Degree Programs

The Department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science. 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.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering require 128 hours while Computer Science has one less at 127. For a break down of semester courses, click on the above links. You will learn fundamental scientific and engineering concepts and how to apply those principles to complex, real-world problems. Projects, which you develop from conceptual design through integration and testing to actual operation, will test your skills. Research projects are designed to strengthen your creativity and critical thinking skills. Such hands-on experiences will prepare you to succeed in future multidisciplinary, collaborative work environments.

The following are detailed explanations of each major.

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.

Accreditation

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

Admission Requirements

First-year students may enter the School of Engineering, but admission is selective. Applications are judged on several factors including, but not limited to, high school record, scores on national tests, academic record at college or university level, and trend of grades. High school transcripts and ACT scores are required. Equivalent SAT scores may be substituted.

You must have graduated in the top half of your high school class and have a mathematics score of 28 or higher on the ACT exam (or be otherwise eligible to take Math 121) to be directly admitted into the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. You should take a standard college-preparatory curriculum in high school, including courses in chemistry, economics, English, physics, and mathematics (through trigonometry). If you already have some college credits and you have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or higher, you may qualify to transfer into the School of Engineering.

EECS By The Numbers

In 2006, 139 new students enrolled in EECS. Computer Science (CS) and Computer Engineering (CoE) each received 50 incoming students while Electrical Engineering (EE) gained 39 new students. The Department includes 405 undergraduates, with 161 CS, 127 EE, and 117 CoE students. Your average freshman and sophomore EECS courses will have 45 students while junior and senior EECS classes average 25 students. Labs have 15 students on average. Our faculty strive to build a sense of community in the classroom and will seek your active involvement in learning.

Ninety-five students (44 CS, 30 EE, and 21 CoE) earned their degrees in 2005-06. At the commencement ceremony, Shannon Skoglund, a senior in computer science, received the prestigious Sammie and Carl Locke Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior in the School of Engineering.

Detailed curricula for the three majors is provided in the Undergraduate Handbook.