international perspective, consider going abroad; UB engineering students have traveled to Australia, Costa Rica, France and many other countries during summer and winter breaks.
Hands On / Experiential Learning
Student Clubs
Research
Study Abroad

What can I do with a computer science degree?

UB grads make a difference. They've worked as an engineering manager at Facebook, chief technology officer within Microsoft, and many other positions within the world's top tech organizations—from Apple and Samsung to the National Institutes of Health and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Of course, they've also gone on to some of the top graduate programs in the world.

As a computer engineering grad, you'll have the flexibility to work in many different fields and industries, including (but certainly not limited to):

  • Academia/education.
  • Government.
  • Health care.
  • Marketing.
  • Technology.
  • Industry.

Whether you want a career as a software engineer, systems engineer, security engineer or a related position, you’re in the right place to get started.

Who will I learn from?

As one of our students said, "Getting to know my professors helped a lot. They're phenomenal."

At UB, you'll find faculty with an international reputation for excellence and established research ties with some of the world’s leading computing companies, including Microsoft, Google, IBM, Intel, Cisco, Oracle and Nokia. 

In addition, our faculty members have served as editorial board members of top industry journals, have earned awards from top national and international organizations, and have been named as Fellows of leading professional societies, including the ACM, IEEE, IAPR and AAAS.

Their commitment to excellence starts in the classroom. Our faculty members have received many awards for outstanding teaching, including the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence, the UB Teaching Innovation Award, and other high honors for their teaching and mentoring.