Undergraduate Programs Overview

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering launched a new undergraduate degree in fall 2021 — a bachelor of science in computer systems engineering.  This new degree has been developed in response to industry demand for engineers capable of integrating software and hardware solutions to produce a stable system.  An important thread in this new program is the security of cyber-physical systems, which will prepare students with an awareness of security issues in their field.

This degree will be a pathway for students to learn and apply engineering and computer science principles beyond the constraints of a traditional, single discipline-focused degree program. For instance, a graduate from this program will be able to work efficiently in an automation environment where the proposed Computer Systems Engineering degree has provided the electrical engineering background/principles for overall systems design, with the ability to use programming to automate systems and to understand how cyber hacking can impact the daily function of the systems. The quantitative, problem-solving skill set that comes with a systems engineering background will also provide a unique perspective and competitive edge for students seeking advanced degrees or industry certifications within their professional field of interest.

Learn More

• See degree requirements for the BSCSE
• See the four-year plan for the BSCSE
• Take a look at the courses we offer
• Read about the application process
• Schedule an appointment with an advisor

Computer Systems Engineering

The bachelor of science in electrical engineering (BSEE) from Boise State University provides students with a rigorous foundation in physics, mathematics, and computing. Core courses in electronics and digital systems orient students to the major and begin to build each student’s skills in problem analysis and the design of experiments. The program concludes with a year-long design experience in which students carry out a team project with industry sponsors.

Video Transcript

Our curriculum emphasizes basic theory to ensure students gain a solid technical foundation, and then build students’ skills through practical experience. Electives (18 credit hours) allow students to fully explore the major and try different specialty areas, such as power engineering, semiconductors, or security of cyber-physical systems. As a result, every student in the department has an opportunity to map out a unique program suited to her/his background, interests, and goals.

Learn More

• See degree requirements for the BSEE
• View the four-year plan for the BSEE
• Take a look at the courses we offer
• Read about the application process
• Schedule an appointment with an advisor

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department offers a minor in Electrical Engineering, a perfect fit for many science and engineering majors. The minor requires six (6) courses plus accompanying labs. This minor can be earned with little additional coursework for Material Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Computer Science majors if planned in advance.

For example, a BS in Computer Science already requires students to take two ECE courses and associated labs, ECE 230 Digital Systems and ECE 330 Microprocessors, which can be counted towards the ECE minor. A CS major would then need to take just four ECE courses in order to earn an ECE minor.

Minor in Electrical Engineering

Make the most of your senior year and earn a master of engineering or master of science in electrical and computer engineering on an accelerated pace!

The accelerated masters’ degree program provides the opportunity for qualified undergraduate students to take up to 9 (nine) credits of graduate courses as seniors and have these courses simultaneously count for both their bachelor of science degree and their master’s degree here at Boise State University. In just five years, you can earn both a bachelor of science and a master of engineering in electrical and computer engineering.

Participating students must meet the degree requirements for their BS degree, as well as the M.Eng.  For degree requirements, review the requirements for both degrees.

Eligibility

Students can apply to pursue a master’s degree in ECE on an accelerated schedule if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Enrollment in bachelor of science in electrical engineering program at Boise State University
• Completion of at least 75 credits applicable to the bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering;
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale in ECE courses.

It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the accelerated masters’ degree program at Boise State University. Undergraduate students at other colleges and universities are not eligible to participate in this program.

How to Apply

Eligible students must submit an application by May 15, prior to the start of their senior year. Students must apply online no later than May 15. For application instructions, refer to our online application guide.

Registering for Classes

Once a student has been admitted to the accelerated masters’ degree program, the Permit for Seniors to Take Graduate Courses form is used to register for classes. The ECE Department will review and submit the form to the Graduate College on the student’s behalf.
During the semester immediately following program acceptance, students enrolled in the accelerated masters’ degree program must take at least one three-credit ECE course at the graduate level (5xx or 6xx).

After Bachelor of Science Requirements are Met

Once students are admitted to the accelerated master’s version of the program and complete their undergraduate degree requirements, they will receive their bachelor’s degree.  They will then be classified as graduate students and proceed to fulfill remaining requirements for the master of engineering or master of science in electrical and computer engineering degree.

Graduate credit for any courses taken as part of the accelerated masters degree program will be assigned once the student’s Application for Admission to Candidacy has been approved by the Graduate College.
Academic Performance

Students accepted into the accelerated masters’ degree program are subject to all academic performance requirements published by the Graduate College, including semester GPA, program GPA, and individual course grade requirements. These requirements include maintaining a 3.0 GPA in the graduate level courses taken during the bachelor’s degree. For more information, consult the “Academic Performance” portion of the graduate catalog.

Certificates

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering offers 7 distinct certificate options, including biomedical instrumentation, cyber operations,  cyber-physical systems for all majors, and a series of 4 certificates related to the security of cyber-physical systems. The following tables list the required courses for each certificate.

Biomedical Instrumentation

Cyber Operations

Cyber-Physical Systems for All Majors

Security of Cyber-Physical Systems

Four distinct certificates related to the security of cyber-physical systems are offered by the ECE Department: Software, Hardware and Firmware, Power Systems, and Industrial Processes.  Each certificate requires 12 course credits: ECE 337 Introduction to Security in Cyber-Physical Systems (3 course credits) plus a minimum of 6 course credits in a single area of concentration and another 3 course credits from any area of concentration.  Students who complete a certificate will gain an enhanced understanding of security issues in cyber-physical systems and will be prepared for more advanced training in their selected area of emphasis. Download the Security of Cyber-Physical Systems Overview

Certificate in Security in Cyber-Physical Systems—Software Focus

Certificate in Security in Cyber-Physical Systems—Hardware and Firmware Focus

Certificate in Security in Cyber-Physical Systems—Power Systems Focus

Certificate in Security in Cyber-Physical Systems—Industrial Control Focus