Certificate in Computer Systems Engineering

Computer Systems Engineering (CSE) involves the design and implementation of computer hardware and software systems to solve problems. The understanding of both software and hardware allows the computer systems engineer to view the design and development of hardware and software as two intimately linked parts of one activity. Advances in semiconductor technology have led to a decrease in chip size while increasing processor speeds. As a consequence, microcomputers are embedded into products such as automobiles, home appliances and industrial controls. The growth in computer-related technologies has led to a need in industry for professionals who have a knowledge of basic electrical engineering concepts of circuits, electronics and digital systems and a foundation in computer science.

The CSE certificate program is interdisciplinary and it emphasizes not only computer hardware and software but also how to use computers to automate, monitor and control various systems. The CSE certificate program prepares the graduate to analyze the system from a perspective of the hardware and software. The graduate with the CSE certificate will be able to interface existing electronic and microprocessor based components to solve a problem. These graduates must be knowledgeable in computer hardware and software and be able to work in a team environment. They must be able to communicate and function across the disciplines of electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science.

Individuals being awarded the CSE certificate will primarily be either computer science graduates or engineering graduates. The computer science graduates will benefit from electrical and electronic systems courses offered in engineering. They will have a greater appreciation and understanding of electronics and computer hardware. The engineering graduates with the CSE certificate will have a greater understanding of computer software development.

Requirements for the Computer Systems Engineering Certificate

All of the required courses listed below must be completed with a "C" grade or better. In addition, the student must have at least a 2.5 UGA overall GPA.

Courses for the Certificate

Students are required to take at least 15 hours from the followiing courses, outside of the major department. Thus, CSCI major students must take only ENGR courses; ENGR major students must take only CSCI courses; and students from other deparments may take a combination of CSCI and ENGR courses.

The Capstone Design Course

All CSE certificate students must complete CSCI/ENGR 4922, the Computer Systems Engineering Design Project course (3 hours). Prerequisites: CSCI 4720 and ENGR 4250.

How to Apply

Engineering majors: contact Tim Foutz, tfoutz @ engr.uga.edu
Computer Science majors: contact Chris Plaue, advising@cs.uga.edu