Major in Computer Engineering, Robotics and Automation Concentration

The Robotics and Automation concentration within the Computer Engineering major equips students with foundational knowledge in embedded computing, digital system design, and communication architectures, while offering specialized coursework in robotics, autonomy, and intelligent control.

This concentration prepares students to design and implement robotic and automated systems by integrating computing fundamentals with sensing, actuation, embedded AI, and control algorithms. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through programming, edge-AI deployment, and system-integration projects involving automation and cyber-physical systems.

Graduates will be well prepared for careers in autonomous systems, industrial automation, robotics software and controls, aerospace and defense systems, and emerging sectors at the intersection of computing, sensing, and autonomy.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. 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.
3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. 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.
5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. 

Effective Fall 2026

In order to maintain professional standards required of practicing engineers, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.000 in Electrical Engineering courses as a graduation requirement. It is the responsibility of any student who fails to maintain a 2.000 average to work with their advisor to correct grade point deficiencies. ECE courses required for the major at the 100, 200, and 300 level must be passed with a minimum grade of C (2.000); grades below a C will require the student to retake the course.  ECE courses designated as an elective are exempt from the C or higher minimum grade requirement. 

Technical Electives 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CS 345	Machine Learning Foundations and Practice	3
CS 356	Systems Security	3
CS 445	Introduction to Machine Learning	4
ECE 412	Digital Control and Digital Filters	3
ECE 455	Introduction to Robot Programming/Simulation	3
ECE 456	Computer Networks 2	4
ECE 463	Electrical Motors and Generators	4
ECE 528/CS 528	Embedded Systems and Machine Learning 2	4
ECE 529	Signal Processing & Artificial Intelligence	3
ECE 561/CS 561	Hardware/Software Design of Embedded Systems	4
MECH 415	Rotorcraft Modeling and Control	3
MECH 416	Introduction to Robotic Manipulators	3
MECH 564	Fundamentals of Robot Mechanics and Controls	3

¹

Recommended sequence for most incoming students is Group A: CS 150B to CS 164.

²

Course may count as a Technical Elective ONLY when not taken as part of the major requirements.  The course cannot count as credit toward both major and technical elective requirements.

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:

TO PREPARE FOR FIRST SEMESTER:  The curriculum for this major assumes students enter college prepared to take calculus. 

In order to maintain professional standards required of practicing engineers, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.000 in Electrical Engineering courses as a graduation requirement. It is the responsibility of any student who fails to maintain a 2.000 average to work with their advisor to correct grade point deficiencies. ECE courses required for the major at the 100, 200, and 300 level must be passed with a minimum grade of C; grades below a C will require the student to retake the course.  ECE courses designated as an elective are exempt from the C or higher minimum grade requirement.