Prospective Student FAQs

Answers

1. How do I apply to the UCSB Computer Engineering Program?

Students majoring in CE will declare the pre-major when applying for admission to UCSB. After meeting requirements, students then petition to advance from the CE pre-major to the CE major. The admissions code for applying for a BS in Pre-Computer Engineering (PRCME) is 16297.

 

Visit the University of California Admissions website for:

  • Paths to Admission: freshman, transfer, and exceptions
  • Applying to UC: how to apply and online application
  • General Information: policies, how UC reviews applications
  • CA Residency & International Applicant Information
  • Dates & Deadlines
  • Paying for UC: financial aid, scholarships, pay plans

UCSB admissions resources:

Admissions Office and Admissions Brochures & Videos including Admission as a Freshman & Transfer; Majors, Financial Aid, Housing; and Campus Overview.

2. How much does it cost per academic year at UCSB (Fall, Winter, Spring Quarters)?

The UCSB Financial Aid Office has put together charts that represent the cost of attendance figures for the academic year. UCSB Undergraduate Cost Budget Charts include Cailifornia resident and non-resident off-campus, university apartments, residence halls, and commuter (CA residents only).

3. Who do I contact if I am a transfer student?

The College of Engineering Undergraduate Studies Office handles all Prospective Transfer Students inquiries.

4. I have been admitted as a Computer Engineering Pre-Major student - what is the "pre-major"?

All CE freshmen and transfer students are admitted at the Pre-Major level. Pre-Majors take the required lower-division courses (courses numbered 1-99) and must meet a minimum GPA before one can petition to continue as a full CE major. Generally, a student petitions to get into the full major at the end of the quarter during their sophomore year. Students may petition to advance from the Computer Engineering Pre-Major to the Computer Engineering major when they have met either of the following requirements:

 

Option A

Satisfactory completion at UCSB of at least six core classes required as preparation for the Computer Engineering Major with a grade-point average of at least 3.0. The core classes are: Mathematics 3A-C, 5A; Computer Science 16, 24, 32, 40; Electrical and Computer Engineering 2A-C, 15A-B. If the student has not attained the minimum 3.0 grade-point-average with the first six core classes completed, all core classes subsequently completed will be included in the grade-point average computation.


Option B

Satisfactory completion of all thirteen core classes with a University grade-point-average of at least 2.75.

5. Why is the Computer Engineering Program called a "Program"?

The Computer Engineering Program acts, in many respects, like a separate department but it is not totally independent. The Computer Engineering curriculum is jointly administered by the Computer Science Department and the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, thus making it a program rather than a separate department. Computer Engineering students receive a comprehensive program of study - 50% of instruction is from Computer Science and 50% of instruction is from Electrical & Computer Engineering.

6. What percent of CE Program students become involved in hands-on computer systems design work?

100% - all Computer Engineering students are required to complete a Senior "Capstone" design project as part of their senior elective plan.

7. Should I take any computer programming classes to prepare for the CE Program curriculum?

If you have never had a computer programming class, the Computer Science Department offers an optional course, CMPSC 8, which will prepare you for the introductory programming sequence in CE.

8. What's the current job outlook for computer engineers?

Computer engineering is listed as a top undergraduate and graduate degree by demand level according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The College of Engineering also has a Career Resources web page that helps undergraduates and graduate students locate jobs and internships.

9. Who do I contact If I am interested in undergraduate research opportunities?

You should consult with faculty members who a have similar interests so they can steer you in the right direction. Both faculty research interests and research areas are available on the CE Program website under Areas of Research.

10. Are there internship opportunities available for computer engineering students?

Santa Barbara and the Goleta area is known as being a part of the technology corridor between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Many technology companies are located in our area and contact us seeking students who are interested in participating in internship opportunities. Students are also advised to initiate direct contact with companies and to discuss internship interests with faculty members since many have their own research labs and also have contact with local industry. An annual UCSB career fair occurs in the Fall quarter and is a great opportunity to see which companies are looking for interns. This is also an excellent chance to network for employment after graduation.

11. What is the advantage of the combined Bachelor of Science / Master of Science degree program?

Computer Engineering students may obtain both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree either in Electrical & Computer Engineering or in Computer Science by taking applicable courses in the last half of their senior year. Students interested in the BS/MS Program may apply in the Spring quarter of their junior year after they have taken their junior level courses For the BS/MS program in ECE. Please see the ECE student office for more information. Check with the Computer Science department for the BS/MS program in Computer Science deadline and requirements. The applicant should have a good GPA and faculty recommendations. Roughly the top 25% of Computer Engineering students may be eligible to apply for the BS/MS Program.

11. Does UCSB have campus tours?

Visit the UCSB Visitor Center for information on the following tours and presentations:

 

Campus Tours
  • Tour w/ current students or alumns (70-90 mins)
  • Student perspective of campus and residential life
  • Reservations (individuals/groups)
  • Podcast tour
Freshman Admissions or Transfer Advising Presentations
  • One hour sessions
  • Requirements, campus life, housing, financial aid and more
The College of Engineering (CoE) and the ECE Department do not offer regularly scheduled tours but do offer student advising by appointment only.

Question Not Listed?

Contact the ECE Student Affairs Office
Email: ugradinfo@ece.ucsb.edu
Phone (805) 893-8292

CE Program Statistics

  • Class Size / Year: Approximately 55 frosh, sophs, jrs, and srs
  • Eligible Applicants Each Year: 850
  • Students Admitted: Approximately 350 with yearly target about 55
  • Average Incoming GPA: 3.81
  • SAT Average: Math - 667 and Total SAT - 1799
  • Lower Division Classroom Sizes: 70-100 students
  • Upper Division Classroom Sizes: 10-50 students
  • Students/Faculty: Approximately seven in Pre-CE & three in CE major

Why Should I Become a Computer Engineer?

  • Exciting area of study at the boundary of both EE & CS
  • Fast growing sector of world economy depends on CE
  • CE provides insight in understanding existing technology
  • Relatively young field with endless opportunities for creativity
  • Many specialty areas with fascinating project opportunities
  • Provides a solid foundation towards many careers
  • Employment opportunities for computer engineers in many fields
  • Job opportunities with computer hardware and software companies

Why Should I go to UCSB to Become a Computer Engineer?

  • Joint program between two excellent accredited departments
  • Strong program leading to graduate study
  • First rate courses in electrical engineering and computer science
  • New program with all of the latest up-to-date content
  • Right balance of theory and practice
  • Each student directly advised by a CE faculty member
  • Specialized senior elective tracks
  • Combined B.S. and M.S. program
  • Part of one of the best engineering colleges in the United States