Electrical and computer engineering (ECE) 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, 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, human-computer interaction, 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, software engineering, and human-computer interaction. The B.S. program in electrical and computer engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
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. The faculty of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering strives to educate and train the students in a technically sound and challenging manner in order to achieve the following educational objectives:
1. To prepare graduates to pursue professional careers or continue their education in graduate programs.
2. To ensure that graduates are proficient and competent in at least one of the following electrical and computer engineering areas: communications, computer engineering, digital signal processing, systems and controls, and solid state electronics.
3. To produce graduates who will pursue life-long learning and professional development.
Program Outcomes
Rutgers ECE graduates should have attained:
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
(d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve electrical and computer engineering problems;
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
(g) an ability to communicate effectively;
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of electrical and computer engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning;
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues;
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for electrical and computer engineering practice.
