The Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in computer science and engineering requires a minimum of 129 s.h. of credit. Students must have a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 on all college work used to satisfy degree requirements as well as on all coursework attempted at the University of Iowa.
The major provides technical depth and breadth as well as flexibility and the opportunity for students to customize their programs according to their own goals and interests. Students choose one of several elective focus areas (EFAs) according to the type of job or research they plan to pursue; see "Elective Focus Area Courses" below. Students also have the opportunity to work with their academic advisor to build an EFA plan that adheres to their goals and interests.
Students complete the B.S.E. core requirements, and courses in chemistry, engineering mathematics and fundamentals, and physics. Students take CS:1210 - Computer Science I: Fundamentals instead of ENGR:1100 - Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving. Those who complete ENGR:1100 - Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving before entering the CSE program may use that course for elective credit.
They also complete the curriculum designed for their major program, which covers four major stems: mathematics and basic sciences, engineering topics, an elective focus area, and the general education component.
Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program in computer science and engineering, visit the UI General Catalog.
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Computing Courses | 10 |
| Core Engineering Courses | 9 |
| Math, Science, and Communication Courses | 32 |
| Required Program Courses | 39 |
| Theory Elective | 3 |
| Elective Focus Area Courses (see below) | 15 |
| General Education Courses (see below) | 15 |
| Capstone Design Courses | 6 |
| Total Hours | 129 |
Elective Focus Area Courses
Students select an elective focus area (EFA) to personalize their curriculum and to prepare them for certain jobs or research study they intend to seek. A number of areas are available, such as bioinformatics, business, medical imaging, embedded systems, and software engineering. Students also may work with their academic advisor to create a customized plan tailored to their goals and interests.
Students complete five elective focus area courses, which they select according to guidelines established by the department. For a complete list of EFAs and course selection guidelines, see Elective Focus Areas on the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering website.
Students who choose their EFA and general education component carefully may be able to earn the Certificate in Sustainability, the Certificate in Technological Entrepreneurship, or one of several undergraduate minors offered by the University by taking minimal additional coursework beyond that required for the computer science and engineering major.
For a list of approved Computer Science EFA Courses, visit the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's list of approved CS EFA Courses page.
General Education Courses
Students are required to take at least 15 s.h. of General Education Component (GEC) courses; see General Education Component on the College of Engineering website.
Students must complete:
- 3 s.h. of course work from one of approved courses on the College of Engineering GEC Options: Be Creative Course List web page.
- 3 s.h. of course work from one of the approved GE CLAS Core areas.
- 9 s.h. from the College of Engineering GEC Options: Approved Course Subjects web page.
Capstone Design Courses
In their senior year, students complete a two-semester capstone design sequence culminating in the development and implementation of a significant, original project. The capstone design experience emphasizes teamwork, professionalism, open-ended problem solving, and the ability to work within real-world constraints and engineering standards.
Double Major in Computer Science and Engineering/Electrical Engineering
Students may earn a double major in computer science and engineering (CSE) and electrical engineering (EE). They must satisfy all requirements of the electrical track of the EE major and all requirements of the CSE major. The double major may be achieved with as few as five additional courses.
The following link shows the required courses that are not in common between the EE and CSE majors. In addition to the required courses, students must take one ECE 5000-level course and an additional 5000-level course that is cross-listed in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science. For more information, contact the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
