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Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

  • What is the history of EECS at KU?

    KU began offering an electrical engineering degree in the 1870s. Its School of Engineering, which was the first in the State, was established in 1891. Electrical and civil engineering were the first two programs offered by the new school.

    In the early 1960s, a multidisciplinary group of KU faculty started conducting research in computer science. This grassroots effort led to the formation of KU's Department of Computer Science in 1968. It was housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

    The Department of Electrical Engineering added computer engineering as a major, becoming ECE in 1985.

    In 1995 Computer Science joined ECE and the department became the EECS.

  • What majors does the EECS department offer?

    The Department offers three majors, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science.

  • Are all the majors accredited?

    Yes, all three majors are accredited.

    The Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: (410) 347-7700). The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board.

  • What is the difference between the 3 degrees?

    Computer engineers focus on all aspects of computational devices and systems, including both software and hardware. Electrical engineers work with electrical and electronic devices and systems while computer scientists specialize in the theory and practice of computing.

    Computer Engineers

    Computer engineers may develop special-effects technology for animated films or provide weather forecasts through the use of advanced modeling tools and computer systems. They design, construct, implement, and maintain computers and computer controlled equipment. CoE is a combination of elements from electrical engineering and computer science. Computer engineers may work with computer elements and architectures from very large scale integrated circuits to real-time, embedded computer systems. Careers include those in the computer industry, telecommunications, government and defense, software companies, and consulting firms.

    Electrical Engineers

    Electrical engineers design the power systems that supply our homes with electricity to communications systems and medical equipment. They work with any device that uses electricity. Electrical engineers may work in circuit design, electronic devices, electrical and optical communications, control and automation, electromagnetics, instrumentation, or signal processing. Employers include organizations involved in telecommunications, consumer electronics, utilities, government or defense agencies, and consulting firms.

    Computer Scientists

    Computer scientists write programs to control computer systems and develop applications for computers. Specifically, they design, analyze, and implement computer algorithms, study theory of programming methods or languages, or design and develop software systems. Computer scientists may work in artificial intelligence, database systems, parallel and distributed computation, human-computer interaction, computer graphics, operating systems, or computer systems analysis and administration. They may work for software companies, computer systems analysis, government and defense agencies, telecommunications companies, and consulting firms.

  • How many credit hours does each degree program require?

    Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering require 128 hours while Computer Science has one less at 127. The table below provides a credit-hour breakdown for the three majors.

    Hours per Course Category CS CoE EE
    EECS Core 55 64 63
    Math 22 22 18
    Science 14 15 17
    English 9 6 6
    Humanities/Social Science 21 15 15
    Communication 3 3 3
    General Elective 3 3 6

    For further curriculum and course details see the EECS undergraduate student handbook.

  • What about student safety?

    The University is committed to keeping the campus safe for all students. The Department of Student Safety
    provides facts and figures on campus crime as well as student resources and information on programs like Safe Ride.

  • Can you tell me about student housing?

    There are various housing options available for students. On-campus housing is available through the University, browse your options on the Department of Student Housing (DSH) web site.

  • What percentage of classes do professors teach?

    Professors teach 95 percent of undergraduate classes offered by the department. Faculty members are recognized for their outstanding teaching skills and bring their own cutting-edge research into the classrooms.

  • Do you have tutoring available?

    There are various tutoring options available. Some tutoring is available free of charge, details are typically posted on bulletin boards, or sent out on mailing lists. The School of Engineering has a page with tutoring information, as well.

  • What student organizations are at KU?

    There are many, many student organizations at KU.

    Some of them are also classified as engineering organizations and are supported in part by the School of Engineering.

    For example, EECS sponsors several student chapters. HKN (Theta Kappa Nu) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) are an Electrical Engineering honor society and professional organization, respectively. UPE (Upsilon Pi Epsilon) is a computer science honor society while ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) is a professional organization.

  • Do you have undergraduate research opportunities?

    Students conduct research in leading technology areas under the direction of accomplished KU investigators. Undergraduates work primarily as research assistants and gain necessary hands-on experience while becoming part of a collaborative experience.
    ITTC Web site
    CReSIS Web site

  • What companies recruit at KU?

    Each semester, the School of Engineering’s Career Services hosts a career fair. In fall 2006, 103 companies with specific interest in EECS students attended the event. The previous fall 66 companies came to to the fair.

    Organizations interested in EECS graduates that have attended past career fairs include:
    Accenture, AllofE Solutions, Bayer Corp., Bibb & Associates, Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell, BNSF, Boeing Cerner, Cessna, Chevron Energy, Cisco, Deloitte Consulting, Engenio, ExxonMobil, FBI, Frito-Lay Garmin, General Motors, General Electric, GE Transportation, Goodrich, HDB, Hills Pet Nutrition, Honeywell, IBM, Intel, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Microtech Computers, NAVSEA Warfare Center, Netopia, Northrup Grumman, Olsson Associates, Peace Corps, Perceptive Software, Raytheon, Schulmberger, Sprint, SSC San Diego, Stryker Micro Implants U.S. Armed Forces, Verizon, and Westar Energy.

  • What is the starting salary for KU EECS graduates?

    Based on student data collected as of May 2006, our Computer Engineering graduates average starting salary is $54,250, Electrical Engineers $54,250, and Computer Scientists $48,250.

  • What are the opporunities for study abroad?

    KU offers programs in approximately 60 countries throughout the world. Students can study in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, or Europe. For detailed information visit the KU office of study abroad.

  • Can you tell me more about KU? (“Know KU” section)

    The University of Kansas was opened in 1866 with just a few buildings on "The Hill." Today KU is nationally recognized for its academics, research, and sports. Explore KU's beautiful campus and rich traditions.

    For more on KU's history check out Clark Griffins' writings. A condensed version of the first chapter, and part of the second, of his book, The University of Kansas: A History, 1864-1964 was published in the Kansas Historical Quarterly.

  • What is the town of Lawrence like?

    Lawrence is a vibrant and eclectic community, with dynamic music and arts scenes. The city site, Lawrence Cyber Village, the Chamber of Commerce site, and Lawrence.com, are good places to find out more about Lawrence.