University Catalog 2024-2025

Electrical Engineering (BS)

Electrical engineering is the driving force behind the technological innovations that will shape the future. It's the realm where the boundaries of possibility are constantly pushed, as engineers harness the power of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to forge new pathways towards progress. In this dynamic field, engineers are crafting the infrastructure of tomorrow's world, where renewable energy sources fuel our cities, smart grids optimize and secure power distribution, electric vehicles revolutionize transportation, and innovations in biomedical devices dramatically improve the quality of life.

Moreover, with the rapid advancement of electronics and telecommunications, electrical engineers are at the forefront of creating the next generation of connected devices, from wearables to Internet of Things ecosystems, that will enhance our lives and transform industries. As we race into the future, electrical engineers are poised to drive innovation, sustainability, and connectivity, propelling humanity toward new heights of technological achievement and societal advancement.

Core Courses

The electrical and computer engineering curricula share core courses comprising a substantial portion of the first three years of study. Many of the core courses are offered three times a year in fall, spring, and summer. A strong emphasis is placed on fundamental concepts in core courses so that graduates are prepared for rapid technological changes common in the electrical and computer engineering professions. A comprehensive foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences in the freshman year is followed in subsequent years by additional core courses in mathematics, physics, electric circuit theory, digital logic, computer systems, electronics, electromagnetics, and linear systems. Laboratory work is designed to demonstrate fundamental principles and to provide experience in designing and testing electronic hardware and computer software. Both curricula have a required two semester senior design project which gives students comprehensive experience in designing, building, and testing physical systems.

Curricula

In addition to the core courses described above, students in the electrical engineering curriculum take two foundational electives and four specialization electives in areas of their choice within the discipline and two technical electives that can be in either electrical engineering or selected engineering courses offered by other departments. Additionally, a variety of elective courses are offered in communications, computational intelligence, controls, digital signal processing, digital systems, nanotechnology, mechatronics, microelectronics, networking, robotics, and VLSI design. There are typically a dozen or more of these courses offered each fall and spring semester and two or three available each summer.

Plan Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
CH 101 Chemistry - A Molecular Science 1 3
CH 102 General Chemistry Laboratory 1 1
E 101 Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 2 1
E 115 Introduction to Computing Environments 1
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 2 4
MA 141 Calculus I 1 4
 Hours14
Spring Semester
ECE 109 Introduction to Computer Systems 2 3
MA 241 Calculus II 1 4
PY 205
PY 206
Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1
4
Select one of the following Economics Courses: 3
Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics
Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics
Principles of Microeconomics
Fundamentals of Economics
E 102 Engineering in the 21st Century 2
 Hours16
Second Year
Fall Semester
ECE 200 Introduction to Signals, Circuits and Systems 2 4
ECE 209 Computer Systems Programming 2 3
MA 242 Calculus III 4
PY 208
PY 209
Physics for Engineers and Scientists II
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory
4
 Hours15
Spring Semester
COM 110 Public Speaking 3
ECE 211 Electric Circuits 2 4
ECE 212 Fundamentals of Logic Design 2 3
ECE 220 Analytical Foundations of Electrical and Computer Engineering 2 3
 Hours13
Third Year
Fall Semester
ECE 301 Linear Systems 3
ECE 302 Microelectronics 4
ST 371 Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory 3
Select two of the following ECE Foundation Electives: 6
Introduction to Nano Science and Technology
Principles of Electromechanical Energy Conversion
Introduction to Embedded Systems
or Design of Complex Digital Systems
Elements of Control Systems
 Hours16
Spring Semester
ECE 303 Electromagnetic Fields 3
Select one of the following: 1
Engineering Profession for Electrical Engineers
Engineering Profession for Computer Engineers
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and New Product Development
EE Electives 6
Choose 2 from the same group of "Comm, Sig, Proc Sys" or "Control Sys" or "Circ, E&M Sys" or "Nano Sys" or "Power Sys" from the ECE and EE Electives List below
ENG 331 Communication for Engineering and Technology 3
 Hours13
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Select one of the following Senior Design Project I courses: 3
Engineering Entrepreneurship and New Product Development I
Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Design I
ECE Electives 6
 Hours9
Spring Semester
Select one of the following Senior Design Project II courses: 3
Engineering Entrepreneurship and New Product Development II
Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Design II
Open/Technical Electives 6
 Hours9
 Total Hours105
1

A grade of C or higher is required.

2

A grade of C- or higher is required.

GEP Courses
GEP Humanities6
GEP Social Sciences3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives3
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
World Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Total Hours17

EE Electives 

ECE and EE Electives
Comm, Sig, Proc Sys
Communications Engineering
Introduction to Signal Processing
Introduction to Machine Learning
Wireless Communication Systems
Introduction to Signal Processing
Systems Biology Modeling of Plant Regulation
Advanced Digital Signal Processing
Random Processes
Digital Communications
Neural Networks
Digital Imaging Systems
LTE and 5G Communications
Wireless Communication Systems
Control Sys
Digital Control Systems
Industrial Robot Systems
Mechatronics
System Control Engineering
Medical Instrumentation
Digital Control System Projects
Autonomous Robot Systems
Circ, E&M Sys
Electronics Engineering
Transmission Lines and Antennas for Wireless
Radio System Design
Analog Electronics Laboratory
Analog Electronics
ECE 532
Electromagnetic Fields
Antennas and Arrays
Design Of Electronic Packaging and Interconnects
RF Design for Wireless
Nano Sys
Introduction to Solid-State Devices
Wearable Biosensors and Microsystems
Introduction to Photonics and Optical Communications
Introduction to Integrated Circuit Technology and Fabrication
Conventional and Emerging Nanomanufacturing Techniques and Their Applications in Nanosystems
Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting
Neural Interface Engineering
Photonics and Optical Communications
Physical Electronics
Principles Of Transistor Devices
Integrated Circuits Technology and Fabrication
Principles Of MOS Transistors
Power Sys
Fundamentals of Power Electronics
Power System Analysis
Renewable Electric Energy Systems
Electric Motor Drives
Power Electronics Design & Packaging
Power Electronics
Design of Electromechanical Systems
Power System Operation and Control
Smart Electric Power Distribution Systems
Semiconductor Power Devices
Electric Motor Drives
Electric Power System Protection
Electric Power Engineering Practicum I
Electric Power Engineering Practicum II
The Business of the Electric Utility Industry
Communication and SCADA Systems for Smart Grid
Power System Transients Analysis
Comp Arch Sys
Architecture Of Parallel Computers
Microprocessor Architecture
ASIC and FPGA Design with Verilog
VLSI Systems Design
Embed Sys
Embedded System Architectures
Embedded System Analysis and Optimization
Networking Sys
Introduction to Computer Networking
Internetworking
Cloud Computing Technology
Computer Networks
Internet Protocols
Computer and Network Security
Introduction to Wireless Networking
Networking Services: QoS, Signaling, Processes
Switched Network Management
Introduction to Computer Performance Modeling
Software Sys
Operating Systems Design
Compiler Optimization and Scheduling
Object-Oriented Design and Development
Special Topics
Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering

ECE Electives

ECE Elective

ECE 402Communications Engineering3
ECE 403Electronics Engineering3
ECE 404Introduction to Solid-State Devices3
ECE 406/506Architecture Of Parallel Computers3
ECE 407Introduction to Computer Networking3
ECE 410/510Introduction to Signal Processing3
ECE 411Introduction to Machine Learning3
ECE 418/518Wearable Biosensors and Microsystems3
ECE 420Wireless Communication Systems3
ECE 421Introduction to Signal Processing3
ECE 422Transmission Lines and Antennas for Wireless3
ECE 423Introduction to Photonics and Optical Communications3
ECE 424/524Radio System Design3
ECE 426Analog Electronics Laboratory3
ECE 434Fundamentals of Power Electronics3
ECE 436Digital Control Systems3
ECE 442Introduction to Integrated Circuit Technology and Fabrication3
ECE 451Power System Analysis3
ECE 452/552Renewable Electric Energy Systems3
ECE 453Electric Motor Drives3
ECE 455Industrial Robot Systems3
ECE 456/556Mechatronics3
ECE 460/560Embedded System Architectures3
ECE 461/561Embedded System Analysis and Optimization3
ECE 463/563Microprocessor Architecture3
ECE 464/564ASIC and FPGA Design with Verilog3
ECE 465/565Operating Systems Design3
ECE 466/566Compiler Optimization and Scheduling3
ECE 468/568Conventional and Emerging Nanomanufacturing Techniques and Their Applications in Nanosystems3
ECE 470Internetworking3
ECE 488/588Systems Biology Modeling of Plant Regulation3
ECE 489/589Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting3
ECE 492Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering1-4
ECE 505Neural Interface Engineering3
ECE 511Analog Electronics3
ECE 513Advanced Digital Signal Processing3
ECE 514Random Processes3
ECE 515Digital Communications3
ECE 516System Control Engineering3
ECE 517Object-Oriented Design and Development3
ECE 522Medical Instrumentation3
ECE 523Photonics and Optical Communications3
ECE 530Physical Electronics3
ECE 531Principles Of Transistor Devices3
ECE 532Principles Of Microwave Circuits3
ECE 533Power Electronics Design & Packaging3
ECE 534Power Electronics3
ECE 535Design of Electromechanical Systems3
ECE 536Digital Control System Projects3
ECE 538Integrated Circuits Technology and Fabrication3
ECE 540Electromagnetic Fields3
ECE 541Antennas and Arrays3
ECE 542Neural Networks3
ECE 544Design Of Electronic Packaging and Interconnects3
ECE 546VLSI Systems Design3
ECE 547Cloud Computing Technology3
ECE 549RF Design for Wireless3
ECE 550Power System Operation and Control3
ECE 551Smart Electric Power Distribution Systems3
ECE 553Semiconductor Power Devices3
ECE 554Electric Motor Drives3
ECE 555Autonomous Robot Systems3
ECE 557Principles Of MOS Transistors3
ECE 558Digital Imaging Systems3
ECE 570Computer Networks3
ECE 573Internet Protocols3
ECE 574Computer and Network Security3
ECE 575Introduction to Wireless Networking3
ECE 576Networking Services: QoS, Signaling, Processes3
ECE 577Switched Network Management3
ECE 578LTE and 5G Communications3
ECE 579Introduction to Computer Performance Modeling3
ECE 581Electric Power System Protection3
ECE 582Wireless Communication Systems3
ECE 583Electric Power Engineering Practicum I3
ECE 584Electric Power Engineering Practicum II3
ECE 585The Business of the Electric Utility Industry3
ECE 586Communication and SCADA Systems for Smart Grid3
ECE 587Power System Transients Analysis3
ECE 591Special Topics In Electrical Engineering1-6
ECE 592Special Topics In Electrical Engineering1-6

Open/Tech Electives 

Open Electives

Choose from the ECE Elective List or the other Open Electives listed below

ECE Elective

ECE 402Communications Engineering3
ECE 403Electronics Engineering3
ECE 404Introduction to Solid-State Devices3
ECE 406/506Architecture Of Parallel Computers3
ECE 407Introduction to Computer Networking3
ECE 410/510Introduction to Signal Processing3
ECE 411Introduction to Machine Learning3
ECE 418/518Wearable Biosensors and Microsystems3
ECE 420Wireless Communication Systems3
ECE 421Introduction to Signal Processing3
ECE 422Transmission Lines and Antennas for Wireless3
ECE 423Introduction to Photonics and Optical Communications3
ECE 424/524Radio System Design3
ECE 426Analog Electronics Laboratory3
ECE 434Fundamentals of Power Electronics3
ECE 436Digital Control Systems3
ECE 442Introduction to Integrated Circuit Technology and Fabrication3
ECE 451Power System Analysis3
ECE 452/552Renewable Electric Energy Systems3
ECE 453Electric Motor Drives3
ECE 455Industrial Robot Systems3
ECE 456/556Mechatronics3
ECE 460/560Embedded System Architectures3
ECE 461/561Embedded System Analysis and Optimization3
ECE 463/563Microprocessor Architecture3
ECE 464/564ASIC and FPGA Design with Verilog3
ECE 465/565Operating Systems Design3
ECE 466/566Compiler Optimization and Scheduling3
ECE 468/568Conventional and Emerging Nanomanufacturing Techniques and Their Applications in Nanosystems3
ECE 470Internetworking3
ECE 488/588Systems Biology Modeling of Plant Regulation3
ECE 489/589Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting3
ECE 492Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering1-4
ECE 505Neural Interface Engineering3
ECE 511Analog Electronics3
ECE 513Advanced Digital Signal Processing3
ECE 514Random Processes3
ECE 515Digital Communications3
ECE 516System Control Engineering3
ECE 517Object-Oriented Design and Development3
ECE 522Medical Instrumentation3
ECE 523Photonics and Optical Communications3
ECE 530Physical Electronics3
ECE 531Principles Of Transistor Devices3
ECE 532Principles Of Microwave Circuits3
ECE 533Power Electronics Design & Packaging3
ECE 534Power Electronics3
ECE 535Design of Electromechanical Systems3
ECE 536Digital Control System Projects3
ECE 538Integrated Circuits Technology and Fabrication3
ECE 540Electromagnetic Fields3
ECE 541Antennas and Arrays3
ECE 542Neural Networks3
ECE 544Design Of Electronic Packaging and Interconnects3
ECE 546VLSI Systems Design3
ECE 547Cloud Computing Technology3
ECE 549RF Design for Wireless3
ECE 550Power System Operation and Control3
ECE 551Smart Electric Power Distribution Systems3
ECE 553Semiconductor Power Devices3
ECE 554Electric Motor Drives3
ECE 555Autonomous Robot Systems3
ECE 557Principles Of MOS Transistors3
ECE 558Digital Imaging Systems3
ECE 570Computer Networks3
ECE 573Internet Protocols3
ECE 574Computer and Network Security3
ECE 575Introduction to Wireless Networking3
ECE 576Networking Services: QoS, Signaling, Processes3
ECE 577Switched Network Management3
ECE 578LTE and 5G Communications3
ECE 579Introduction to Computer Performance Modeling3
ECE 581Electric Power System Protection3
ECE 582Wireless Communication Systems3
ECE 583Electric Power Engineering Practicum I3
ECE 584Electric Power Engineering Practicum II3
ECE 585The Business of the Electric Utility Industry3
ECE 586Communication and SCADA Systems for Smart Grid3
ECE 587Power System Transients Analysis3
ECE 591Special Topics In Electrical Engineering1-6
ECE 592Special Topics In Electrical Engineering1-6
ECE 303Electromagnetic Fields3
E 304Introduction to Nano Science and Technology3
ECE 305Principles of Electromechanical Energy Conversion3
ECE 306Introduction to Embedded Systems3
ECE 308Elements of Control Systems3
ECE 309Data Structures and Object-Oriented Programming for Electrical and Computer Engineers3
ECE 310Design of Complex Digital Systems3
ECE 384Practical Engineering Prototyping3
CE 214Engineering Mechanics-Statics3
or MAE 206 Engineering Statics
MSE 200Mechanical Properties of Structural Materials3
or MSE 201 Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials
ISE 311Engineering Economic Analysis3
MAE 208Engineering Dynamics3
MAE 201Thermal-Fluid Sciences3
MAE 302/BME 525Engineering Thermodynamics II3

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
CH 101 Chemistry - A Molecular Science 1 3
CH 102 General Chemistry Laboratory 1 1
E 101 Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 1,2 1
E 115 Introduction to Computing Environments 1,2 1
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 1,2 4
MA 141 Calculus I 1 4
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours17
Spring Semester
ECE 109 Introduction to Computer Systems 2 3
MA 241 Calculus II 1 4
PY 205 Physics for Engineers and Scientists I 1 3
PY 206 Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1
E 102 Engineering in the 21st Century 2
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours14
Second Year
Fall Semester
ECE 200 Introduction to Signals, Circuits and Systems 2 4
ECE 209 Computer Systems Programming 2 3
MA 242 Calculus III 4
PY 208 Physics for Engineers and Scientists II 3
PY 209 Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory 1
 Hours15
Spring Semester
COM 110 Public Speaking 3
ECE 211 Electric Circuits 2 4
ECE 212 Fundamentals of Logic Design 2 3
ECE 220 Analytical Foundations of Electrical and Computer Engineering 2 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours16
Third Year
Fall Semester
ECE 301 Linear Systems 3
ECE 302 Microelectronics 4
ECE Foundation Elective 3
ST 371 Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory 3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours14
Spring Semester
ECE 303 Electromagnetic Fields 3
Select one of the following: 1
Engineering Profession for Electrical Engineers
Engineering Profession for Computer Engineers
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and New Product Development
ECE Foundation Elective 3
Open/Technical Elective 3
ENG 331 Communication for Engineering and Technology 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
ECE 484 Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Design I 3
ECE Elective 3
EE Elective 3
Open/Technical Elective 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ECE 485 Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Design II 3
EE Elective 3
ECE Elective 3
GEP Requirement 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours122
1

Courses required for Change of Degree Audit (CODA). CH 101, 102; MA 141, 241; PY 205, 206 must be completed with C or higher.

2

A grade of C- or higher is required. E 115 requires satisfactory completion (S).

An electrical engineering degree opens the door to a variety of dynamic career opportunities at the forefront of technological innovation. Graduates can pursue roles as power systems engineers, designing and optimizing the infrastructure that delivers electricity to homes and industries.

They may delve into the world of electronics, developing cutting-edge devices and systems such as smartphones, computers, and medical devices. Control systems engineers design and implement automated systems that regulate processes in industries ranging from manufacturing to aerospace. Renewable energy specialists work at the forefront of sustainable technology, designing and implementing solar, wind, and other alternative energy systems to combat climate change.

You can design and optimize communication networks, enabling seamless connectivity in today's digital world. Moreover, with the increasing integration of electronics and software, opportunities abound in fields such as embedded systems, robotics, and the Internet of Things, where engineers create innovative solutions that blend hardware and software to tackle real-world challenges.

Whether in traditional industries or emerging fields, electrical engineering graduates are well-positioned to drive technological progress and make meaningful contributions to society.

You can see some currently hiring positions in ePack for examples of career paths.

Career Titles

  • Computer Network Architects
  • Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  • Electrical Drafter
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Electrical EngineeringTechnician
  • Electro-Mechanical Technicians
  • Electronic Drafter
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Electronics Technician
  • Engineering Professor
  • Instrument Technician
  • Mechanical Drafter
  • Mechatronics Engineers
  • Photonics Engineers
  • Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
  • Sales Engineers
  • Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Learn More About Careers

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Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
National Society of Professional Engineers