The Field of Computer Engineering integrates topics across Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Computer engineers design, program, produce, operate, and maintain computer and digital systems. They generally apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to the design of hardware, software, networks, and processes to solve technical problems. Hence research in Computer Engineering covers a broad spectrum of topics, such as robotics, cyber-physical and embedded systems, computer architecture, parallel and grid computing, computer networks, digital system design methodologies, computer security, distributed, mobile, cloud computing, dependable computing, lower-power and high performance VLSI, wireless health devices, networks, and systems, computer vision, graphics, and image analysis. (engineering.virginia.edu/computer-engineering-program)
The CpE Program offers a Ph.D. degree, the primary focus of which is a dissertation describing publishable quality research (directed by a faculty advisor) of significant depth. The CpE Program also offers two Masters degrees: a Master of Science (MS), which requires a thesis, and a Master of Engineering (ME). The time limit for degree completion after entering the Masters program is five years for the MS and seven years for the ME although the average time for completion is two years. The time limit for the PhD degree completion is seven years although most students graduate in five years. Degree requirements set by the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) are given in the SEAS Graduate Record and are additional to the following CpE Graduate Program requirements.