Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer EngineeringÌýat 51¶¯Âþ’s is a 128-credit hour degree that emphasizes control systems, electromagnetics, and electronics. This program integrates electrical and electronic systems with computer engineering, reflecting the growing importance of software and computing in engineering. It offers a balanced curriculum between hardware and software, and it offers focused concentrations in popular application areas.

Electrical and computer engineers play a crucial role in innovating and designing systems that enhance the efficiency and productivity of buildings, computers, factories, power grids and telecommunications. They are responsible for creating electric motors, radar and navigation systems, robots and various other electronic devices, contributing significantly to technological advancement and modern infrastructure.

Becoming an Electrical and Computer Engineer

To become an entry-level professional electrical or computer engineer, a bachelor’s degree in computer, electrical or electronic engineering is essential, with some advanced positions requiring further education or professional licensure. The Electrical and Computer EngineeringÌýundergraduate program provides students with a solid understanding of the core subjects of the industry, including analog and digital circuit design, signal processing, programming and circuit design, as well as vital skills necessary for the field, including mathematics, physics and reasoning.Ìý

Aspiring electrical and computer engineers should have a strong foundation in math and science and an active interest in engineering design and technology development. While studying, you will develop teamwork skills, precision in matching designs to specifications, and the ability to execute projects on schedule. Additionally, you can expand your expertise by choosing technical electives that either broaden your knowledge or hone in on specific engineering areas of interest.Ìý

What sets our Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program apart?Ìý

  • Career preparedness: The department offers a broad range of upper-level courses that provide valuable insights into real-world applications. Students can join research labs, gaining experience that can lead to full-time employment. Additionally, they work closely with faculty to secure engineering internships, connecting with potential employers and helping them identify their interests, preferred career paths, and strengths and weaknesses.Ìý

  • Expert faculty: Our students learn from faculty who work in many modern engineering fields such as biomedical; energy and power; machine learning and artificial intelligence; radar, communication and signal processing; and robotics and controls. Ìý
  • Hands-on learning: As a student in the program, you are immersed in a curriculum that blends advanced theory with practical, hands-on laboratories, emphasizing real-world applications. Courses are taught in an integrated lab and lecture format within a studio-style classroom environment. The program boasts a course where you’ll design your own circuit boards, allowing you firsthand experience with hardware and applications. In your final year, you’ll participate in a senior design project, where you work on sponsored projects under the guidance of faculty or industry experts to tackle real-world problems.Ìý

Concentrations

Students are required to select one of the concentrations.

  • Bioelectrical Engineering

    Prepare for careers in the emerging fields of assistive device technology, bioelectronics and biomedical signal and image processing. Build a strong foundation through the study of anatomy, biology, control systems, digital signal processing, electromagnetics and physiology.Ìý

  • Computer Engineering

    Learn to design and develop computers, microprocessors, networks and workstations for the servers and switches that support the internet. Learn to manage the integration of hardware and protocols that support the telecommunications network.Ìý

  • Electrical Engineering

    Prepare for a career as a practicing engineer in areas such as digital systems, embedded processor applications, digital communications, control systems, sensor networks, biomedical signal processing, microelectronics, computer security and power networks. Learn about the design and development of telecommunications networks, cellular telephones, computer and other microprocessor-based devices, consumer electronics, control systems for space vehicles and robots, and in many aspects of the power and automotive industries.Ìý

Internships

Internships play a critical role in a student’s ability to secure permanent employment in the electrical and computer engineering field. Students commonly pursue internships starting from the summer after their first year and can continue with internships during each of their following academic years. Internships often lead to full-time employment, and students can receive academic credit for their internship experiences. Ìý

Companies Electrical and Computer Engineering students have interned with include the following.Ìý

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Learn more about internship opportunitiesÌýand career services.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $23,352.00 per year
Out-of-state: $38,352.00Ìýper year

Laptop Requirement

The College of Engineering requires that students own a laptop for their engineering coursework by their junior year of study. .

Electrical engineering undergraduate students in class

Related Graduate Degrees

+1 Accelerated Degree Programs

The College of Engineering offers accelerated +1 Bachelor-Master programs. Qualifying students earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in one five-year course of study instead of taking the usual six years.Ìý

Electrical and Computer EngineeringÌýundergraduate majors can earn an MS in Electrical Engineering in one year. Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate in this program are charged at the undergraduate rate. .

Our Academic Advisors

Through advising workshops, career coaching, individual appointments and walk-in advising, support services are available to all undergraduate Engineering students. Such services range from academic mentoring, career development, choosing a major, degree planning, learning support and post-graduation planning.

All academic advisors are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to answer questions regarding General Education (GenEd), college and major requirements, and university academic policies and procedures.Ìý

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EN-ELCE-BSEC

Additional Program Information