Skip to main content
University of Rochester

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Undergraduate Program

Major Requirements

Students majoring in electrical and computer engineering (ECE) will complete a total of 128 credits in the following areas:

*Primary writing requirement (WRT105) included. The upper-level writing requirement is met through
 writing assignments in ECE 111, 112, 113, and 350.

*Primary writing requirement WRT 273 is a requirement for all classes in both ECE and AME degrees.

Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Curriculum Guide

Required Core Courses

ECE 111: Introduction to Signals and Circuits (Circuit and System Theory)
ECE 112: Digital Circuits (Logic Design) 
 

ECE 113: Introduction to Signals and Circuits (Circuit and System Theory) 

ECE 114: Introduction to Computers and Programming
ECE 241: Signals and Systems 

ECE 242: Communications 

ECE 221: Electronic Devices and Circuits 

ECE 222: Integrated Circuit Design and Analysis

ECE 230: Fields and Waves 

ECE 200: Computer Organization

ECE 216: Microprocessors and Data Conversion
Two 2-credit seminar courses

Advanced Electives and Design

In planning a program of study each student must choose one advanced ECE elective course and the capstone design sequence ECE 350, 348, and 349. This requirement assures that all majors devote some of their advanced level course-work to a specialization within ECE leading to a design project. This is the minimum requirement and students are encouraged to take as many advanced electives as they can fit into their schedule. In the design sequence, students will define their design project in consultation an ECE faculty member.

Multiple advanced electives are listed for most areas; please consult with your ECE advisor to make appropriate course selections.

Signals, Communications, and Control
231, 232, 244, 245, 246, 247, 272

VLSI and Electronics
261, 262, 266

Computer Engineering
201, 204, 271

Waves, Fields and Devices
223, 235, 261, 266, 269

 *other upper-level courses as approved by Undergraduate Chair


Required Science and Mathematics Courses

PHY 121: Mechanics
PHY 122: Electricity and Magnetism

MTH 161/142: Calculus 1
MTH 162/143: Calculus 2 

MTH 165: Linear Algebra with Differential Equations 

MTH 164: Multidimensional Calculus
ECE 270: Discrete Math and Probability for Engineers  (ECE 270 is a required course for Classes of 2019 and beyond.)

Courses that satisfy the natural science requirement are the following:

  • Physics—PHY 123 or higher
  • Astronomy—AST 111 or higher
  • Chemistry—CHM 103 or higher
  • Biology—BIO 110 or higher
  • Earth and environmental science—EES 101 or higher
  • Brain and cognitive sciences—BCS 110 or 
higher

Humanities and Social Science Courses and Clusters

All ECE majors must take a minimum of 5 humanities and/or social science (H&SS) courses. This includes the three courses taken to satisfy the University Cluster requirement. These five courses can be chosen from any recognized Humanities and/or Social Science field listed below. Courses in Business may not be used to satisfy this requirement. Students also are expected to take some of these courses beyond the introductory level. Ordinarily, H&SS Clusters will count for three of the five required courses, but if questions arise, students should consult their advisors. Language courses at the 101 level are only accepted when followed by another, more advanced course in the same language. While it is preferred to have at least one course in each of H&SS, a minor of 5 or more courses in one area will satisfy the H&SS requirement.

Optional Introductory ECE Courses

The department offers two optional introductory courses in electrical and computer engineering:

  • ECE 101/EAS 108: Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • ECE 140/EAS 103: Introduction to Audio and Music Engineering (Not optional for AME majors - part of core requirement)

If you want to take an optional course, you should sign up for it during your first semester.