Electrical and Computer Engineering

Agnieszka Miguel, PhD, Chair

Electrical engineering is concerned with the use of electrical energy for the benefit of society. The profession of electrical engineering is scientifically based and design oriented. Its practice draws heavily upon the areas of mathematics, physics, and computer science as well as other branches of engineering and natural science.

The program provides a strong foundation that will prepare graduates for productive lifelong careers in any of the various sub-fields of electrical engineering such as computer engineering, power and energy, communications, signal processing, analog and digital electronics, and robotics. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers an undergraduate program that provides an integrated, contemporary perspective of the electrical engineering profession and seeks to build student skills in problem solving, written and oral communication, and a sense of professionalism. The department goals are contained within its mission statement and related program educational objectives.

Mission Statement

Within the rich tradition of Jesuit education, it is the mission of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to teach and prepare broadly-educated, socially-responsible, articulate, and skilled engineers for leadership in electrical engineering and related fields.

Program Educational Objectives

The electrical engineering program, in harmony with the university mission statement, strives to prepare graduates who will:

• Make professional contributions through the attainment of a position in electrical engineering or related field (Professional formation).
• Engage in personal and professional growth through the completion of advanced degrees or other forms of continuing education (Educating the whole person).
• Contribute to society or the profession through the involvement in professional organizations or other service activity (Empowering leaders for a just and humane world)

Departmental Requirements

In addition to individual course prerequisites, departmental candidacy in one of the engineering departments is required for entry into 300 and 400 level courses. Candidacy is achieved by successfully completing all required 100 and 200 level CPSC, ECEGR, MATH, and PHYS courses and ENGL 110 with a combined grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Only courses graded C (2.00) or higher may be transferred from other institutions. Once enrolled in the department, 300- and 400-level courses may be transferred only with permission.

The electrical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET http://www.abet.org.

Electrical Engineering Curricular Blocks

Courses taken to fulfill requirements toward the bachelor of science in electrical engineering degree are grouped into four interrelated curricular blocks. The foundations block includes courses in the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. The electrical or computer engineering fundamentals blocks include the 100, 200, and 300 level ECEGR and CPSC courses that are required in the two majors. The fundamentals block provides the basis for all advanced studies in the field. The advanced ECEGR block includes elective courses and the three-quarter senior design sequence. The advanced block allows students an opportunity to explore their individual interests within the field. Finally, the university core exposes students to a broad range of the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.