Program: Computer Engineering, M.S. - San Diego State University

May 05, 2025

2025-2026 University Catalog

(Major Code: 09094) (Academic Plan Code: 445003MSS) (Academic Plan Code: 445004MSE - SDSU Global Campus) (Academic Plan Code: 445004MSF - SDSU Global Campus-Flex)

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree in computer engineering. The program seeks to provide students with core knowledge through graduate courses offered in three focus areas of computer networks, embedded systems, and very large-scale integration (VLSI) systems.

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Science degree in computer engineering program:

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or closely related areas with a grade point average of 3.0 or better for international students and a minimum grade point average of 2.85 for domestic students, based on 4.0 scale;
A minimum TOEFL score of 85 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for international students;
Submission of the official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores;
Three letters of recommendation.

Specific Requirements for the Degree

Completion of 30 units of 500-, 600-, or 700-level courses to include at least 15 units of 600 or 700 level coursework. Students are required to plan their program of study and have it approved by the graduate adviser to satisfy the core, depth and breadth course requirements. Students must also choose one of two pathways: Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Project), for degree completion.

Depth and Breadth Areas

Students are required to select their depth area and complete a specific set of approved courses from that area. The offered areas are Computer Networks, Embedded operating systems, Machine Learning and Scientific Computing VLSI Circuit Design. Students are also required to complete a specific number of approved courses from areas other than the declared depth area in consultation with the Graduate Advisor.

Computer Networks

Students are required to take one of these courses as core:

COMPE 560 - Computer and Data Networks Units: 3
or
E E 602 - Stochastic Signals and Systems Units: 3
or
E E 603 - Engineering Optimization Units: 3

Courses offered for depth in Computer Networks:

COMPE 510 - Machine Learning for Engineers Units: 3
COMPE 561 - Windows Database and Web Programming Units: 3
COMPE 565 - Multimedia Communication Systems Units: 3
COMPE 660 - High Speed Networks: Design Principles and Recent Advances Units: 3
COMPE 662 - Wireless Sensor Networks Units: 3
COMPE 665 - Multimedia Wireless Networks Units: 3

Embedded Systems

Students are required to take the core course:

COMPE 571 - Embedded Operating Systems Units: 3

Courses offered for depth in Embedded Systems:

Students must take at least 3 of these courses:

COMPE 510 - Machine Learning for Engineers Units: 3
COMPE 525 - Cyber-Physical Systems Units: 3
COMPE 561 - Windows Database and Web Programming Units: 3
COMPE 570 - VLSI System Design Units: 3
COMPE 662 - Wireless Sensor Networks Units: 3
E E 522 - Digital Control Systems Units: 3

Machine Learning and Scientific Computing

Students are required to take the the core course:

COMPE 510 - Machine Learning for Engineers Units: 3

Courses offered for depth in Machine Learning:

Students must take at least 3 of these courses:

COMPE 525 - Cyber-Physical Systems Units: 3
COMPE 560 - Computer and Data Networks Units: 3
E E 533 - Neuromorphic Computing Units: 3
E E 602 - Stochastic Signals and Systems Units: 3

VLSI Systems

Students are required to take the core course:

COMPE 572 - VLSI Circuit Design Units: 3

Courses offered for depth in VLSI Systems:

Students must take at least 3 of these courses:

COMPE 570 - VLSI System Design Units: 3
COMPE 671 - VLSI Testing Units: 3
E E 530 - Analog Integrated Circuit Design Units: 3
E E 634 - RF Circuit Design Units: 3
E E 674 - Signal and Power Integrity Units: 3

Culminating Experience

Students are required to choose from Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Project) options.

Requirements for Plan A (Thesis)

Students are required to take

COMPE 797 - Research Units: 3-6 (6 units) Cr/NC/RP
COMPE 799A - Thesis Units: 3 (3 units)
Credit for COMPE 797 will be given only after successfully completing COMPE 799A.

Requirements for Plan B (Project)

Students may enroll in the project course, COMPE 798 after completion of 18 units, but must do so in the semester immediately following completion of 27 units. The evaluation process of the project will be determined by the department and enforced by the graduate advisor.

COMPE 798 - Special Study Units: 3
(3 units) Cr/NC/RP

The Remaining Units

The remaining units can be taken from the selected depth area or from breadth areas. The following courses have been approved:

COMPE 510 - Machine Learning for Engineers Units: 3
COMPE 525 - Cyber-Physical Systems Units: 3
COMPE 560 - Computer and Data Networks Units: 3
COMPE 561 - Windows Database and Web Programming Units: 3
COMPE 565 - Multimedia Communication Systems Units: 3
COMPE 570 - VLSI System Design Units: 3
COMPE 571 - Embedded Operating Systems Units: 3
COMPE 572 - VLSI Circuit Design Units: 3
COMPE 660 - High Speed Networks: Design Principles and Recent Advances Units: 3
COMPE 662 - Wireless Sensor Networks Units: 3
COMPE 665 - Multimedia Wireless Networks Units: 3
COMPE 671 - VLSI Testing Units: 3
E E 502 - Electronic Devices for Rehabilitation Units: 3
E E 503 - Biomedical Instrumentation Units: 3
E E 522 - Digital Control Systems Units: 3
E E 530 - Analog Integrated Circuit Design Units: 3
E E 533 - Neuromorphic Computing Units: 3
E E 540 - Microwave Devices and Systems Units: 3
E E 558 - Digital Communications Units: 3
E E 581 - Power System Dynamics Units: 3
E E 584 - Power Electronics Units: 3
E E 586 - Distributed Energy Resources and Smart Grid Technologies Units: 3
E E 601 - Linear System Theory and Design Units: 3
E E 602 - Stochastic Signals and Systems Units: 3
E E 603 - Engineering Optimization Units: 3
E E 634 - RF Circuit Design Units: 3
E E 641 - RF Wireless Systems Units: 3
E E 645 - Antennas and Propagation Units: 3
E E 650 - Modern Communication Theory Units: 3
E E 652 - Principles and Applications of Information Theory Units: 3
E E 653 - Coding Theory Units: 3
E E 654 - Adaptive Filter Design Units: 3
E E 655 - Modem Design Units: 3
E E 658 - Advanced Digital Signal Processing Units: 3
E E 674 - Signal and Power Integrity Units: 3
E E 684 - Advanced Power Electronics Units: 3