Report an accessibility problem

Computer Systems Engineering, BSE

Master the design and integration of hardware and software systems. This rigorous, ABET-accredited degree blends computer science and electrical engineering to prepare you to build integrated systems.

Apply now
A focused student types on a laptop in a modern study space, showcasing engagement in ASU's Computer Systems Engineering program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial
First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation and professional licensure

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET,

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Computer Systems Engineering degree 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.

Why study computer systems engineering at ASU?

Where many programs lean toward either software development on the computer science side or toward electrical engineering, this degree unites both into a single, systems-level perspective.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
CSE 110 Principles of Programming
CSE 205 Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
CSE 220 Programming for Computer Engineering
CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
EEE 120 Digital Design Fundamentals
FSE 100 Introduction to Engineering

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

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

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 (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your 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:

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.accelerated@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
Wendy.Biresch@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
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

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.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Computer Network Administrator -4.1% $99,130
Computer Network Analyst 7.7% $134,050
Computer Programmer -7.3% $100,390
Computer Science Professor 4.9% $96,980
Computer Scientist 21.8% $140,300
Computer Software Quality Engineer 5.7% $104,300
Computer Systems Architect 5.1% $116,580
Engineering Manager 5.5% $171,270
Information Security Analyst 21.0% $129,180
Software Developer 10.2% $135,980

Example job titles and salaries listed 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.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this computer systems engineering degree prepares you for

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

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Computer Science and Engineering Program | CTRPT 105
SCAI.Undergrad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

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.

click back to top