Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The programme delivers a balance of theoretical foundations and practical laboratory experience across computing hardware and software. Core topics include digital logic and design, computer architecture, microprocessors and embedded systems, circuits and electronics, signals and systems, operating systems, programming and data structures, and software engineering.

• First‑ and second‑year foundations – calculus, linear algebra, physics, introductory programming, digital logic and basic electronics courses that establish the mathematical and technical base for engineering work.
• Mid‑programme core – computer architecture, microcontrollers and embedded systems, circuits and devices, signals, systems and probability, and courses in operating systems, networking and algorithms.
• Laboratory and hands‑on learning – circuit and microprocessor laboratories, embedded systems labs, software development projects and hardware prototyping in dedicated facilities.
• Design project / capstone – a multi‑semester team design sequence in which students specify, design, build and test a real system, often with industry or faculty mentorship.
• Electives and specialisation – options to study areas such as VLSI and semiconductor design, robotics and control, machine learning and computer vision, cybersecurity and networked systems, biomedical devices, and FPGA design.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities – coursework or minors in computer science, electrical engineering, data science, biomedical engineering or business; participation in maker spaces, undergraduate research and design competitions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong high‑school record with emphasis on mathematics and the physical sciences. Typical preparation includes advanced mathematics (calculus), physics and, where available, computer science or programming coursework. Admissions decisions are holistic and consider academic performance, recommendation letters, personal statements and extracurricular experiences such as robotics teams or coding projects.

• Academic subjects – strong performance in mathematics (including calculus), physics and ideally some computer science or programming.
• International qualifications – applicants presenting A‑levels, International Baccalaureate, or other national secondary credentials should demonstrate high achievement in maths and science subjects; IB Higher Level courses in math and physics are particularly relevant.
• Other materials – competitive applicants submit thoughtful personal statements and recommendations; portfolios of projects, contributions to research, internships or relevant extracurriculars strengthen an application.
• Placement and preparedness – incoming students may be advised into appropriate maths or programming courses based on placement assessments; some students begin with introductory programming if they lack prior experience.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering pursue roles that bridge hardware and software. Common entry‑level positions include embedded systems engineer, firmware engineer, hardware design engineer, systems engineer, software developer, test and validation engineer, and network engineer. Graduates also work in sectors such as semiconductors, consumer electronics, automotive and autonomous systems, robotics, telecommunications, healthcare technology and finance.

Many students pursue internships and co‑op experiences during their studies to secure industry roles upon graduation; others continue into graduate study in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science or related fields, or join startups and research labs.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve combines a strong engineering curriculum with substantial hands‑on resources and interdisciplinary research. Students benefit from dedicated maker and prototyping resources such as think[box], well‑equipped electronics and computer engineering laboratories, and opportunities to work with faculty on active research projects.

• Industry connections and internships – close links with regional and national technology companies, medical device firms and research institutions support internship and employment pathways.
• Undergraduate research and design – accessible research opportunities and a multi‑semester capstone design experience let students develop real products and technical portfolios.
• Interdisciplinary environment – proximity to strong programmes across medicine, engineering and business enables multidisciplinary projects in areas such as biomedical devices, robotics and data‑driven healthcare.
• Career support – engineering career services and on‑campus recruiting help students connect with employers and transition successfully into professional roles or graduate programmes.