School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers courses of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. The programs of study leading to a bachelor of science in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or software engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The bachelor of arts and bachelor of science computer science programs are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.  In collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences, an interdisciplinary degree leading to the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics is also available (see Mathematics and Statistics for complete information).  

All the undergraduate programs in the School of EECS have five educational objectives. The first educational objective varies slightly across our degree programs: 1) Our graduates have professional careers in the electrical engineering industry or academia or are engaged in advanced studies (Electrical Engineering); 1) Our graduates have professional careers in the computer engineering industry or academia or are engaged in advanced studies (Computer Engineering); 1) Our graduates have professional careers in the software engineering industry or academia or are engaged in advanced studies (Software Engineering); 1) Our graduates have professional careers in the computing industry or academia or are engaged in advanced studies (B.S. and B.A. Computer Science); and 1) Our graduates have professional careers in the cybersecurity industry or academia or are engaged in advanced studies (Cybersecurity). The four remaining educational objectives are the same for all degree programs:  2) Our graduates adapt to changes in technology as well as to the needs of society.  3) Our graduates continue to seek knowledge to thrive in an increasingly globalized society.  4) Our graduates are successful team members or team leaders.  5) Our graduates conduct themselves with integrity and incorporate proper ethical considerations in their work. 

Electrical Engineering

The curriculum in electrical engineering is designed to give the student fundamental knowledge in the areas of general interest to all electrical engineers. The course of study is therefore oriented toward the basic theory and concepts which prepare students for entry into any of the many activities open to members of the profession including research, design, development, operations, management, teaching, sales, and consulting. Laboratory experience is emphasized to provide for familiarity with electrical, electronic and computing equipment and with experimental techniques. Modern laboratories are available for electrical circuits, electronics, power systems, wireless communications and computers. Students are exposed to a variety of up-to-date computing environments to aid in their studies.

The curriculum is designed so that the equivalent of the first three to four semesters may be transferred from community colleges with minimal difficulty. The additional basic material common to all branches of electrical engineering is concentrated in the junior year, and maximum flexibility is permitted in the senior year, allowing the student to develop a breadth of interest or to select an area of specialty. The program offers a two-semester senior design project that typically involves industry cooperation, and provides students with valuable experience in applying their skills to solve real-world problems.

Electrical Engineering Student Learning Outcomes

Students in electrical engineering will have acquired the following skills and knowledge by the time of graduation: 1) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics; 2) an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors; 3) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences; 4) an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts; 5) an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives; 6) an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; 7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering is a field of study that encompasses the fundamental principles, methods, and modern tools for the design and implementation of computing systems. Advances in technology are yielding smaller and higher-performing computer systems that appear in various applications, including communication systems, consumer products, and household appliances to name just a few. The computer engineering program provides a balanced perspective of both hardware and software elements of computing systems, and of their relative design trade-offs and applications. Computer engineering builds upon fundamental courses in mathematics, science, and the engineering disciplines to achieve a sound knowledge foundation and to develop breadth. Laboratory experiences are emphasized to provide students with background on experimental design and simulation techniques. Since core course sequences are completed in the junior year, students are able to pursue their career objectives with opportunities to select from a broad range of elective courses. These include computer engineering topics such as hardware design, VLSI design, embedded systems, computer architecture, networking, and operating systems.

The program culminates with a two-semester senior design project. The project involves industry cooperation and provides students with a major design experience addressing a broad range of issues, including technical subjects as well as economics, safety, and ethical and societal considerations.

Computer Engineering Student Learning Outcomes

Students in Computer Engineering will have acquired the following skills and knowledge outcomes by the time of graduation: 1) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics; 2) an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors; 3) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences; 4) an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts; 5) an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives; 6) an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; 7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Computer Science

Computer science is a discipline that provides a scientific foundation for computing expertise and skills. The curriculum is geared to provide the fundamental computing concepts derived from mathematics and sciences, and the practical application of these concepts through substantial hands-on course project experiences. The coursework in computer science prepares students for a variety of careers that involve the extensive use of computers.

There are two major degrees offered within Computer Science: the BS in Computer Science, and the BA in Computer Science. Graduates in both the degree programs will have a solid technical background in mathematics and sciences. The BS degree requires substantial basic and advanced computer science course work and is the traditional computer science degree. The BA degree is designed for multi-disciplinary students who wish to learn the basics of computer science and apply it to a different field. A minor in another area, such as art, biochemistry, music, psychology, architecture, etc., is encouraged.

The program offers courses in a wide variety of topics including theory of computation, design and analysis of algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, computer networks and security, computer graphics, parallel and distributed systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and database systems. The coursework is supplemented by several general purpose computing labs dedicated to computer science students, and specialized labs for courses such as operating systems, software engineering, and computer networking. Option area course sequences allow students to specialize in specific areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, data sciences, and computer systems.

Computer Science Student Learning Outcomes

Students in computer science will have acquired the following skills and knowledge by the time of graduation: 1) an ability to analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions; 2) an ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline; 3) an ability to communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts; 4) an ability to recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles; 5) an ability to function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline; 6) an ability to apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions; 7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Software Engineering

Software engineering applies engineering practices to the development of software. The Software Engineering curriculum includes all the core requirements of the Computer Science program, along with advanced courses in software development, testing and validation, maintenance, security, and management and integration. Students learn about the real world challenges and requirements of the software engineering profession, such as delivering high quality software that meets user expectations, delivering software on time and within budget, maintaining software, and working effectively as part of a team. The program offers a two-semester senior design project that typically has an industry sponsor and provides students with valuable experience in applying their skills to the collaborative development of large-scale software applications. 

Software Engineering Student Learning Outcomes

Students in software engineering will have acquired the following skills and knowledge by the time of graduation: 1) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics; 2) an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors; 3) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences; 4) an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts; 5) an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives; 6) an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; 7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Cybersecurity

The BS in Cybersecurity degree program is designed to meet the fast growing demand for computer scientists with expertise in cybersecurity. In addition to learning in foundational computer science courses, students will learn crosscutting concepts and skills in confidentiality, integrity, privacy, risk, adversarial thinking, and security analytics. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on coursework and experential learning and covers topics on security related to data, software, hardware, connection, cyber systems, and cybersecurity threats impacting organizations and society. The program trains students, for example, to design and build secure information networks, secure applications, secure systems, secure critical infrastructures, and secure methods for transporting data. The program prepares graduates for careers in cyber defense as well as cyber operations, with emphasis on cyber operations. The program of study culminates with a single-semester capstone project that typically has an industry sponsor and provides students with valuable experience in applying their skills to the collaborative development of cybersecurity solutions.

Cybersecurity Student Learning Outcomes

Students in cybersecurity will have acquired the following skills and knowledge by the time of graduation: 1) an ability to anticipate, identify, analyze, and solve cybersecurity problems by applying principles of computing, engineering, science, and other relevant disciplines; 2) an ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based security solution to threats and vulnerabilities in data, software, hardware, connection, or cyber system while considering cyber law, ethics, rights and policies; 3) an ability to communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts; 4) an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in computing and engineering situations and make informed judgments based on legal and ethical principles and with consideration of global, economic, environmental, and societal impacts; 5) an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives; 6)  an ability to apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based cybersecurity solutions; 7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Data Analytics

An interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in data analytics is also available.  See the Program in Data Analytics for complete information.

Transfer Students

Students planning to transfer from other institutions should carefully note the sequence of courses. Transfers from community colleges should consult the information available on the Undergraduate Admission Web site or should write directly to the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science for specific information.