Computer Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers students a comprehensive education that combines principles of electrical engineering and computer science to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in technology and industry. This program emphasizes a strong foundation in hardware and software development, integrating topics such as digital logic design, computer architecture, embedded systems, programming languages, algorithms, and operating systems. Students will gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, projects, and internships, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to design, develop, and implement complex computer systems and software solutions. The program also encourages research and collaboration, providing opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge projects in areas like cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity. Faculty members are active researchers and industry experts, offering mentorship and guidance throughout the students' academic journey. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories support practical learning and experimentation. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for employment in sectors such as software development, hardware design, telecommunications, robotics, and higher education or advanced studies. The Computer Engineering program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln aims to produce versatile engineers capable of contributing to technological innovation and addressing the challenges of the digital age.

The courses listed below constitute basic required Core Courses. The requirement for a specific core course is satisfied if its 400--level counterpart, or its equivalent (for transferred students), was taken prior to admission into this degree program. In that case, the 800--level course may not be taken for degree credit. However, if the 400--level counterpart, or its equivalent (for transferred students), was not taken prior to admission, then the 800-level course must be taken, and counts toward the credit-hour requirements of Subsection 'Option I' and 'Option III'

1. Computer Architecture (CSCE 830)
2. VLSI Design (CSCE 834 or EE 870)
3. Communication Networks (CSCE 862)

Breadth Requirements

At least 3 credit-hours must be in Theory Track defined in the CS MS and PhD program requirements (http://unlcms.unl.edu/csce/ms-and-phd-tracks).

Additionally, the student must attend at least 15 departmental colloquia, doctoral oral presentations, and/or master's thesis presentations during the M.S. program. A sign-up sheet is used during these events as proof of attendance. Note that master's project presentations may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Depth Requirements

Depth courses are divided into several areas of CE concentration (tracks) as shown in the table at the end of this document. At least 6 credit-hours of 900 level courses must be taken within a single track. The assignment of a particular CSCE896 or CSCE990 or CSCE996 course to a specific track shall be determined by the instructor.
Note: The division of courses into tracks is only for the purpose of specifying the depth requirements. After the depth and breadth requirements are satisfied, in consultation with his/her advisor, the student may choose the remaining course work from any graduate courses offered by CSE or other department.

Thesis Option (Option I)

The requirements for this option may be satisfied by taking a total of 24 credit hours of regular courses. In addition, the student must complete a thesis under the supervision of a graduate faculty member in the department. The thesis (CSCE 899) contributes another 6 credit hours for a total of 30 credit hours. The student is required to take at least 9 credit hours of advanced courses (900-level) in Computer Science and Engineering (CSCE). 

A typical plan for this option consists of 9 credit hours of regular courses for each of the first two semesters, 6 credit hours of courses and an independent study (or research other than thesis) in the third semester and 6 credit hours of thesis in the final semester; however, the student should determine an exact program in consultation with the supervisory committee.
The supervisory committee for a student working on a thesis consists of three computer science faculty members approved by the graduate committee. The names of the committee members are suggested by the student in consultation with his/her advisor.

Thesis Option Requirements:

• 24 credit hours of regular courses
• A thesis (6 additional credit hours)
• Total = 30 credit hours (at least 9 of which must be 900 level courses in Computer Science and Engineering)

Project Option (Option III)

The requirements for this option may satisfied by taking a total of 36 credit hours. The program must include at least 3 credit hours, but no more than 6 credit hours of CSCE 897 (Masters Project). This course can not be taken with P/N option. The student must also complete a project under the supervision of a graduate faculty member in the department. The project (CSCE 897) contributes 3-6 of the 36 credit hours. The student is also required to take at least 12 credit hours of advanced courses (900-level) in Computer Science if a 6-hour MS project is presented and at least 15 credit hours if a 3-hour MS project is presented. 

A typical plan for this option consists of 9 credit hours of regular courses for each of the first three semesters, and 3 (or 6) credit hours of courses and 6 (or 3) credit hours of project in the final semester. 

The supervisory committee for a student working on a project consists of three computer science faculty members approved by the Computer Science Graduate Committee. The names of the committee members are suggested by the student in consultation with his/her advisor.

Project Option Requirements:

• 30-33 credit hours of regular courses
• A project (3-6 additional credit hours)
• Total = 36 credit hours (12-15 hours must be 900-level courses in Computer Science and Engineering)

Memorandum of Courses

The program of study is formally established by filing a "Memorandum of Courses" with the Office of Graduate Studies. The memorandum must be filed before the student has received grades in more than one-half of the prescribed program, in most cases this is before the end of the student's second semester in the MS program. The memorandum must be signed by the Advisor and submitted to the Graduate Secretary. It is then signed by the Graduate Chair, and finally by the Dean of Graduate Studies. The memorandum cannot be filed until the student has cleared all the deficiency courses listed in his or her Certificate of Admission.

Thesis/Project Report

All students must complete either a thesis or a project under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. It is expected that the work done in a thesis has some original research contribution. While it is not required that the work done in a project has some amount of original research contribution, it is expected that the work be of good quality.

The student is required to write the thesis or a project report in a standard style (Use the “Guidebook for Preparing your Thesis or Dissertation” available from the Office of Graduate Studies.) LaTeX templates are also available on the departmental computers.

Following the review by the advisor, copies of the thesis or the project report are given to the members of the supervisory committee. The student must give a copy to each committee member at least two weeks before the final oral examination. Students working on a thesis must also submit a copy to the Graduate Studies Office at least two weeks prior to the date of the oral examination.

Final Oral Examination

A final oral examination is required for all students. The student must file a "Final Examination Report for Master's Degree” form at least four weeks before the required oral examination in their last semester of study. The oral examination will be scheduled for two hours and consist of a defense of the thesis or the project. The presentation is open to the public and the student is required to give an abstract (electronic copy) to the office to be used for advertising. After the public presentation and a question-and-answer period, the remainder of the examination is conducted privately by the supervisory committee. The examination is based on the thesis/project and other course work.

The supervisory committee may require the student to do additional work and the advisor is generally responsible for making sure that the work is completed. The advisor decides on the grade of the MS Thesis/Project.

Final Report

The student is expected to make the changes recommended by the supervisory committee and prepare a final copy of the thesis/report. The student is required to give a hard-bound copy to the advisor as well as the departmental office. It is also customary to offer each member of the supervisory committee a copy of the final report. Students doing a thesis must also submit two unbound copies to the Library.

COMPUTER ENGINEERING TRACKS

• TRACK 1: CIRCUITS AND CYBER-PHYSICAL INTERFACES
  • CSCE 43X/83X. Cyber-Physical Systems and Interfaces *
  • CSCE 434/834 or EE 470/870. VLSI Design
  • CSCE 436/836. Embedded Systems
  • CSCE 421/821. Foundation of Constraint Processing
  • CSCE 476/876. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • CSCE 496/896. Special Topics-VLSI Physical Design
  • CSCE 839. Robotics: Algorithms and Applications (CSCE 496/896. Special Topics-Robotics)
  • CSCE 990. Advanced Topics-Robotics

• TRACK 2: SYSTEMS
  • CSCE 430/830. Computer Architecture
  • CSCE 413/813. Data Base Systems
  • CSCE 425/825. Compiler Construction
  • CSCE 432/832. High Performance Processor Architectures
  • CSCE 437/837. File and Storage Systems
  • CSCE 455/855. Distributed Operating Systems
  • CSCE 456/856. Parallel Programming
  • CSCE 458/858 Real-Time Systems
  • CSCE 435/835. Cluster and Grid Computing
  • CSCE 496/896 Special Topics-Self-Managing Computer Systems
  • CSCE 930. Adv Computer Architecture
  • CSCE 933. Fault-Tolerance: System Design and Analysis
  • CSCE 990. Advanced Runtime Systems
• TRACK 3: COMMUNICATIONS, NETWORKING, & SIGNAL PROCESSING
  • CSCE 462/862. Communication Networks
  • CSCE 464/864. Internet Programming
  • CSCE 463/863. Data and Network Security (CSCE 496/896. Special Topics-Data and Network Security)
  • CSCE 438/838. Sensor Networks
  • CSCE 472/872. Digital Image Processing
  • CSCE 473/873. Computer Vision
  • CSCE 952. Adv Computer Networks
  • CSCE 953. Optical Communication Networks (CSCE 953. Adv Optical Networks)
  • CSCE 990. Seminar-Network Systems
  • CSCE 990. Special Topics-Adv Sensor Networks
  *Final course numbers to be assigned for XX courses

• A four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, an equivalent degree as evaluated by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Graduate Studies, or a UNL Senior standing within 9 hours of graduation.
• Applicants must have a well-rounded background in Computer Science or Computer Engineering; an academic record with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 (B or better) on a 4.00 scale; evidence of the ability to conduct independent work; a GRE General Test scores of: Quantitative: 155 or higher, Verbal: 153 or higher, and Analytical: 3.5 or higher.
• $50 Application Fee (paid with credit card or check)
• One copy of all college/university official transcripts
• Statement of Interest
• Resume
• Three references will be asked to submit letters of recommendation electronically
• GRE score (recommended, not required)
• Applicants whose native language is not English much provide one of the following English proficiency score: A TOEFL score of 600 (paper based) and 250 (computer based), an Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) exam score of at least 100 out of the maximum of 120, or scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the overall Band score of at least 7.0 on a 9.0 point scale.

Scholarships

• Assistantships
• Fellowships
• University Tuition Assistance Grants (UTAG)

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in designing, developing, and testing computer hardware and software systems. The curriculum combines principles of electrical engineering and computer science to provide students with a broad understanding of computing systems, embedded systems, and hardware design. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, projects, and internships that apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovative design approaches to ensure graduates are ready to meet the evolving challenges of the technology industry. Courses include topics such as digital logic design, computer architecture, programming languages, operating systems, software engineering, and cybersecurity. The faculty at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are dedicated to providing a quality education backed by research and industry collaboration. The program is accredited by ABET, ensuring it meets rigorous standards for engineering education. Graduates are prepared for careers in various sectors including software development, hardware design, telecommunications, robotics, and research. Additionally, students have opportunities for undergraduate research, participation in technical clubs, and internships with leading tech companies. The university also offers resources for career counseling, professional development, and industry networking to support student success beyond graduation. Overall, the Computer Engineering program at Nebraska aims to develop technically proficient engineers who can contribute innovatively to the field of computing technology while fostering ethical practices and lifelong learning.