The Electrical Engineering program gives students a broad knowledge of the math, physics, electronics, and power concepts necessary for a career in the discipline. Students will become familiar with topics such as electronics, electromechanical systems, embedded systems, power electronics, micro and nanoelectronics, microwave engineering, optoelectronics, semiconductor devices, photonics, photovoltaics, solar power, biomedical devices, microelectromechanical systems, internet of things, laser, RF/analog/digital circuit design, radar, robotics, sensors, signal processing, control, software development, machine learning, cyber-physical security, artificial intelligence, and vehicle technology. Students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills throughout their studies. In addition, they develop an ability to apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, and general engineering to address technical issues.
Graduates with an Electrical Engineering BS degree commonly begin their careers in a variety of functions including: power generation, management, and distribution engineers; analog electronics designers; digital hardware designers; printed circuit board designers; and embedded hardware and software developers. Graduates often work in a wide range of industries including aerospace, defense/military, automotive, medical, software, semiconductors, and consumer electronics. These graduates also pursue post-graduate degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Business & Commerce, and even professional areas such as Law and Medicine.
The information contained here describes the undergraduate curriculum in Electrical Engineering. Graduate students and students participating in the Accelerated Masters Program (AMP) should consult the graduate catalog for information on all cross-listed and graduate-only courses. More information about various programs within the department is available in the Electrical and Computer Engineering departmental office located in 3027 SERC.
Accreditation
Information can be found on Department website.
Students earning the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BS) degree must complete all University, College and departmental degree requirements for a total of 126 credits. These include General Education requirements and the following major requirements and ancillary requirements. Additional information, including a semester-by-semester flowchart of degree requirements, can be found on the departmental website. Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BS) degree must comply with all College of Engineering academic policies and requirements.
| Major and Ancillary Requirements | Hours |
| ENGR 101 | The World of Engineering | 1 |
| ENGR 104 | Fundamentals of Engineering | 3 |
| CS 100 or | CS I for Majors | 4 |
| CS 110 | Honors CS I for Majors |
| ECE 225 | Electric Circuits | 4 |
| ECE 332 | Electronics I | 4 |
| ECE 333 | Electronics II | 4 |
| ECE 341 | Electromagnetics | 3 |
| ECE 350 | Electric Power & Machines | 3 |
| ECE 370 | Signals And Systems | 4 |
| ECE 380 | Digital Logic | 4 |
| ECE 383 | Microcomputers | 4 |
| ECE 394 | Prep Global Elec and Comp Eng | 3 |
| ECE 492 | Capstone Design I | 2 |
| ECE 494 | Capstone Design II | 2 |
| 8 |
| |
| Communications
and Communications Lab | |
| Power Electronics
and Power Electronics Laboratory | |
| Power Systems
and Power Systems Laboratory | |
| Control Systems Analysis
and Control Systems Lab | |
| Digital Systems Design
and Digital Systems Design Lab | |
| Embedded Systems
and Embedded Systems Laboratory | |
| 12 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| 3 |
| Intro. to Semiconductor Device | |
| Electromechanical Systems |
| Mechanics I |
| 68 |
| CH 101 or | General Chemistry | 4 |
| CH 117 | Honors General Chemistry |
| MATH 125 or | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 145 | Honors Calculus I |
| MATH 126 or | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 146 | Honors Calculus II |
| MATH 227 or | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 247 | Honors Calculus III |
| MATH 237 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 238 | Appld Diff Equations I | 3 |
| MATH 355 | Theory Of Probability | 3 |
| PH 105 or | General Physics W/Calc I | 4 |
| PH 125 | Honors Gen Ph W/Calculus |
| PH 106 or | General Physics W/Calc II | 4 |
| PH 126 | Honors Gen Ph W/Calculus II |
| PH 253 | Intro Modern Physics | 3 |
| 36 |
| |
The overall goal of the Electrical Engineering program is to prepare students for engineering careers within the discipline. The first year and a half of the Electrical Engineering curriculum includes basic courses in mathematics and physical science, broadening courses in humanities and social science, and foundation courses in engineering. The next three semesters provide the core education in Electrical Engineering, with courses in computers, electronics, circuits, power, and systems. The last year of study includes two semesters of Capstone Design as well as technical electives to allow students to concentrate in selected areas of the discipline. For seniors, the department offers advanced courses in computers, communications, controls, electromagnetics, microelectronics, materials, and power.
Credit hour substitutions for a course must come from a course within the same discipline (for example, a CS hour must be used to substitute for a missing CS hour). The course used as substitution cannot be used for any other Electrical Engineering program requirement. This is accomplished through a petition to the ECE Department.
Electrical Engineering graduates have career opportunities in a number of industries and fields including, but not limited to, computing, communications, manufacturing, maintenance, utilities, aerospace, automotive, defense/military, medical, robotics and automation, semiconductors, and consumer electronics. The degree also provides an excellent background for graduate study in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering as well as Law and Medicine.
Types of Jobs Accepted
Electrical Engineering graduates often gain entry-level positions as utility engineers, facilities engineers, programmers, or design engineers with various engineering firms, consulting firms, and companies across a wide range of industries.
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
Alumni of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering currently hold positions such as distribution manager, Alabama Power; vice president, ADTRAN; and senior design engineer, Radiance Technologies; senior engineer, TSC.
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center
