Computer and Systems Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer and Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of computer engineering, preparing graduates for diverse careers in technology, research, and industry. This program combines the fundamental principles of electrical engineering, computer science, and systems engineering to develop students' skills in designing, analyzing, and implementing complex computing systems. Students will gain expertise in hardware and software integration, embedded systems, digital logic design, computer architecture, and network systems, equipping them for the rapidly evolving landscape of technology. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory projects, design experiences, and collaborative research opportunities, fostering innovative problem-solving skills and practical knowledge. With a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, students are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of underlying principles while maintaining a focus on real-world applications. The program also offers specializations and electives in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, wireless communications, and more, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Rensselaer’s interdisciplinary approach integrates coursework with industry partnerships, internships, and research initiatives, providing students with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities. Graduates from the Computer and Systems Engineering program are well-equipped to pursue careers in sectors including technology development, engineering design, consultancy, research and development, or to continue their education through graduate studies. The program’s emphasis on innovation, leadership, and technological advancement reflects Rensselaer’s commitment to preparing students to shape the future of computing and systems engineering on a global scale.

Preparatory courses do not apply toward the minimum 30 credit hours required for the Master of Engineering degree.

Digital Communications and Signal Processing

• ECSE 2010 - Electric Circuits Credit Hours: 4
• ECSE 2410 - Signals and Systems Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 2610 - Computer Components and Operations Credit Hours: 4

Computer Communications Networks

• ECSE 2010 - Electric Circuits Credit Hours: 4
• ECSE 2410 - Signals and Systems Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 2610 - Computer Components and Operations Credit Hours: 4

Robotics and Automation Systems

• ECSE 2010 - Electric Circuits Credit Hours: 4
• ECSE 2410 - Signals and Systems Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 2610 - Computer Components and Operations Credit Hours: 4

Software Engineering

• CSCI 1100 - Computer Science I Credit Hours: 4
• CSCI 2300 - Introduction to Algorithms Credit Hours: 4
• ECSE 2610 - Computer Components and Operations Credit Hours: 4

Required Core (15 credits)

• CSCI 4210 - Operating Systems Credit Hours: 4
• ECSE 4670 - Computer Communication Networks Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6620 - Digital Signal Processing Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6980 - Master’s Project Credit Hours: 3 to 9

Electives (15 credits)

• ECSE 6960 Topics in Electrical Engineering, LANS, MANS, and Internetworking
• ECSE 6960 Topics in Electrical Engineering, Embedded Digital Control Systems
• ECSE 6960 Topics in Electrical Engineering, Applied Digital Signal Processing
• ECSE 6960 Topics in Electrical Engineering, Cryptography and Network Security

• CISH 6010 - Object Oriented Programming and Design Credit Hours: 3
• CISH 6050 - Software Engineering Management Credit Hours: 3
• CISH 6510 - Web Application Design and Development Credit Hours: 3
• COMM 6420 - Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction Usability Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 4490 - Robotics II Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 4770 - Computer Hardware Design Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6050 - Advanced Electronic Circuits Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6420 - Nonlinear Control Systems Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6440 - Optimal Control Theory Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6460 - Multivariable Control Systems Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6560 - Digital Communications Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6590 - Principles of Wireless Communications Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6630 - Digital Image and Video Processing Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6660 - Broadband and Optical Networking Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6770 - Software Engineering I Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6780 - Software Engineering II Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 7010 - Optical Fiber Communications Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 7100 - Real-Time Programming and Applications Credit Hours: 3

Sample Curricula for Four Areas of Specialization

Digital Communications and Signal Processing

• ECSE 4440 - Control Systems Engineering Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 4670 - Computer Communication Networks Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6400 - Systems Analysis Techniques Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6560 - Digital Communications Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6620 - Digital Signal Processing Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6630 - Digital Image and Video Processing Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6960 - Topics in Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering Credit Hours: 3

• Applied Digital Signal Processing

• ECSE 6980 - Master’s Project Credit Hours: 3 to 9
• ECSE 7010 - Optical Fiber Communications Credit Hours: 3

Robotics and Automation Systems

• ECSE 4440 - Control Systems Engineering Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 4490 - Robotics II Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 4670 - Computer Communication Networks Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6400 - Systems Analysis Techniques Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6420 - Nonlinear Control Systems Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6440 - Optimal Control Theory Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6460 - Multivariable Control Systems Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6620 - Digital Signal Processing Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6960 - Topics in Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering Credit Hours: 3

• Mechatronics

• ECSE 6980 - Master’s Project Credit Hours: 3 to 9

Computer Communication Networks

• ECSE 6960 Topics in Electrical Engineering, LANS, MANS, and Internetworking
• ECSE 6960 Topics in Electrical Engineering, Cryptography and Network Security

• CISH 6230 - Network Management Credit Hours: 3

• or Cryptography and Network Security

• ECSE 4670 - Computer Communication Networks Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6560 - Digital Communications Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6620 - Digital Signal Processing Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6660 - Broadband and Optical Networking Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6980 - Master’s Project Credit Hours: 3 to 9
• ECSE 7010 - Optical Fiber Communications Credit Hours: 3

Software Engineering

• CISH 4210 - Operating Systems Credit Hours: 3
• CISH 6010 - Object Oriented Programming and Design Credit Hours: 3
• CISH 6050 - Software Engineering Management Credit Hours: 3
• CISH 6510 - Web Application Design and Development Credit Hours: 3

• or

• COMM 6420 - Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction Usability Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 4670 - Computer Communication Networks Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6620 - Digital Signal Processing Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6770 - Software Engineering I Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6780 - Software Engineering II Credit Hours: 3
• ECSE 6980 - Master’s Project Credit Hours: 3 to 9

Requirements

• On-line application (Apply Now)
• A well-written Statement of Background and Goals
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended with official English translations (if necessary); documentation showing award of degree
• Minimum two letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty)
• Resume or curriculum vitae (Be sure to list all publications and presentations)
• $75 application fee (not required for RPI students and alums)
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores that are less than two years old (required of all international applicants unless you have been studying for at least two years in the United States immediately prior to your study at Rensselaer)
• Official GRE scores that are less than five years old (required of all applicants)

Scholarships

Financial aid is available in the form of Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA) and Graduate Fellowships. These are awarded to top applicants who are interested in pursuing the MS and/or PhD and are a good match with our research and our faculty. It should be noted that preference on aid is given to those who already possess a master's degree and are seeking the PhD. The largest amount of aid is awarded to those starting in the fall semester, but TA and RA awards may also be made in the spring as they become available. It is also important to note that financial aid is given only to full-time students and is based on previous academic performance, not on need. Students must have a minimum 3.3 GPA to be eligible for TA consideration. Master's only students, particularly those seeking the MEng, should expect to fund their own education through personal funds, student loans or other external sources.

Students who enroll without aid may apply for support in future semesters but should be aware that funding opportunities are extremely limited and in no way guaranteed. They should plan to finance their entire education on their own. International students who are admitted without aid must provide official bank documents showing they have enough funds to support their educational expenses (tuition, books, fees and personal living expenses) before an I-20 can be issued.

The amount of the financial aid can vary depending on the type of award, but all are full awards. TA's are awarded on an academic year basis and include a minimum stipend of $18,500 and full tuition. RA's may be awarded on a calendar year basis (academic year plus summer) and include a minimum stipend of $18,500 and full tuition. TA's and RA's are expected to work up to 20 hours per week. The stipends for Fellowship winners can vary widely depending on the fellowship but are usually at least $20,000 for the year with full tuition, plus all fees. Information on the IGERT Fellowship may be found here. Students who are awarded financial aid with their admission can expect to continue receiving aid in some form provided they meet all the department and Institute guidelines for continuing aid and based on the availability of funding.

Decisions on applications requesting aid consideration will be made following the application deadline so that all applications that are complete as of the deadline will compete as a group for whatever aid is available. Students who apply for aid will be notified by email as the decisions are made. Students may be informed the aid decision is pending and may remain pending until all potential for aid is exhausted. There is no final deadline date for notification of aid awards. Rensselaer and the ECSE department abide by the April 15 deadline for a response by the student on all first round aid awards. Awards made after that will have a deadline response date set by the department.

Graduate Education Program (Russia)

Selected GEP Scholarship students are eligible for a renewable scholarship in the amount of 1,38 mln. rubles per year. Students in science and engineering fields are eligible for GEP funding. For application details and deadlines, please visit http://educationglobal.ru/en/. Applicants must be admitted to Rensselaer prior to finalizing the application for the GEP program.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer and Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates principles of computer science and electrical engineering to prepare students for a diverse range of careers in technology and engineering. The program emphasizes fundamental topics such as programming, digital logic design, computer architecture, operating systems, embedded systems, and software engineering, alongside core electrical engineering subjects like circuitry, signals, and systems. Students are encouraged to develop strong skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and innovative design through a combination of coursework, laboratory experiences, and project-based learning.

In addition to technical expertise, the program fosters an understanding of the broader implications of engineering solutions, including considerations related to ethics, security, and societal impact. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and robotics, ensuring graduates are equipped with current industry knowledge. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners, providing valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities.

The program includes a capstone design project, where students work in teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Rensselaer’s strong focus on experiential learning integrates laboratory activities and practical applications, bridging theory and practice. Students also benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, including advanced laboratories and research centers.

Graduates of the Computer and Systems Engineering program are well-prepared for careers in sectors such as software development, hardware design, systems analysis, network security, and more. They are also qualified for graduate studies in engineering, computer science, and related fields. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills, vital for success in today’s dynamic technological environment. Overall, the program aims to produce versatile engineers capable of innovative thinking, leadership, and adapting to the evolving landscape of technology and engineering challenges.