Oct 03, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2024-2025

Computer and Systems Engineering, B.S.


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This field is one of the fastest-growing branches of engineering. Strong course sequences in software, hardware, and systems engineering are available. Students consider the computer as a system in itself, as a tool for modeling and design, and as an embedded element within a real-time system. There is the flexibility for in depth study in areas such as automatic control, communications, information processing, computer software, computer hardware, computer networks, robotics, signal processing, and image analysis.

First Year


Fall


  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4 8

 

Select one of:


Second Year


Third Year


Please note: The third year of the program varies depending upon which semester the student chooses to take away following The Arch Summer Semester classes. Please note the following differences in curriculum:

  • If students are going to be away during the Fall semester of their junior year, they should take the listed courses for each term and any courses under the Fall Away Track for year three of their program.
     
  • If students are going to be away during the Spring semester of their junior year, they should take the listed courses for each term and any courses under the Spring Away Track for year three of their program.

The Arch Summer Semester*


*For more information on the ARCH process, please click here: The Arch 

 

Fall or Spring


  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4

Fall or Spring


Fourth Year


Fall


  • Computer Engineering Elective Credit Hours: 3-4​  1, 4
  • Restricted Elective Credit Hours: 3-4 1, 4, 5
  • Technical Elective Credit Hours: 3-4 1, 4, 5
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 3-4 2

 

Spring


  • Restricted Elective Credit Hours: 3-4  1, 4, 5

  • Science Elective Credit Hours: 4 1

  • Free Electives (2 if needed) Credit Hours: 3 - 8  2

  • HASS Core Elective Credit Hours: 4

Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Electives


In this area, electives are based on the Institute and School of Engineering requirements. Additionally, at least one course must be selected from the list posted on the ECSE home page. Students are urged to elect humanities, arts, and social science sequences through which they will obtain adequate breadth and depth in subject areas. Students desiring minors in Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences must consult the school or department in which the courses are offered to obtain further information and specific requirements.

Restricted Electives


Any 3- or 4-credit-hour course with the designation ECSE 4XXX, ECSE 6XXX, CSCI 4XXX, or CSCI 6XXX.

Technical Elective


Any 3- or 4-credit-hour course in engineering, mathematics, or science at the 4000 level or higher.

Computer Engineering Electives


Footnotes


  1. May be taken either term.
  2. The free electives must total at least 12 credits.
  3. This course will be fulfilled from a list published at the start of each semester.  For a list of courses that satisfy the Professional Development – Technical Issues & Solution requirement refer to the link “Professional Development Courses” on the Registrar’s “Academic Planning” web page.  It should be completed before the capstone design course.
  4. It is recommended that students use electives to form a focus area. See the ECSE Web page for focus area listings.
  5. No more than one Independent Study course may be used when satisfying the combined Technical and Restricted Elective requirements.
  6. May be replaced by ENGR 1100 .
  7. Core courses that are the prerequisites for 4000-level courses, offered in Fall and Spring terms annually.  Students should take the courses as soon as their prerequisites are met.
  8. HASS inquiry course must be taken in the first year, suggested that HASS Communication Intensive course be taken in the first three semesters.
  9. Arch away semester course (ILEA 4400  or COOP 4010, 4100, 4200, 4300 or 4400) required to graduate.
  10. May be replaced with MANE 2220  .
  11. May be replaced with MANE 4220  .

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