Computer Engineering at Notre Dame

Why Study Computer Engineering?

Notre Dame’s Computer Engineering (CPEG) program prepares students to design and develop the digital systems that shape modern life, from embedded devices to cloud computing infrastructure.

Students entering their sophomore year in fall 2025 will have the opportunity to pursue this newly structured program, jointly administered by the Departments of Computer Science and Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Professors Michael Niemier and Robert Stevenson co-direct the program. The program offers a rich interdisciplinary experience rooted in both hardware and software, guided by Notre Dame’s Catholic tradition of educating the whole person and advancing the common good.

No prior programming experience is required to succeed in the program. With the support of our faculty and resources, students can develop into highly capable software and systems engineers.

Courses and Curriculum

All engineering students at Notre Dame begin with a common first-year curriculum in math, science, and engineering fundamentals. No prior programming experience is required.

In the sophomore year, CPEG majors begin a focused plan of study covering:

• Digital logic and circuits
• Computer architecture and embedded systems
• Programming, operating systems, and algorithms

Students can tailor their studies through CPEG core electives, CPEG electives, and technical electives. The program concludes with a two-semester senior design sequence: CPEG Capstone Design I (Fall) and II (Spring).

Students must complete a minimum of 124 total credit hours to graduate. Some requirements may be met through AP or transfer credit, but additional electives may be needed to meet the total.

Minors and Interdisciplinary Programs

Students in the Computer Engineering program may pursue academic minors or interdisciplinary programs across the University. Popular options include:

• Engineering Corporate Practice
• Computational Engineering
• Energy Studies
• Bioengineering

Students are encouraged to speak with their advisors about how a minor can complement their degree and career goals.

Academic Support

CpEG students have access to a full range of academic resources through the College of Engineering. These include dedicated undergraduate advisors, peer tutoring, faculty office hours, and other support services that help students stay on track academically.

Whether you’re planning your schedule, exploring electives, or preparing for study abroad, you’ll find the guidance and support you need to succeed in the program.

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Research and Internships

As a CPEG student, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research with faculty and graduate students from any engineering department. Research can be done for course credit or as a paid position, with many students getting involved as early as their sophomore year.

Participating in undergraduate research is a great way to deepen your technical expertise, apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, and prepare for industry, graduate school, or competitive fellowship programs.

There are also ample opportunities to pursue summer internships. Notre Dame hosts two major recruiting events each year—the Fall Career Expo and the Winter Career Expo—which connect students with leading employers across industries. Participating in these events is one of the best ways to explore career options and secure internships.

Study Abroad

Student Clubs & Activities

Extend your learning beyond the classroom by engaging with student-led clubs and organizations that support technical growth, creative problem solving, and community impact. Groups relevant to CPEG students include:

• The Notre Dame Computer Club, the student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
  
• The Notre Dame Linux Users Group, which promotes open-source software and collaborative development
  
• CS for Good, a club focused on applying computing to positive social and ethical challenges
  
• IEEE Student Chapter, the Notre Dame branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  
• IrishSat
  

You can also explore a wide range of other clubs and organizations supporting undergraduate engineers, from robotics teams to affinity groups and professional societies.

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