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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 399.

*Primary writing requirement WRT 273 is an optional requirement for Class of 2017 and mandatory for Classes 2018, 2019, and beyond.

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 399, 398, 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, 244, 245, 246

VLSI and Electronics
261, 266

Computer Engineering
201, 204

Waves, Fields and Devices
223, 227, 235, 261, 266, 269

 *other upper-level courses as approved


Required Science and Mathematics Courses

PHY 121: Mechanics
PHY 122: Electricity and Magnetism

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

MTH 165/163: Linear Algebra with Differential Equations 

MTH 164: Multidimensional Calculus
ECE 270: Discrete Math and Probability for Engineers (Classes of 2017 and 2018 may alternatively use MTH201 Probability, although ECE 270 is highly recommended if they have not yet completed MTH201. 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

The department requires all students to take at least five courses in the humanities and social sciences. These can be in either or both areas, but not all courses can be at the introductory level. Three of these courses must constitute a "cluster" of related work. Lists of previously approved clusters are available, or students can submit their own ideas for approval.

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

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