July 16, 2003

With worldwide sales of more than $140 billion, those programmable devices in everything from personal computers to phones, cars and coffee makers will continue to be an important source of innovation and jobs. To help prepare the next generation of specialists who design and apply digital systems, SFSU offers a new bachelor’s degree in computer engineering starting this fall.

The new degree program incorporates the core requirements of both electrical engineering and computer science -- two existing majors at San Francisco State -- with additional courses in computer engineering, high-speed system design, real-time systems, multimedia systems and project design.

"The widespread use of computer technology has created an enormous demand for workers who are skilled in computers and related areas," says Sung Hu, professor of engineering and associate dean of the College of Science and Engineering. "Computers have become a main driving force in the California and U.S. economies, and long-term employment prospects remain good for computer engineers." The Semiconductor Industry Association reports $70 billion in U.S. industry sales for 2002.

The course of study combines electrical engineering with computer science, giving students a background in the design and application of hardware, software and systems. Because computer technology advances rapidly, the program will provide a broad background and emphasis on problem-solving skills so that graduates can continually adapt and learn as technologies evolve.

The program expects to admit about five first-time freshmen students and 15 transfer students this fall, and to grow to 180 majors by 2008.

Existing faculty, laboratories and equipment will be used to launch the new degree, but four new faculty hires are likely as the program grows and develops.

For more information, contact the School of Engineering at (415) 338-1174.

-- Ellen Griffin

Did You Know?
San Francisco State alumnus Stanley Mazor, is one of the inventors of the microprocessor. As an initial member of the team that invented and applied the silicon chip, Mazor went on to co-invent the first Intel four-bit microcomputer, for which he jointly holds the patent. Mazor was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 1996, which cited the microprocessor as "one of the most important developments of the last half of the 20th century," and was awarded the semiconductor industry's highest honor in 2000 -- the Robert N. Noyce Award.

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Last modified July 16, 2003, by the Office of Public Affairs