Undergraduate Program
Major Requirements
Students majoring in electrical and computer engineering (ECE) will complete a total of 128 credits in the following areas:
- Core Courses: 52 credits*
- Advanced Electives and Design: 8 credits
- Math: 20 credits
- Sciences: 12 credits
- Cluster: 12 credits
- Humanities/social sciences: 8 credits
- Electives: 16 credits
*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.