University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The Computer Engineering programme blends core electrical engineering topics with computer science and software engineering. Early years focus on calculus, linear algebra, physics, and introductory programming, then progress into electronics and digital systems. Typical topics and modules include:

• Digital Logic and Computer Organization – Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential logic, finite state machines, and instruction set fundamentals.
• Circuits and Electronics – Circuit analysis, semiconductor devices, analogue and digital circuit design.
• Microprocessors and Embedded Systems – Microcontroller architectures, interfacing, real‑time systems and embedded software development.
• Computer Architecture – Processor design, memory hierarchy, pipelining and performance analysis.
• Signals, Systems and Communications – Signal processing basics, discrete‑time systems and fundamentals of data communications.
• Software and Operating Systems – Systems programming, operating system concepts, concurrency and resource management.
• Control Systems and Power Electronics – Feedback control, power conversion and applications relevant to embedded hardware.
• Laboratory and Practical Work – Hands‑on labs in electronic circuits, digital design (FPGA/HDL), embedded development and instrumentation.
• Senior Design Project (Capstone) – Team‑based project integrating hardware and software components, often with industry or research sponsors.

Students must also complete the university general education requirements to ensure breadth in communication, humanities and social sciences. The degree typically spans four years of full‑time study, with opportunities for undergraduate research, internships and special topics electives.

Entry requirements

Admission for first‑year applicants generally requires a recognised secondary school qualification with strong preparation in mathematics and science. Competitive applicants typically have studied algebra, geometry, calculus (or precalculus) and physics. Practical programming experience and electronics coursework are advantageous.

• Academic preparation – High school diploma with strong grades in mathematics and science; university preparatory courses in calculus and physics are recommended.
• Transferees – Transfer students should present college transcripts, a selection of completed prerequisites (calculus, introductory physics, introductory programming), and meet the department's transfer GPA guidelines.
• International students – Proof of equivalent secondary credentials and English language proficiency (for example IELTS or TOEFL) are required where English is not the first language.
• Additional considerations – Some applicants may be asked to submit a personal statement, portfolio of relevant projects, or references; specific departmental requirements and minimum GPAs are available from the admissions office and the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Computer Engineering degree have a broad set of career paths in both hardware and software domains. Common roles include:

• Embedded systems engineer or firmware developer
• Digital design or FPGA engineer
• Hardware design and verification engineer
• Systems engineer and integration specialist
• Network and communications engineer
• Robotics and automation engineer
• Product engineer in consumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace and defence, semiconductor and IoT industries

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study (master's or PhD) in areas such as computer architecture, VLSI, signal processing or machine learning, or move into related fields such as technical project management, technical consulting or entrepreneurship. The programme’s practical focus helps students secure internships and positions with local and mainland employers, research labs and technology companies.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a compact research university environment with faculty engaged in areas relevant to Pacific‑regional needs and global technology trends. The Department of Electrical Engineering provides hands‑on laboratory facilities, opportunities for undergraduate research, and a senior capstone sequence that emphasises real‑world design. The campus’s location in Honolulu gives students access to a diverse economy with industry partners in telecommunications, aerospace support, defence contracting and renewable energy, as well as unique research opportunities related to oceanography, remote sensing and environmental monitoring.

Students benefit from small class sizes in advanced modules, mentorship from faculty working in communications, embedded systems and power electronics, and a supportive community with student engineering organisations. The programme prepares graduates to enter the workforce immediately or to continue into graduate study, with an emphasis on practical skills, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.