Josh Sharkey

A computer engineering degree prepares you to master computer science and electrical engineering in order to analyze problems and design solutions related to computer hardware, software, networks and equipment.

Computer engineering blends these two fields. When you earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at UWM, you’ll understand how computers function in society at the smallest level and at a system-wide level.

With a broad and strong technical understanding of computers through mathematics and engineering, you’ll be prepared to start your career in a growing field that is constantly improving the capability of computers in nearly all industries, with consideration of the cost, safety, environmental, social and human factors.

Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus

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Meet Josh.

He chose UWM because it gave him the most opportunities and was the right fit. UWM’s location meant this Computer Engineering student could take advantage of paid internships at Aurora Health Care, Northwestern Mutual and even an international engineering co-op opportunity.

What to expect

Increased speed to graduation

Our new and redesigned curriculum makes it easier and faster for you to complete your degree. You’ll also find greater flexibility in the electives available to customize your experience. 

What makes our program stand out

A computer engineering degree will provide you with a strong and broad technical background in computer science and electrical engineering.

It is recommended that computer engineering students specialize in one of the following areas:

  • Computer architecture & hardware
  • Computer networks & operating systems
  • Embedded systems and firmware
  • Imaging & image processing
  • Sensors & Internet of Things

UWM Computer Science laptop requirement

Learn more

Honors

You will be eligible for these honors in the major during your studies and upon completing your degree.

Students at UWM have many opportunities to earn honors recognition.

UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science program provides many opportunities to pair classroom learning with hands-on experiences outside the classroom. The college’s location in Wisconsin’s largest city, with a broad network of industry partnerships, gives you easy access to well-paid internships and co-ops, as well as other important opportunities to enhance your resume. 

Did you know? 

  • 97 percent of our graduates launch their careers or continue their education upon graduation.
  • $78,000 average starting salary
  • SOURCE: UWM First Destination Survey for the College of Engineering & Applied Science, 2021-2023

Internships & Co-ops

You’ll have many hands-on opportunities to develop your skills and determine what type of career experience you would like after graduation, with opportunities to earn a significant paycheck in nearby internships and co-ops over summer breaks and even during the academic year.

Here are some of the businesses where our computer engineering degree students have had internships, co-ops or launched their careers:

  • Astronautics Corporation of America
  • Dematic
  • GE Healthcare
  • Intel
  • Microsoft
  • Milwaukee Tool
  • Northwestern Mutual
  • Quad
  • Rockwell Automation
  • Tesla
Capstones / Senior Design Projects

In your senior year, you’ll team up with other students to complete a Capstone Project, during which you’ll use what you’ve learned in class to complete an experience similar to an employer request. Students have created online games, apps, management software and more.

View senior design projects here.

Student Organizations

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE is dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Our student chapter aims to help students by providing networking opportunities, mentoring, project guidance, and more.

The Computer Society

Encourages education enrichment in computer science and related fields; provides opportunities for social activities with faculty members.

Data Science Club at UWM

A medium for collaborative and interdisciplinary discussions, support and awareness of best practices in the diverse and rapidly growing field of data science.

Game Design & Development

Members come together and construct projects and ideas from all sides of gaming.

Google Developers Group at UWM

Members explore programming technology and enhance their skills in computer-related categories.

Robotics Association at UWM

Members design, build, test, program and compete in robotic competitions against universities from around the world.

For full descriptions and contact information for all electrical-engineering and other engineering-related student organizations and clubs, click here.

Resource Rooms & Teaching Labs

Connected Systems Institute

This lab works with students, faculty and private sector partners to help ensure that industry has the talent it needs to benefit fully from Industrial Internet of Things connectivity.

Resource Rooms

UWM students have a wealth of additional resources available to them within the College of Engineering & Applied Science. From computer labs and tutoring resources to teaching labs and spaces to create or collaborate. Details here.

Research Opportunities

Our students have the opportunity to work with faculty engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as:

  • Object-oriented programming
  • Cryptography
  • Computational robotics
  • Intelligent dialog systems
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Extensible languages

A benefit of attending a top tier R1 research university is the opportunity to work with faculty engaged in cutting-edge research and to participate in the Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program. The SURF program helps you to improve your professional preparation through research by closely working with our faculty to explore, discover, and transform ideas into reality.

SURF students also receive funding for their efforts: from 2012-2023 almost $1.5M was awarded to over 700 students from our college.

Graduate and undergraduate students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Research Poster Competition & Experiential Learning Expo, providing them with excellent opportunities to share their work with judges from industry.

Student Startup Challenge

Directed by the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, the UWM Student Startup Challenge is an optional, co-curricular program that fosters our students’ innovative and entrepreneurial ideas. You can work alone or as part of a team as you gain the skills that come from entrepreneurial experience.

We’re Here to Help

Our dedicated Center for Student Experience & Talent (SET) works with our students to prepare them for a career after graduation.

Where You’ll Work

Computer engineers work for large corporations, small startups, academia and the government. Industries that rely on computer engineers include: automotive, aerospace, healthcare, financial services, computer manufacturing, security systems and transportation.

What You Might Do

  • Plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems
  • Design and build a computer network to transfer data
  • Oversee the day-to-day operation of a computer network
  • Embed computers into other machines
  • Incorporate computers into building materials or fabrics
  • Design faster, smaller, more capable hardware
  • Create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device

Advising

Megan Wisnowski
  • Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names M-R
Brandon Clark
  • Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names A-E
Tina Current
  • Senior Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names beginning F-L
  • Prospective Transfer Student Liaison
Jennie Klumpp
  • Senior Advisor, Undergraduate Advising
  • Students with last names beginning S-Z
  • Prospective Student Liaison

Tutoring

Steven Anderson
  • Retention Coordinator, Tutoring
  • Student Support Center Coordinator
  • Freshmen Orientation Instructor

Faculty

Rob Cuzner
  • Richard and Joanne Grigg Professor
  • Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • Director, Center for Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems (SEES)
  • Site Director, Center for GRid-Connected Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES)
William Dussault electrical engineering
  • Teaching Faculty 2, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Feng Guo
  • Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering
faculty member yi-hu
  • Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Department Chair, Electrical Engineering
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
Jeffrey Kautzer
  • Adjunct Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • General Manager, Hardware Excellence & Chief Electrical Engineer, GE Healthcare
Chiu Law
  • Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
Shuaiqi Roger Shen
  • Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering
Lingfeng Wang
  • Richard and Joanne Grigg Faculty Fellowship
  • Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Professor, Computer Science
faculty image weizhong wang
  • Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
Jun Zhang
  • Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Professor, Computer Science
Accreditation
The Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Contact
Electrical Engineering
Contact Info: ceas-ee@uwm.edu

Street Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
3200 North Cramer Street
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Mailing Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
P.O. Box 784
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0784