Computer Engineering (B.S.)

ABOUT

From designing computer software to developing a child’s toy, computer engineers’ work is far ranging, complex and collaborative. With each class you take, we’ll teach you how to tackle problems and challenges that integrate computer capability and help create new, state-of-the-art products. This program has a strong foundation of math, computer science and the physical sciences, and you’ll delve into the inner workings of computers with a course of study that gives you an in-depth, hands-on look at computers of all sizes — micro, mini and large. Just as important, you’ll learn the business implication of your future work and how to communicate ideas and innovations to a wide range of people.

FAST FACTS

  • The electrical and computer engineering department is one of Clemson’s largest with 571 undergraduates and more than 180 graduate students.
  • The average starting salary for Clemson’s bachelor’s computer engineering graduates is $61,000, according to self-reported survey data from 2013-14 graduates.
  • Some graduates have gone on to study at MIT, Stanford, Berkeley and Georgia Tech.
  • Our graduates have found positions with companies such as Intel, IBM, Duke Energy, Microsoft, Texas Instruments and SPAWAR.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

Freshmen who major in engineering at Clemson are initially admitted into our general engineering program, where you’ll have a year to explore many different engineering disciplines, meet faculty from each of our engineering departments and discover which major fits your personal interests and talents. On the admissions application, you'll apply as a general engineering major.

Teamwork and collaboration are crucial for computer engineers to master, so from your first day on campus, you’ll learn how to solve real-world problems as part of a team. You’ll study circuits and electronics, computer hardware and computer software to name a few. Senior year, you can narrow your study focus even more by choosing one of the following technical elective tracks: communications and networks; digital signal processing; electronics; robotics; computer hardware; and software and architecture.

Many of our students take their studies and concept understanding to the next level by participating in Clemson’s cooperative education program. With this program, you’ll spend alternating semesters on campus and working at an industry partner, which allows you to take what you’re learning in the classroom and apply it in the workplace, and vice versa.

Popular Minors

  • Business Administration
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Modern Languages

EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

From the iPhone to the robot, computer engineers at Clemson have the opportunity to design, create and program utilities by applying classroom concepts to the building of computer devices. Computer engineering majors also have the opportunity to make connections, assume leadership roles and get hands-on experience in the industry.

A two-semester capstone experience gives our students hands-on experience in designing, building and programming a mechatronic system to compete against fellow students.
As an upperclassman, join the ECE Undergraduate Ambassadors and be a cheerleader for this department. Conduct recruiting events for prospective students, direct study halls and network with faculty, alumni and fellow students.
Design, build and program robots to accomplish given tasks using MathWorks MATLAB software during this semester-long class specifically for freshmen.
Put your classroom knowledge to work by spending alternate semesters working at an industry and studying on campus as part of Clemson’s cooperative education program.
Form mentorships with electrical and computer engineering alumni or strong advocates. Mentors stay in touch with their mentee students throughout the academic year to motivate and excite them about the field.
Lead your own course to meet yearly IEEE challenges and compete against teams from universities across the Southeast. Participate multiple times and gain hands-on experience and leadership skills.

AFTER GRADUATION

Your college decision isn't really about the next four years. We get it. It's about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Here's a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.

RECENT EMPLOYERS

  • iOS Developer

    AirWatch

  • Software Engineer I

    Raytheon Teligy

  • Embedded Software Engineer I

    Harris Corp.

  • CPU Systems Engineer

    Intel

  • Information Systems Analyst

    Michelin North America

  • Software Developer / Controls Engineer

    Hartness International

  • Software Engineer

    Universal Avionics Systems Corporation

RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

  • Dual M.S. Computer Engineering and MBA

    University of Tennessee

  • Ph.D. Computer Engineering

    University of Michigan

  • Ph.D. Robotics

    Georgia Institute of Technology

COMMON CAREER AREAS

  • Electrical / Computer Engineering
    • Power Electronics
    • Power Systems
    • Communications
    • Electronics
    • Control Systems
    • Digital Signal Processing
    • Microelectronics
    • Image Processing and Robotics
    • Computer Engineering
    • Plasma Engineering
    • Computer Vision
  • Any Engineering Discipline
    • Production
    • Sales and Marketing
    • Management
    • Consulting
    • Research and Development
    • Teaching
    • Law

Used with permission from the University of Tennessee.

FIND OUT MORE

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact. If you’d also like to receive general University information from Clemson’s admissions office, please follow the link to the right and sign up to join our mailing list.

Christopher Porter

CECAS Undergraduate Recruitment Director
864-656-7870
cporter@clemson.edu

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