This paper is concerned with the discrete formulation and numerical solution of unsteady compressible boundary layer flows using the Galerkin-finite element method. Linear interpolation functions for the velocity, density, temperature and pressure are used in the momentum equation and equations of continuity, energy and state. The coupled nonlinear finite element equations are approximated by a third order Taylor series expansion as temporal operator to integrate in time with Newton-Raphson type iterations performed until convergence within each time step. As an example, a boundary layer problem of a perfect gas behind a normal shock wave is solved. A comparison of the results with those by other method indicates a favorable agreement.