Department of Computer Science and Engineering Information
About the Department
The Computer Science and Engineering department offers a B.S. degree in computer science and a B.S.Cp.E.in computer engineering. Computer science majors take at least a 46-hour sequence of computer science courses and take additional courses in an area of concentration for a total of 120 credit hours. The concentration of study augments the computer science courses and is a specialization in which the student can apply his or her knowledge of computers. Four concentrations are available: Software Systems, Data Science, STEM Education, and Cyber Security.
The computer engineering program embodies the realm of computer engineering applications. A thorough understanding of computer organization and architecture and the interaction between hardware and software is emphasized. The students’ experiences culminate in a two-semester computer engineering team project. Computer engineering majors take a total of 128 credit hours spread across computer science, basic engineering, electrical engineering and mathematics.
Why Choose Computer Science and Engineering?
It's relevant. Computers are a part of everything we do. The computer field drives innovation in many other fields, including medicine, education, business, communication, and entertainment.
It's creative and challenging. The variety of applications of computer science and engineering makes for highly-creative and challenging projects. Working in the computer field might mean building web-based applications, providing security for sensitive information, developing systems to process scientific data, writing software for new mobile devices, and much more.
It's lucrative. Jobs in the field are among the highest paid, in part because qualified computer scientists and engineers are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says computing is among the top fields for new job growth through 2018. Read the report...
The future is full of possibilities. There is no question computers are infiltrating every aspect of our society. With changing technology, we cannot know what exciting turns your career might take. What we can say is you will be in a position to contribute in whatever way you choose.
Our Mission
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga prepares students for productive and challenging careers in computer science, engineering and information technology, and to function as leaders in a technological society. The department exists as the region’s principal resource for educational, research, continuing professional education, and service programs in computer science, computer engineering, data science and information security and assurance. In these programs, emphasis is on communication and problem solving competencies, and on the applications of basic theory and design.
- prepare undergraduate students for rewarding professional careers or graduate study in computer related fields and for a lifetime of creative thinking and adaptive learning as productive citizens;
- prepare post-baccalaureate and graduate students for continuing professional development and career advancement;
- provide working professionals with the skills needed to apply current advances in computer technology to their fields;
- assist business, government, education and industry in the region to claim assets of technology and apply technology to better serve the diverse interests in the region;
- promote excellence in technical education by revising the curriculum to include new computing technologies;
- serve the University and our professional communities with leadership and distinction.
Our Program Objectives
Within three years after graduation, our students will be on successful career paths in computer science or closely related fields as evidenced by such items as employment and promotions in a computer science or related position, entry into graduate school, and continuing education in the field.
Our Student Outcomes
CSE Computer Science Student Outcomes
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions. [CS]
Computer Engineering Student Outcomes
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Annual Student Enrollment and Graduation Information
Computer Science undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2021) = 382
Computer Engineering undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2021) = 56
Total CSE undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2021) = 438
Graduation data for 2019-20 academic year = 66
Outreach and student organizations available to students
There are many opportunities available to students of the computer science and engineering program to meet new people and join student organizations to learn more about your area of study. The College of Engineering and Computer Science Center for Student Success has a variety of resources available to our students to help you through your time in your degree program.
Learn more about CECS student organizations and programs
ABET Accreditation
Review ABET accreditation for the UTC chemical engineering programs.