Pursuing a degree in computer engineering is a rewarding opportunity that will equip you with both hardware and software knowledge, allowing you to design and develop cutting-edge technology solutions. As technology continues to drive changes in every sector, computer engineers are in high demand. This field doesn't just open doors to tech companies; it provides a versatile foundation for careers in various industries, including healthcare, automotive, telecommunications, and more. 

How do I pick the right computer engineering program for me?

When selecting a program or university, keep these key points in mind:

1. The curriculum and structure:  Ensure that the curriculum aligns with your interests, and has the right balance of theory and application. Small class sizes, accessible office hours, and career counseling are great ways to enhance your learning experience.

2. Extracurricular opportunities: Make sure to check out the extracurricular opportunities a university offers, such as student clubs, internships, and networking events. These experiences are invaluable for building a well-rounded resume and gaining real-world skills.

3. Location and cost: Consider the university's location and its proximity to potential job opportunities, particularly in tech hubs. Also, evaluate the program's tuition and available financial aid or scholarships. 

To help you narrow down these programs, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best undergraduate computer engineering programs in California. 

1. Stanford University’s B.S. in Computer Engineering Track

Private or public: Private

Location: Stanford, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $82,406

Student to faculty ratio: 6:1

Acceptance rate: 4%

Notable alumni: Larry Page and Sergey Brin( co-founders of Google); Sundar Pichai(CEO, Google)

​​The Computer Engineering track of Stanford’s B.S. Computer Science Degree gives students a combination of computer and electrical engineering knowledge required to design and build both general-purpose and application-specific computer systems. 

The Computer Engineering track focuses on three main areas: Networking, Digital Systems, and Robotics and Mechatronics. In the networking portion students learn the fundamental aspects of networking hardware and software. Digital Systems courses teach students how to design and build digital hardware and the low-level software required to support it. Finally, Robotics and Mechatronics is an area within this track which gives students experience building hardware and software for robotic and mechanized systems.

2. UC Berkeley’s B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences

Private or public: Public

Location: Berkeley, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $46,168

Student to faculty ratio: 20:1

Acceptance rate: $6

Notable alumni: Kimberly Keeton (Principal Engineer, Google) and Gaetano Borriello (Founding Director, Intel Research)

UC Berkeley's B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences offers one of the field’s strongest research and instructional programs in the world. Their programs have been consistently ranked in the top nationwide. They offer cross-disciplinary team-driven projects, with strong interactions that extend into biological sciences, mechanical and civil engineering, physical sciences and more.  

They attract top faculty, who have won every prestigious award from the National Medal of Science to the ACM Turing Award. They have a legacy of producing research that has had a deep impact, and their faculty continue to work at the cusp of technological possibility in robotics, cyber-physical systems, sensor technology, micro and nanoelectromechanical systems, and more.

3. Caltech’s B.S. in Computer Science

Private or public: Private

Location: Pasadena, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $63,063

Student to faculty ratio: 3:1

Acceptance rate: 3%

Notable alumni: Howard Hughes and Richard Feynman

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This program stands out for its rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, blending foundational computer science principles with in-depth engineering concepts. Students at Caltech are immersed in a variety of subjects ranging from algorithm design, and software development to more engineering-centric topics such as digital circuits,  and embedded systems. 

This blend ensures that graduates are not only proficient in programming and software development but also have a strong grasp of the hardware aspects essential for computer engineering. The program's emphasis on research and hands-on learning, facilitated by state-of-the-art Pasadena laboratories and close collaboration with faculty, further enhances students' skills in problem-solving and innovation. 

4. UC San Diego’s B.S. in Computer Engineering

Private or public: Public

Location: San Diego, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $63,864

Student to faculty ratio: 19:1

Acceptance rate: 25%

Notable alumni: Jeremy Lau and Erez Perelman

UCSD’s BS computer engineering program is jointly administered by the Departments of Computer Science and Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering. The curriculum is the same in both departments. Students wishing to take the computer engineering program must be admitted to one of the departments. Topics in the exciting field span many areas of computer science and electrical engineering, such as embedded systems, computer architecture, robotics,and networking, just to name a few. 

The lower-division computer engineering program is designed to provide a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, programming, and computer organization. Upper-division core courses deal with the theory and design of algorithms, hardware and software, as well as electronic systems. Students can gain additional breadth and/ or depth in computer science and engineering by taking various technical electives.

5. UC Davis’s B.S. in Computer Engineering 

Private or public: Public

Location: Davis, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $44,645

Acceptance rate: 45%

Notable alumni: Rinki Sethi and Deb Frincke

As a computer engineering major at UC Davis, you’ll get the fundamental skills you need to ensure your long-term employability in a rapidly changing field. You’ll also work with cutting-edge technologies in digital systems, circuits fabrication and other areas. The computer engineering curriculum prepares students for careers in computer engineering or graduate studies by providing a solid background in mathematics, physical sciences and the traditional computer engineering subjects: electronics, computer hardware and computer software. The upper division units required in electronics, computer hardware and computer software consist of 13 units in electronics courses, 18 units in computer hardware courses and 12 units in computer software courses. The remaining units consist of 10 units of design electives and 9 units of technical electives. By carefully selecting these design and technical electives, students can focus on electronics, computer hardware or computer software, or distribute these units among the three areas.

6. UC Irvine B.S. in Computer Engineering

Private or public: Public

Location: Irvine, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $49,679

Student to faculty ratio: 18:1

Acceptance rate: 26%

Notable alumni: John Olivier and Veronica Swanson

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers a B.S. Computer Engineering program that will equip students with a broad and deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of computer engineering. This program is designed to build a solid foundation in engineering, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and social sciences, along with a strong emphasis on experimental practice and modern engineering methods. 

Graduates of the UCI Computer Engineering program are expected to achieve several key objectives post-graduation. Firstly, they are prepared to engage in professional practice at or beyond the entry-level or to pursue high-quality graduate programs. This foundation allows them to apply a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios. Secondly, the program fosters innovation in design, research, and implementation of systems and products. 

7. UC Riverside’s B.S. in Computer Engineering

Private or public: Public 

Location: Riverside, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $40,537

Student to faculty ratio: 23:1

Acceptance rate: 81%

Notable alumni: Peter Adriaens and Matthew Haughey

The University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) offers a Computer Engineering program that combines electrical engineering and computer science. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both hardware and software aspects of computing systems. The Computer Engineering curriculum delves deep into core areas such as digital and analog systems, microprocessor architecture, embedded systems, and computer networks, while also emphasizing software development, algorithms, and data structures. 

This integrated approach ensures that students are well-prepared to design and develop advanced computing systems. Additionally, the program places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience, preparing graduates to tackle real-world challenges in the ever-evolving field of technology. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, along with research opportunities under the guidance of experienced faculty members.

8. UC Merced B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering

Private or public: Public

Location: Merced, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $61,527

Student to faculty ratio: 19:1

Acceptance rate: 93%

Notable alumni: Alberto Eduardo Cerpa and Kyle M Kabasares

At the University of California, Merced, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering will prepare you to adapt and excel in the rapidly evolving tech industry. UC Merced's program offers a curriculum that blends the most modern technologies with a comprehensive theoretical base, ensuring that graduates are not just current but also ready to master future technological advancements. The program's approach is holistic, focusing on producing graduates equipped with the tools and insights necessary for taking on roles of responsibility and leadership in a wide array of fields.

 Given the prominence of computer science and engineering in California's industrial landscape, students at UC Merced are positioned to tap into a wealth of career opportunities. The education encompasses innovative classroom learning, hands-on laboratory research, and direct interaction with distinguished faculty members. You will engage in introductory programming courses, delve into computer architecture design, and participate in research and team projects.

9. USC B.S. Computer Engineering and Computer Science

Private or public: Private

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $66,460

Student to faculty ratio: 9:1

Acceptance rate: 10%

Notable alumni: Marc Benioff and Aaron Levie

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering and Computer Science, a program that bridges the gap between cutting-edge software and innovative hardware technologies. Administered jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, this degree equips students with a blend of scientific and engineering skills crucial for designing and implementing computer systems. At USC, students have the opportunity to specialize in one of two tracks, tailoring their education to their interests and career aspirations. 

The Computing Systems Track, offered by the Department of Computer Science, delves into software development, algorithms, and system design, providing a deep understanding of software's role in computing systems. On the other hand, the Embedded Systems Track, from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, focuses on integrating computing elements with hardware, offering insights into the development of devices and systems that are transforming technology. 

10. UC Santa Cruz’s B.S. in Computer Engineering

Private or public: Public

Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $67,612

Student to faculty ratio: 24:1

Acceptance rate: 59%

Notable alumni: William James Kent and Robert Shaw

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering that is strategically focused on the creation of digital systems that are functional, reliable, and innovative. This program not only provides exceptional training for aspiring engineers but also lays a solid foundation for those considering graduate studies. UCSC computer engineering graduates emerge with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of computer engineering, underpinned by the scientific and mathematical concepts that form their basis. 

Eligible undergraduates would also be allowed to pursue an accelerated combined B.S./M.S. degree. The curriculum offers four distinct concentrations: Systems Programming, Computer Systems, Networks, and Digital Hardware, alongside a minor in computer engineering. These concentrations ensure that students can tailor their education to align with their specific interests and career goals. 

The faculty at UCSC are deeply engaged in multidisciplinary research, covering areas such as computer system design, embedded and autonomous systems, sensor technology, and more. The program culminates in a senior design capstone course, where students apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, project-based environment. 

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