Computer Engineering Program | University of the Pacific

Discover Computer Engineering

Computer engineers solve problems in hardware, software, systems and networks that drive almost all industries, including telecommunications, energy, health care, banking and manufacturing. Graduates of the computer engineering program successfully apply the skills they gain through classroom education and hands-on experience in Pacific’s laboratories.

Pacific’s computer engineering curriculum combines computer design, electronics and programming with a foundation of traditional engineering fundamentals. Students work with a faculty mentor to develop a personalized curriculum plan based on their interests and skills. During their junior and senior years, students secure paid, professional internships with industry partners worldwide through Pacific’s Cooperative Education (CO-OP) program. Students get connected with the right companies and receive assistance with career planning, resume writing and interview skills in preparation for their future career.

The Computer Engineering (B.S.) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunications(s), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Outstanding Student

Davis Young '22

Choosing Pacific was easy for Davis whose sister and grandfather are Pacific alumni with degrees in engineering and computer science. Davis was specifically drawn to computer engineering because it allows him to learn about software and hardware at the same time. He also appreciates the focus on experiential learning at Pacific. Through SOECS Co-Op, he interned with Micron Technology where he tested and validated ASIC technologies.

Learn more about Davis

Theory in practice

Pacific’s engineering students have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, competitions and projects. All computer engineering students complete a team-oriented, multidisciplinary senior design project, which provides an opportunity to apply engineering fundamentals and design methods to solve a real problem. Pacific’s computer engineering laboratories provide hands-on experience with digital design, test equipment, microcontrollers, robots, FPGAs, digital image processing, high performance computing and the latest software.

Blended Program

The blended MSE program allows students, in consultation with their academic advisors, to begin taking graduate coursework as they continue to complete their undergraduate requirements. Once a student has completed all undergraduate requirements, the student is then classified as a graduate student, and completes the graduate requirements.

Contact Dr. Vivek Pallipuram for application information

Earn while you learn

Pacific is the only West Coast university where Cooperative (CO-OP) Education is required and built into the electrical engineering curriculum. As part of the electrical engineering program, students complete a two academic term, paid CO-OP working in industry and earn an average of $3,700 a month. These professional experiences are crucial in giving students a competitive edge in the engineering job market after graduation.

DISCOVER THE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Master of Science in Engineering

Curriculum Info

Computer Engineering Major Requirements

Curriculum Overview

Computer Engineering Program Educational Objectives

Through their careers in computer engineering or related professions, Pacific graduates are expected to demonstrate the following within a few years of earning their bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering:

Competency in the computer engineering profession via promotion to positions of increasing responsibility, publications, and/or conference presentations
Adaptability to new developments in science and technology by successfully completing or pursuing graduate education in engineering or related fields, participating in professional development and/or industrial training courses, or pursuing professional licensure

Computer Engineering Student Outcomes

Upon graduation, graduates will have:

an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
an ability to 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
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
an ability to 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
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Computer Engineering Undergraduate Enrollment and Degrees Awarded

Academic Year	Enrollment (fall census)	Awarded Degrees
2023-2024	57	8
2022-2023	56	13
2021-2022	61	16
2020-2021	69	11
2019-2020	67	6
2018-2019	66	10

Engineering and Computer Science Scholarship Application Instructions

How to Apply

Visit https://pacific.academicworks.com
Sign in using your Pacific Net ID and Password
Complete the General Application
Complete the Conditional SOECS Application
Choose "Apply" for any recommended scholarship opportunities based on your responses and academic profile. Please read the scholarship criteria carefully to confirm that you are qualified BEFORE you apply.
You will need to upload an unofficial transcript.

Any Engineering or Computers Science Major

Name of Scholarship	Qualification Criteria
Maryam H. Dashti Endowed Scholarship	Merit-Based; first preference for a student from Kuwait; second preference for a student from Gulf States Region; third preference for international student
B.G. Glenn A Goddard Veteran's Endowed Scholarship	Merit-Based, currently serving in a military reserve program, honorably discharged veteran, or participant in ROTC program.
Robert L. Heyborne Endowed Scholarship	Merit-Based, full-time undergraduate student, minimum 3.0 GPA, Junior/Senior standing preferred
George and Sue Schroeder Endowed Scholarship	Undergraduate School of Engineering & Computer Science student, Minimum 3.2 GPA
Paul M. Sensibaugh Engineering Endowed Scholarship	Merit-Based, preference for students who have graduated or transferred from San Joaquin County Schools
Louise Stark Endowed Scholarship for Women Engineers	Need-Based, Undergraduate Female, Good Academic Standing, minimum 2.5 GPA

Any Engineering Major

Name of Scholarship	Qualification Criteria
Hamma Fund Scholar (administered by Dean's Office)	Merit-Based, last two semesters of Undergrad Program with the goal of enrolling in Master's Program at Pacific, Member of Tau Beta Pi (Award covers 1 fiscal year of graduate school, including books)
Minority Engineering Endowed Scholarship	Need-Based, Preference for African American or other underrepresented ethnicities
Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. Endowed Scholarship	Need-Based, full-time Engineering major, minimum of 3.0 GPA