Explore Our Majors
Click each program to learn more.
*indicates BS+MS option
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Bioengineering*
Bioengineering combines engineering, biology and medicine to develop technologies that improve human health. Students study how biological systems work and how engineering tools can be used to design medical devices, diagnostics, biomaterials and biotechnology solutions.
The undergraduate program gives students exposure to bioengineering, biomedical engineering and biotechnology, with pathways that can lead to careers in the medical field, pharmaceutical industry, food industry, biotechnology, graduate study or medical school.
Students may explore:
- Biomechanics
- Biotechnology and molecular bioengineering
- Bioinstrumentation
- Wound repair
- Bioinspired engineering for sustainable energy
Sample courses:
- BIEN 110: Biomechanics of the Human Body
- BIEN 125: Biotechnology and Molecular Bioengineering
- BIEN 130: Bioinstrumentation
- BIEN 138: Fundamental Principles of Wound Repair
- BIEN 166: Bioinspired Engineering for Sustainable Energy
Good fit for students interested in:
- Medical devices
- Biotechnology
- Human health
- Biomedical research
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Chemical Engineering*
Chemical engineering prepares students to turn discoveries in chemistry, physics, biology and engineering into products, processes and technologies that improve daily life. Students learn how to design and optimize systems used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, fuels, pollution control, medicine, nuclear technology and electronics.
The program is housed in a department that connects chemical and environmental engineering, giving students exposure to research and applications in energy, air quality, water quality, biotechnology and advanced materials. The department’s research areas include advanced materials and nanotechnology, air quality systems engineering, biotechnology and biomolecular engineering, computation and molecular engineering, energy conversion and storage, and water quality systems engineering.
Students may explore:
- Biochemical processes
- Nanotechnology
- Energy systems
- Chemical process design
- Pollution control
- Sustainable manufacturing
Sample courses:
- CHE 131: Electrochemical Engineering
- CHE 136: Advanced Topics in Heat Transfer
- CHE 150: Biosensors
- CHE 161: Nanotechnology Processing Laboratory
- CHE 171: Pollution Control for Chemical Engineers
Good fit for students interested in:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Energy
- Sustainability
- Manufacturing
- Environmental technology
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Computer Engineering*
Computer engineering connects hardware and software. Students learn how computing systems are designed, built and improved — from embedded devices and robots to data centers, supercomputers and intelligent infrastructure.
The program prepares students to understand computing at multiple scales, including computer architecture, embedded and real-time systems, digital design, high-performance computing, VLSI circuits and system software. The Computer Engineering website describes computing as a force driving breakthroughs across science, medicine, infrastructure and daily life.
Students may explore:
- Computer architecture
- Embedded systems
- Digital systems
- Robotics
- Hardware-software integration
- High-performance computing
Sample courses:
- CS 134: Video Game Creation and Design
- CS 162: Computer Architecture
- CS 177: Modeling and Simulation
- EE 136: Semiconductor Device Processing
- EE 146: Computer Vision
Good fit for students interested in:
- Computer hardware
- Robotics systems
- Embedded software
- Artificial intelligence hardware
- Smart devices
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Computer Science*
Computer science prepares students to design the software, algorithms and systems that power modern society. Students build foundations in programming, data structures, algorithms, systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and software engineering.
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering describes its mission as creating the next generation of engineers, researchers and scholars. Its research areas include algorithms and theory, architecture and embedded systems, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, databases, data mining and artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and graphics, programming languages, software engineering, and systems and networks.
Students may explore:
- Software engineering
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Databases
- Systems and networks
- High-performance computing
Sample courses:
- CS 061: Machine Organization and Assembly Language Programming
- CS 122B: Advanced Embedded and Real-Time Systems
- CS 160: Concurrent Programming and Parallel Systems
- CS 165: Computer Security
- CS 166: Database Management Systems
Good fit for students interested in:
- Software development
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Data systems
- Computing research
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Computer Science with Business Applications
Computer Science with Business Applications blends computing with business, analytics and organizational problem-solving. Students gain technical training in computer science while also learning how technology supports business operations, decision-making and product development.
This program is designed for students who want a computing degree with a stronger connection to business environments. It can prepare graduates for technical roles that require communication, project management, analytics and the ability to translate computing solutions into organizational impact.
Students may explore:
- Computer systems
- Business databases
- Software tools
- Data analysis
- Technology management
- Business decision support
Sample courses:
- CS 169: Mobile Wireless Networks
- CS 182: Software Testing and Verification
- MATH 135A/B: Numerical Analysis
- BUS 125: Simulation for Business
- BUS 173: Introduction to Databases for Management
Good fit for students interested in:
- Product management
- Business analytics
- Technical consulting
- Software project management
- Technology strategy
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Data Science
Data science prepares students to collect, manage, analyze and interpret data. The undergraduate program bridges computer science and statistics, helping students make sense of large and complex data sets through computational and statistical methods.
The broader Data Science program emphasizes the computational foundations of data science, including storing, manipulating, visualizing and learning from large data sets. The graduate program page notes that fields such as manufacturing, logistics, health care, public safety and the military increasingly rely on deep data analysis, which helps show the wide relevance of the discipline.
Students may explore:
- Data analysis
- Big data systems
- Statistical modeling
- Optimization
- Forecasting
- Machine learning foundations
Sample courses:
- CS 105: Data Analysis Methods
- CS 167: Introduction to Big Data Management
- MATH 120: Optimization
- STAT 140: Nonparametric Techniques
- STAT 146: Statistical Forecasting Techniques
Good fit for students interested in:
- Data science
- Artificial intelligence
- Analytics
- Statistics
- Data-driven decision-making
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Environmental Engineering*
Environmental engineering prepares students to design systems that protect public health and the environment. Students learn to address challenges related to air quality, water quality, wastewater treatment, hazardous waste, sustainability and environmental infrastructure.
Because environmental engineering is housed with chemical engineering, students benefit from a department that connects environmental systems with energy, materials, biotechnology and molecular engineering. The department’s research areas include air quality systems engineering, water quality systems engineering, energy conversion and storage, biotechnology and biomolecular engineering, and computation and molecular engineering.
Students may explore:
- Air pollution control
- Water quality systems
- Hazardous waste management
- Green engineering
- Sustainable infrastructure
Sample courses:
- ENVE 134: Technology of Air Pollution Control
- ENVE 146: Water Quality Systems Design
- CHE 102: Catalytic Reaction Engineering
- CEE 132: Green Engineering
- ENVE 145: Hazardous Waste Management
Good fit for students interested in:
- Sustainability
- Climate resilience
- Water systems
- Air quality
- Environmental protection
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Electrical Engineering*
Electrical engineering focuses on the systems and technologies that power communication, computing, robotics, electronics, intelligent systems and energy infrastructure. Students study how electricity, signals, devices and systems are designed and applied across modern technology.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering lists undergraduate electrical engineering as one of its programs and identifies research areas including communications, signal processing and networking; computer engineering; control and robotics; intelligent systems; nanotechnology, advanced materials and devices; and power systems and smart grid.
Students may explore:
- Circuits and electronics
- Signal processing
- Robotics and controls
- Semiconductor devices
- Smart grid systems
- Intelligent systems
Sample courses:
- EE 116: Engineering Electromagnetics
- EE 123: Power Electronics
- EE 135: Analog Integrated Circuit Layout and Design
- EE 142: Pattern Recognition and Analysis for Sensor Data
- EE/ME 145: Robotics Planning and Kinematics
Good fit for students interested in:
- Electronics
- Robotics
- Energy systems
- Communications
- Semiconductors
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Materials Science and Engineering
Materials science and engineering focuses on how materials are designed, processed and improved for use in technologies ranging from electronics and energy systems to transportation, health care and manufacturing. Students learn how structure, composition and processing affect material performance.
The program’s research areas include biomaterials, structural materials, computational materials, material processing, electronic, optical and magnetic materials, and energy and green technology. The undergraduate booklet describes the program as interdisciplinary, combining physics, chemistry and mathematics to predict, modify and tailor materials properties at the electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical and chemical levels.
Students may explore:
- Biomaterials
- Nanomaterials
- Electronic materials
- Magnetic materials
- Failure analysis
- Energy materials
Sample courses:
- BIEN/MSE 136: Tissue Engineering
- EE 162: Introduction to Nanoelectronics
- MSE 143: Failure Analysis and Prevention
- EE 139: Magnetic Materials
- MSE 156: Atomistic Modeling of Materials
Good fit for students interested in:
- Semiconductors
- Advanced manufacturing
- Energy materials
- Aerospace materials
- Biomedical materials
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Mechanical Engineering*
Mechanical engineering gives students a broad foundation in design, mechanics, materials, energy, fluids, manufacturing and robotics. Students learn how to model, build, test and improve mechanical systems used across industries such as aerospace, transportation, energy, robotics and advanced manufacturing.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering identifies research areas including biomechanics and health, dynamics, controls and robotics, fluid mechanics and thermal science, materials and solid mechanics, micro and nano engineering, and energy and environment. The undergraduate booklet emphasizes that students gain experience with modern engineering software, measurement science, laboratories and design tools.
Students may explore:
- Mechanics
- Energy systems
- Robotics
- Fluid mechanics
- Manufacturing
- Sustainable product design
Sample courses:
- ME 113: Fluid Mechanics
- ME 117: Combustion and Energy Systems
- ME 176: Sustainable Product Design
- ME 180: Optics and Laser in Engineering
- ME 136: Environmental Impacts of Energy Production and Conversion
Good fit for students interested in:
- Aerospace
- Robotics
- Product design
- Energy systems
- Manufacturing
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Robotics Engineering
Robotics engineering brings together mechanical systems, electrical engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence to design intelligent and autonomous machines. Students learn how robots sense, think, move and interact with complex environments.
Robotics at UC Riverside emphasizes hands-on training with leading faculty and technology. The program highlights the importance of robotics across logistics, health care, public safety, sustainability, agriculture and national defense. It also connects students with interdisciplinary faculty from computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
Students may explore:
- Autonomous systems
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics controls
- Embedded systems
- Mechanical design
- Motion planning
Sample courses:
- CS 135: Virtual Reality
- ME 175C: Mechanical Engineering Design 3
- ME 145: Robotic Planning and Kinematics
Good fit for students interested in:
- Robotics
- Automation
- Artificial intelligence
- Mechatronics
- Autonomous vehicles
- Human-centered robotics
Why Study at BCOE?
Hands-On Learning
Labs, design projects, and makeRspaces give you real-world experience.
Undergraduate Research
Work alongside world-class faculty on cutting-edge research.
Career Ready
Internships, industry partnerships, and career support prepare you for what's next.
Vibrant Community
Join student organizations, design teams, and collaborative innovation spaces.
Global Impact
Address real-world challenges that improve lives and communities.