Computer Engineering

ShapIng the future from code to creation

Preparing students to design, build, and program cutting-edge computer-based systems. By focusing on digital hardware design and software integration, graduates are equipped to drive innovation in rapidly evolving fields like robotics, AI, and IoT.

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Prabuddha Chakraborty, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

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Computer Engineering Overview

The University of Maine’s Computer Engineering Program prepares students to excel in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of computing and electronics. Computer Engineering lies at the intersection of electrical engineering and computer science, equipping students with the tools to design, develop, and optimize both hardware and software systems that power modern technology. From embedded systems and microprocessors to cybersecurity and machine learning, computer engineers are driving innovation across industries.

UMaine’s program emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and core engineering principles, along with advanced coursework in digital systems, computer architecture, software development, and communications. The curriculum integrates technical training with electives in the humanities, social sciences, and cutting-edge computing topics. Students gain hands-on experience through labs, team projects, and undergraduate research in areas such as robotics, AI, wireless communications, and IoT.

Graduates of UMaine’s Computer Engineering Program are well-prepared for careers in fields like aerospace, defense, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and information technology—or for pursuing graduate studies. Opportunities to add minors such as Robotics, Data Science, or Engineering Leadership and Management, as well as an accelerated BS-MBA pathway, allow students to tailor their academic experience. With growing demand for skilled professionals in computing and hardware design, UMaine’s graduates are positioned to make meaningful contributions to industry, innovation, and society.

Programs Offered

Undergraduate Level

Minors

Graduate Degrees

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Program Information

The Computer Engineering curriculum provides students with the technical skills as well as the mathematical and scientific background required to advance current technology and to contribute to future developments in the computer engineering profession. The curriculum strives to instill critical written and oral communication skills while also providing a diverse background in the humanities and social sciences. Our graduates acquire a sense of professionalism as they become aware of an engineer’s responsibility to help solve societal problems. They also develop the ability to contribute to team solutions and an appreciation for the importance of lifelong learning.

Furthermore, the curriculum adopts a practical hands-on approach that combines classroom theory and laboratory experience.  This approach ensures that graduates are equipped to take a technical project from inception through to the successful implementation of a solution. The process begins in the first year of the program where students learn to prototype digital circuits and program microcontrollers. It continues through the senior year when they complete their capstone design projects. In this latter case, students typically collaborate in two-person teams over three semesters. Together, they propose, specify, create, present, and demonstrate a solution to a technical problem of their choosing.

To earn a BS degree in Computer Engineering, students must: (1) fulfill all University academic requirements, (2) meet all Computer Engineering curriculum requirements, (3) maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in all ECE courses, and (4) have a GPA of 2.0 or better in all computer courses. Retaking any ECE course for which a grade of F, L, or WF has been recorded requires a grade of C- or better in the course’s prerequisites. Dismissal from the program will be recommended if any required course in the program is taken twice without receiving a passing grade. This includes courses where a grade of AU, L, or WF is received.

Students do have the option to petition the ECE faculty for exceptions to any program requirements.  Lastly, it is important to note that the program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, which can be found at http://www.abet.org.

Mathematics, Science, and Writing Competency: covered by required Computer Engineering courses

Capstone Experience: Fulfilled by completing ECE 405 , ECE 406 , and ECE 403

Human Values and Social Context (HV&SC) (18 cr. covering the areas below):

  1. Western cultural tradition
  2. Social context and institutions
  3. Cultural diversity and international perspectives
  4. Population and the environment
  5. Artistic and creative expression

Ethics: A separate course, or a course in HV&SC category within the General Education requirements.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering requires at least 19 credits of technical electives, of which 16 or more credits must meet the requirements of a “ECE/COS Technical Elective”.  Of the ECE/COS Technical Electives, 10 or more credits must satisfy the requirements of a “Computer Focus Technical Elective”.

Technical Electives are courses that are not used to satisfy other degree requirements that fall into the following three categories:

1. “Computer Focus Technical Electives” include:

a.  Specific ECE Courses that have been approved as “Computer Focus” by ECE faculty.  A list of approved courses is available in the ECE department. Examples of approved Computer Focus Technical Electives are:

b.  All COS courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level, excluding COS 397, COS 495, COS 497, and COS 499.

2. “ECE/COS Technical Electives include:

a.  All Computer Focus Technical Electives

b.  All other ECE courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level, excluding ECE 394

3. “Generic Technical Electives” include:

a.  All “ECE/COS Technical Electives” and “Computer Focus” Technical Electives

b.  Any 300, 400, or 500 level course with one of the following designations:  ECE, COS, CHY, PHY, BIO, BMB, BEN, CHE, CIE, GEE, MAT, STS, or Business course.

c.  A list of additional courses that have been approved by ECE faculty that do meet the above description is available in the ECE department.

Double Majors

A double major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering is a popular choice for students. To obtain a double major, students must satisfy the requirements for both the Electrical Engineering and the Computer Engineering degrees. By a judicious choice of electives and early planning, this option can be achieved in four years or require only an extra semester of classes. The first year curriculum is similar for both electrical and computer engineering majors so a decision on the double major does not need to be made until later in the program. Students interested in the possibility of a double major should consult with their advisors early in their programs.

Students should obtain both the Electrical Engineering Graduation Check-off Sheet and the Computer Engineering Graduation Check-off Sheet and verify all requirements are being met.

Students seeking a “double major” must declare a “primary major” and a “secondary major”.    For example, if a student’s primary major is Computer Engineering, her diploma and transcript might specify “Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, with a second major in Electrical Engineering”.

Double majors in Electrical and Computer Engineering are only required to complete the capstone course sequence (senior project) associated with their primary major.  So the above example student would enroll in ECE-405, ECE-406, and ECE-403.  She would not be required to take the Electrical Engineering senior project sequence (ECE-401, ECE-402).

Double Degrees

A double degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering requires satisfying the requirements for both the Electrical Engineering and the Computer Engineering degrees and completing at least 30 credits beyond the number required by the primary degree.  Students completing a double degree will receive two separate diplomas.

Similar to double majors, students seeking a double degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering need only complete the capstone sequence associated with their primary degree.

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Honors Program

Students in the UMaine Honors College can complete an Electrical or Computer Engineering degree with honors in four years, with only a few additional credits and a slight course rearrangement. Honors courses typically satisfy most Human Values and Social Context (HV&SC) general education requirements.

Completing the Civilizations Sequence (HON 111, 112, 211, 212) plus CMJ 103 fulfills all HV&SC requirements. Students who also complete HON 170 and 180 may waive CMJ 103. Partial completion may still satisfy some HV&SC credits—see honors.umaine.edu for details.

An Honors thesis (HON 498 and 499) replaces ECE 402 & 403 (Electrical) or ECE 406 & 403 (Computer). Honors students must still take ECE 401 (Electrical) or ECE 405 (Computer). The thesis proposal must be signed by the ECE department chair.

Honors Program Website

Five-Year MBA

Electrical and Computer Engineering students can complete an MBA in one year after graduation through UMaine’s five-year MBA program. By taking business prerequisites during undergrad, students from non-business majors can streamline their path to the MBA.

ECO 120 and 121 may be required and can count toward HV&SC electives. The ECE statistics requirement also fulfills the MBA statistics prerequisite. Some upper-level business courses may count as Generic Technical Electives.

Students must plan early and apply for admission.

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Current Student Resources

Electrical & Computer Engineering Curriculum 2025/2026

Class of 2029

Program Educational Objects & Student Outcomes

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Computer Engineering Curriculum Sheets

Class 2028 & Below

Electrical Engineering Curriculum Sheets

Class 2028 & Below

Graduate Programs

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate programs offer advanced degrees in engineering and technology fields, including options for accelerated pathways, master’s, and doctoral studies.

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Leading the way

The ECE Department provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students for research in a wide variety of areas. Explore each area and associated faculty members.

Supercomputing

Research Areas: High-performance computing, supercomputing

Yifeng Zhu

Norman Stetson Professor & Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Microelectronics

Research Areas: Propagation and device applications in piezoelectric materials, sensor technology (gas, fluid, biological), bulk & surface acoustic wave design

Microwave Acoustics

Research Areas: Propagation and device applications in piezoelectric materials, sensor technology (gas, fluid, biological), bulk & surface acoustic wave design

Cybersecurity

Research Areas: Embedded security, joint hardware-software security, AI security

Special Project: SPICE Scalable and Portable Infrastructure for Cybersecurity Education

Data Science & Engineering

Laboratories

Computational and Mathematical Modeling Lab – Focus on medicine, engineering, and technology applications

Data Engineering and AI Lab (DEAL) – Data engineering and artificial intelligence

Yifeng Zhu

Norman Stetson Professor & Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Microfabricated Sensors

Research Areas: Chemical sensors, physical sensors, biosensors, microfluidics, microphotonics, MEMS

Energy & Sensing Nanosystems

Research Areas: Nanosystem energy harvesting and sensing

Artificial Intelligence

Research Areas: Neural networks, computer vision, deep learning, edge intelligence, robotics

Neural Networks, Computer Vision, Deep Learning:

Yifeng Zhu

Norman Stetson Professor & Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Edge Intelligence:

Robotics:

Communications

Research Areas: Coding & information theory, wireless communications, high-speed signal processing, wireless sensor networks

Faculty:

Coding, Wireless & Signal Processing:

Smart Grid, Power Electronics

Research Areas: Smart grid, power electronics, electric drive

Faculty:

Smart Grid:

Power Electronics & Electric Drives:

Our Faculty & Staff

At MCEC, our faculty is the heartbeat of our academic community. Dedicated, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable, our professors go beyond the traditional classroom experience to foster real-world skills and a passion for learning. Whether mentoring, leading innovative research, or providing personalized support, our faculty members are committed to empowering students to achieve their highest potential

Yifeng Zhu

Norman Stetson Professor & Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Hepeng Li

Robert N. Haskell Assistant Professor

Department Contact Information

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Yifeng Zhu
yifeng.zhu@maine.edu

Department Chair

Heather Pierce
heather.j.pierce@maine.edu

Administrative Specialist

5708 Barrows Hall, Room 101
Orono, Maine 04469
Tel: 207.581.2224

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Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the Commission’s General Criteria and the Computer Engineering Program Criteria.

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