Electrical and computer engineering is a rapidly developing and
diverse field ranging from integrated circuits and submicron devices to
powerful computational systems and massive communication networks, such
as those used in the information superhighway. Over the past two
decades, increasing numbers of electrical and computer engineering
graduates have been engaged in the development and application of
solid-state electronic devices, electronic computers and data
processing systems, and automatic control systems of increasing
sophistication. In turn, these developments have led to further
development of the more traditional technologies, such as energy
conversion and transmission; electrical circuit synthesis; and
particularly to an unprecedented growth of electronic data processing,
communication, control, and computer systems.
To prepare its
graduates to compete in a fast-changing technical environment, the
department depends upon a curriculum with a strong core of required
courses in mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering science. In
addition, students have considerable freedom to choose electives in
these and other areas of study. As a result, electrical and computer
engineering undergraduates may structure their programs to accommodate
the changes of the electrical and electronic industry and to prepare
for graduate study in such diverse areas as control and power systems,
communication systems, digital signal processing, computer engineering,
solid-state electronics, wireless information networks, and others. The
wide range of subject matter enhances the student's opportunity for
challenging employment and graduate study.
The department
offers two curriculum options for undergraduate students: electrical
engineering and computer engineering. The electrical engineering option
follows a traditional set of required courses with equal emphasis on
all main areas of electrical engineering, yet allows a student to favor
one area over another by appropriate selection of elective courses. The
computer engineering option, while giving a broad background in
electrical engineering, prepares students for careers in the area
of computer hardware and software engineering.
Program Objectives
Consistent with the stated mission of the university, the mission of
the electrical and computer engineering program is to prepare its
graduates for a rapidly changing technological field. Students are
provided with a broad and thorough education in electrical and computer
engineering fundamentals, applications, and design so as to prepare
them for a career in the electrical and computer engineering
profession, and for continuing their studies at the graduate level. In
pursuit of this mission, the educational objectives are
1. to provide a broadly based educational experience in which the
scientific and technical elements of the engineering curriculum are
integrated with the humanities and social sciences;
2. to
ensure that students are competent in fundamental areas in electrical
and computer engineering, such as communications, computer engineering
(hardware and software), digital signal processing, systems and
controls, solid state electronics, and circuits;
3. to
ensure that students are able to identify, formulate, and solve a wide
range of electrical and computer engineering problems using modern
engineering tools and techniques;
4. to provide students
with a major design experience in at least one of the fundamental areas
in electrical and computer engineering;
5. to encourage
students to continue their professional development by attending
graduate school, engaging in continuous learning programs, and/or
participating in professional societies.
Program Outcomes
Encompassing the program outcomes set forth in the ABET Engineering
Criteria 2000, each graduate of the electrical and computer engineering
program is expected to have demonstrated the following by time of
graduation:
1. an ability to apply knowledge of
mathematics, science, and engineering for analysis and solution of
engineering problems;
2. proficiency in fundamental areas
of electrical and computer engineering, such as communications,
computer engineering (hardware and software), digital signal
processing, systems and controls, solid state electronics, and
circuits;
3. an ability to design and conduct laboratory
experiments and to critically analyze and interpret data in the
fundamental areas of electrical and computer engineering;
4. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve a wide range of
problems encountered in electrical and computer engineering using the
skills, techniques, and modern engineering tools necessary for
engineering practice;
5. an ability to perform
engineering design by means of design experience integrated throughout
the professional component of the curricula, culminating in a major
design experience involving teamwork, alternative solutions, and
realistic design constraints;
6. an understanding of the
importance of personal and professional integrity, ethical
responsibility in the practice of electrical and computer engineering,
and other professional practice issues;
7. an ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, both individually and in multidisciplinary teams;
8. a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in
lifelong learning and professional development, including graduate
school, continuing education, and participation in professional
societies;
9. the broad education necessary to understand
contemporary issues and the impact of engineering solutions in a global
and societal context.
