Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (CompE)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Washington

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Washington Bothell combines computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics and hardware design to prepare students to develop the technologies that power modern computing systems. It is an excellent choice for students interested in how software and electronic hardware work together, with opportunities to study embedded systems, digital circuits, operating systems and microprocessor design while building practical engineering and problem-solving skills.

Curriculum Structure

The university sets out major requirements and prerequisite courses rather than one mandatory year-by-year sequence for every student. The following is an illustrative four-year progression; the exact order depends on prerequisites, course availability and academic advising.

Year 1: Mathematics, Science and Programming Foundations

Students establish the foundations needed for engineering through courses such as Computer Programming I (CSS 142), Computer Programming II (CSS 143), calculus and calculus-based physics. General Chemistry I with Lab (BCHEM 143/144) is also included in the degree requirements, helping students build a broad scientific foundation for further engineering study.

Year 2: Circuits and Computational Thinking

Students strengthen their ability to solve technical problems through Data Structures, Algorithms, and Discrete Mathematics I (CSS 342) and Data Structures, Algorithms, and Discrete Mathematics II (CSS 343). They also begin core electrical engineering topics such as Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering (BEE 215) and Circuit Theory (BEE 233), connecting mathematical reasoning and programming with the principles behind electronic systems.

Year 3: Digital Systems, Software and Embedded Computing

Students explore how hardware and software interact through Digital Circuits and Systems (BEE 271), Devices and Circuits I (BEE 331), Software Engineering (CSS 360) and Introduction to Embedded Systems (CSS 427). Operating Systems (CSS 430) further develops their understanding of how computer resources and software are managed, while advanced electives let students deepen their knowledge of computer engineering.

Year 4: Advanced Design and Engineering Capstone

Students complete advanced coursework and undertake the engineering capstone sequence: Engineering Design and Innovation (BENGR 494), Capstone Project in Engineering I (BENGR 495) and Capstone Project in Engineering II (BENGR 496). Working with an industry sponsor and faculty mentor, students develop an engineering project, build and refine their design, and present their work, bringing together the technical and teamwork skills developed throughout the degree.

Focus areas: Computer engineering, computer programming, data structures, algorithms, discrete mathematics, electrical engineering, circuit theory, digital circuits, embedded systems, operating systems, microprocessor design, hardware and computer organization, software engineering, engineering design, applied mathematics

Learning outcomes: Identify and solve complex engineering problems using mathematics, science and engineering principles; design solutions that meet specified requirements; understand computer hardware and software systems; conduct experiments and interpret data; communicate technical information effectively; collaborate in multidisciplinary teams; make informed decisions that consider ethical, social, environmental and safety responsibilities; and continue learning as technology evolves.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This accreditation indicates that the programme meets recognised engineering education standards and can support professional development and further study, although specific licensure requirements depend on the role and jurisdiction.

Reputation (employability and outcomes): UW Bothell highlights its connections with regional and international employers and its emphasis on hands-on learning. The university reports that its graduates earn more than $100,000 annually on average, based on 2025 data from the Educational Research & Data Center and Lightcast; this is a university-wide figure, not a Computer Engineering-specific salary statistic.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Computer Engineering programme at UW Bothell gives students opportunities to apply engineering concepts through a dedicated, three-quarter capstone sequence that brings together hardware, software, electronics and engineering design. In this capstone, students work with a faculty mentor and industry sponsor, collaborate across engineering disciplines, and develop a prototype or solution to an engineering problem. Students can also explore undergraduate research, technical electives and internship opportunities to strengthen their practical skills and prepare for professional engineering work.

Students can develop practical experience through the following opportunities:

Industry-sponsored engineering capstone: Work on a project over three consecutive quarters through Engineering Design and Innovation (BENGR 494), Capstone Project in Engineering I (BENGR 495) and Capstone Project in Engineering II (BENGR 496). Students work with an industry sponsor and faculty mentor during the later stages of the sequence.
Prototype development and engineering design: Develop and prototype a project with a group, using engineering knowledge to address a practical problem. Project topics may come from the programme’s available options or, with approval, from industry connections.
Cross-disciplinary teamwork: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical or other computer engineering students, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of real engineering projects.
Research opportunities: Explore undergraduate research or independent study through eligible CSS and BEE courses. Students can consult faculty about research opportunities that align with their technical interests.
Internships and employer engagement: Use UW Bothell Career Services, Handshake and career fairs to search for internships and connect with potential employers. Internship arrangements vary, and students should confirm whether a particular placement can satisfy any academic requirements.
Technical computing and electronics coursework: Build knowledge through courses in embedded systems, digital circuits, microprocessor system design, hardware and computer organization, and operating systems. These courses provide the academic foundation for working with computing hardware and software, although specific laboratory equipment and software availability should be confirmed with the university.
Capstone symposium and presentations: Present the capstone project to faculty, industry sponsors, fellow students and members of the public, helping students practise technical communication and demonstrate their work to potential employers.

Facilities and resources: The programme draws on courses and resources from both the Department of Computing & Software Systems and the Department of Engineering & Mathematics. Students can consult the relevant department resource pages for computer and electrical engineering lab information, while the university’s STEM industry-partnership programme connects engineering capstones with organisations seeking practical solutions to real-world problems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering can pursue careers that combine electronics, computer hardware, embedded software and systems design. The programme’s blend of engineering theory, computing coursework and an industry-connected capstone helps students develop the technical, communication and teamwork skills needed to contribute to engineering teams or continue into postgraduate study.

Typical career opportunities include: Computer Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Hardware Design Engineer, Firmware Engineer

Career development and progression opportunities include:

Career services: UW Bothell Career Services helps students prepare resumes, practise interview skills, search for internships and jobs, and connect with employers through career fairs and Handshake. The university reports that its career services staff work with nearly 200 regional and international employers.
Employment and salary information: UW Bothell reports average annual earnings of more than $100,000 among its graduates, based on 2025 data from the Educational Research & Data Center and Lightcast. This figure covers university graduates generally and should not be interpreted as the average salary specifically for Computer Engineering graduates.
University–industry partnerships: The STEM industry-partnership programme connects companies and community organisations with engineering capstone teams. Past sponsors listed by UW Bothell include Intel, Fluke, Philips, Olympus, Anderson Electric Controls, Quarter Turn and Watertonics; individual project opportunities and sponsor participation may vary by year.
Practical experience and networking: The capstone symposium allows students to present their engineering work to faculty, industry sponsors and the public. Career fairs and employer connections provide additional opportunities to discuss internships and graduate positions.
Long-term accreditation value: ABET accreditation provides external recognition that the Computer Engineering programme meets established engineering education standards. It can be valuable when applying for engineering roles or further study, although employers and professional licensing bodies may have additional requirements.
Graduation outcomes: The university publishes Computer Engineering enrollment and graduation data by academic year. These figures provide programme-level information about participation and graduates, but they do not by themselves establish a specific employment rate or starting salary for the degree.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the degree, graduates can consider a Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field, depending on their interests and the admission requirements of the institution. Specialist study in embedded systems, computer architecture, robotics, semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence or cybersecurity can help graduates develop deeper expertise for advanced technical positions or research. Students interested in an academic or research career may also progress to doctoral study after completing the relevant postgraduate prerequisites.