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Computer Systems Engineering ,BSE

Computer Systems Engineering, BSE

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Computer Systems Engineering

Analyst, Computer Science, Computer Systems Administrator, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Technician, Cybersecurity, Embedded Systems, Hardware, Machine Learning, Operating Systems, Programmer, Software, System Programming, Systems Analyst, approved for STEM-OPT extension, computing

In this rigorous program, you'll learn to design and connect hardware and software to build next-generation technologies, from smart devices to advanced computing systems. Help drive innovation and shape how people interact with the world around them.

Program description

In the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program in computer systems engineering, you focus on the analysis, design, testing, integration and evaluation of hardware and software systems. The curriculum is grounded in many engineering disciplines, including the applications of science and technology to the design of:

  • computer architecture
  • cybersecurity
  • digital circuits
  • distributed and embedded systems
  • networking
  • operating systems

You engage in the design of integrated hardware and software solutions for computing, communication and control applications. You practice many aspects of engineering activities, such as the development of:

  • computer networks
  • embedded and ubiquitous systems
  • high-performance computer systems
  • individual digital components

You become skilled in interfacing different pieces of hardware and software components, and systems with products, to create new capabilities and improved quality and performance.

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Engineering Program Criteria.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
  • Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial

Video: Learn about the Computer Systems Engineering degree program at ASUThis video provides an overview of the Computer Systems Engineering degree program at ASU.

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
SCAI.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
SCAI.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199

Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

The admission standards for majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, shown below, are higher than minimum university admission standards. International students must meet the same admission standards, with the possible additional requirement of a minimum English language proficiency test score. If the university requires an English proficiency test score from the applicant, then admission to engineering requires requires a minimum total TOEFL iBT® score of 4 with a minimum section score of 3.5 (Reading: 3.5, Writing: 3.5, Listening: 3.5, Speaking: 3.5), or a score of 79 (taken at a testing center) if taken before Jan. 21, 2026; or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5; a minimum PTE score of 58; a minimum Duolingo English score of 105; or a minimum Cambridge English exam score of 176.

First-year admission:

  1. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies

Transfer admission requirements:

Transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours:

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for fewer than 24 transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies, and
  3. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score (or 1140 if taken prior to March 5, 2016) or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class

Transfer students with 24 or more transferable college credit hours must meet either the primary or the secondary criteria (not both):

Primary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies (if ASU Admission Services requires submission of a high school transcript)

Secondary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 2.75 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. minimum GPA of 2.75 in all critical courses: CSE 110 Principles of Programming, CSE 205 Object-oriented Programming and Data Structures, MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I, and MAT 266 Calculus for Engineers II

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

Admission requirements for many majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are higher than university admission standards.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Students learn to thrive in a global environment through the rich educational and interpersonal experiences inherent in study abroad. A resume enhanced by the valuable study abroad experience impresses prospective employers and helps the student stand out if they pursue advanced study.

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.

Career opportunities

Computer systems engineers are employed in industry, government, education and consulting firms. Computer systems engineers engage in the design, development and operation of hardware and software systems of computer and networking equipment.

Computer systems engineers often focus on engineering problems or challenges of emerging computer systems. Some of the challenges may involve chips, device controllers, embedded systems and high-performance computing servers. Their jobs usually involve research into the design and development of computer hardware and software for practical applications. Their work results in innovative, state-of-the-art products that integrate computing and communication capabilities. Examples of products that computer systems engineers work on:

  • avionics and space vehicles
  • digital television and photography
  • intelligent highways and control systems for vehicles
  • mobile devices and smart applications
  • new apparatuses for health care and for sight-impaired individuals or those with physical disabilities
  • security and defense systems

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
-4.2%
$99,130
11.9%
$134,050
-6.0%
$100,390
5.3%
$96,980
19.7%
$140,300
10.0%
$104,300
8.2%
$116,580
3.8%
$171,270
28.5%
$129,180
15.8%
$135,980
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Professional licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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