Electrical Engineering Major

BS degree

The Electrical Engineering program prepares students to meet changing high-technology needs in electrical engineering, and for graduate study, by providing a strong background in science, mathematics and engineering.

Electrical Engineering encompasses a broad range of specialties including communications, signal processing, instrumentation, control and automation, power conversion and distribution, RF and microwave devices and systems, and digital and analog techniques. In any of these specialties, electrical engineers work with devices and/or systems to perform various functions such as research and development, systems analysis, management, production, testing, quality control or sales. They may pursue careers in many areas, such as monitoring and control of the environment, space exploration, aerospace and defense, ocean engineering, energy resources, biomedical engineering, information technology, law or medicine.

The program consists of a core of basic science and mathematical courses interwoven throughout the four years of study. The student also selects 18 credit hours in a new general education curriculum called University Studies. Students begin to identify with their field in the first and second year of study. In the junior year, students gain a foundation for further study in particular branches of electrical engineering. A senior year composed primarily of elective courses and a capstone design project allows the students to concentrate their studies in one or more areas of their choice, and hone their skills for the real world. A co-op or internship experience is also available for qualified students in cooperation with regional industries.

Students may join the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a professional society with a student branch in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Qualified students can join the Zeta Xi Chapter of Eta Kappa Nu, the Electrical and Computer Engineering National Honor Society.

Calculation of the GPA in the Electrical Engineering Major

Students must have a minimum 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all courses taken at the university in order to graduate. Students must also have a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA in the major. For purposes of this computation:

1. All courses with an ECE prefix except ECE 298, ECE 400, ECE 401, ECE 495 or ECE 595 count in calculating the GPA for the Electrical Engineering major.
2. Courses required for the major but taken outside the major discipline are not counted in the calculation of the major cumulative GPA.
3. If a course is repeated, only the most recent course grade (whether higher or lower) shall be used to calculate the major cumulative GPA.