Electrical Engineering, BS

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering without Co-op (440000BS)

Every aspect of modern life is influenced by electrical engineers. They design and develop systems ranging from massive power grids and global communications networks to tiny integrated circuits inside computers and personal electronics. Branches of electrical engineering include communications, controls, electromagnetics, electronics, and power systems. Important applications include power generation and distribution, sustainable energy systems, manufacturing automation, aerospace systems, robotics, sensors and instrumentation, imaging systems, and many others.

The BS in Electrical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. Our comprehensive curriculum prepares students to identify, formulate, and implement solutions to real-world problems. Students learn how to use modern engineering tools in well-equipped laboratories, with activities that reinforce the concepts learned in the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes design and teamwork, and culminates in a capstone senior design project that integrates the material learned in earlier courses.

The program educational objectives (PEOs) for the Electrical Engineering program are that, within a few years after graduation, our Electrical Engineering graduates:

  • achieve competitively compensated electrical engineering positions or related  professional positions, or entry into programs of advanced study
  • prove to be highly competent and productive in electrical engineering or related practice
  • continue to develop professionally through both practical experience and a lifelong commitment to learning
  • exhibit high standards of ethical conduct, societal responsibility, and professionalism in engineering

The Electrical Engineering program has specified these student outcomes to be achieved 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

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering can be combined with the Cooperative Education, College of Engineering and Polymer Science certificate, for a nominal five-year plan of study that includes four total years of coursework and one full year of relevant work experience.  Alternatively, the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering can be earned without the certificate, with a nominal four-year plan of study. 

Requirements for Admission

All students who meet the minimum requirements for admittance into The University of Akron and intend to major in engineering or engineering technology are accepted into the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and welcome to begin study towards their intended major.  Students must show success in key classes early in the program curriculum before they gain approval to take classes in the third year of the curriculum and beyond.

The following information has official approval of The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and The College of Engineering and Polymer Science, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (Stellic) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor. 

Requirements

Summary

General Education Requirements *24
Program-Specific General Education12
Mathematics and Natural Science17-19
Computer Engineering10
Electrical Engineering36
Capstone Design Project6
Electrical Engineering Electives 18
Total Hours123-125
*

Several courses required for the major also satisfy General Education requirements. The University minimum of 36 credits are required for General Education and credit for these courses will apply to multiple requirements. 

General Education Courses

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete the following General Education coursework. Diversity courses may also fulfill major or Breadth of Knowledge requirements. Integrated and Applied Learning courses may also fulfill requirements in the major.
Academic Foundations12
Mathematics, Statistics and Logic: 3 credit hours
Speaking: 3 credit hours
Writing: 6 credit hours
Breadth of Knowledge 22
Arts/Humanities: 9 credit hours
Natural Sciences: 7 credit hours
Social Sciences: 6 credit hours
Diversity
Domestic Diversity
Global Diversity
Integrated and Applied Learning2
Select one class from one of the following subcategories:
Complex Issues Facing Society
Capstone
Review the General Education Requirements page for detailed course listings.
Total Hours36

Program-Specific General Education

Several courses required for the major also satisfy General Education requirements. The University minimum of 34 credits are required for General Education and credit for these courses will apply to both.

CHEM 151Principles of Chemistry I3
CHEM 152Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory1
MATH 221Analytic Geometry-Calculus I4
PHYS 291Elementary Classical Physics I4
Total Hours12

Mathematics and Natural Science

MATH 222Analytic Geometry-Calculus II4
MATH 223Analytic Geometry-Calculus III4
MATH 335Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations3
PHYS 292Elementary Classical Physics II4
STAT 401Probability and Statistics for Engineers2-4
or STAT 461 Applied Statistics
Total Hours17-19

 Computer Engineering

CPEN 208Programming for Engineers3
CPEN 210Computational Problem Solving3
CPEN 221Digital Logic Design3
CPEN 222Digital Logic Design Laboratory1
Total Hours10

Electrical Engineering

ELEN 101Tools for Electrical Engineering3
ELEN 230Circuits I Laboratory1
ELEN 231Circuits I3
ELEN 330Circuits II Laboratory1
ELEN 332Circuits II3
ELEN 340Signals & Systems4
ELEN 341Introduction to Communication Systems3
ELEN 350Engineering Electromagnetics4
ELEN 360Physical Electronics3
ELEN 362Electronic Design3
ELEN 370Control Systems I3
ELEN 376Electronics and Controls Lab1
ELEN 380Energy Conversion3
ELEN 382Energy Conversion Lab1
Total Hours36

Capstone Design Project 

ELEN 309Design Project Seminar - Electrical Engineering1
ELEN 401Senior Design Project I - Electrical Engineering2
ELEN 402Senior Design Project II - Electrical Engineering3
Total Hours6

Electrical Engineering Electives 

Select 18 credits from the lists below to satisfy the three requirements.

Select 18 credits18
1. ELEN/CPEN Credit Requirement
Of the 18 Electrical Engineering Elective credits, at least 15 credits must be from the ELEN or CPEN subject areas.
2. Breadth Requirement
The Electrical Engineering Electives must include at least three credits each from three of the four Electrical Engineering Areas of Specialization.
3. Depth Requirement
The Electrical Engineering Electives must include at least six credits from a single Electrical Engineering Area of Specialization.
Electrical Engineering Areas of Specialization
Controls & Communication Area
ELEN 434Active Circuits
ELEN 441Digital Communication
ELEN 445Wireless Communications
ELEN 472Control Systems II
CPEN 415System Simulation
CPEN 440Digital Signal Processing
Electromagnetics Area
ELEN 451Electromagnetic Compatibility
ELEN 453Antenna Theory
ELEN 461Optical Electronics & Photonic Devices
Power Area
ELEN 481Modern Power Systems
ELEN 483Power Electronics I
ELEN 485Electric Motor Drives
ELEN 489Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Embedded Systems & Electronics Area
ELEN 469Introduction to Sensors and Actuators
CPEN 467VLSI Circuits & Systems
CPEN 410Embedded Scientific Computing
CPEN 422Embedded Systems Interfacing
CPEN 462Analog Integrated Circuit Design
CPEN 466VLSI Design
CPEN 467VLSI Circuits & Systems
Open Electives
After the Breadth and Depth Requirements are met, the remaining elective credits may be chosen from any of the Areas of Specialization or from this list of Open Electives.
CIVE 201Statics
CIVE 202Introduction to Mechanics of Solids
MECE 203Dynamics
ELEN 301Undergraduate Research I: Electrical Engineering
ELEN 302Undergraduate Research II: Electrical Engineering
ELEN 447Random Signals
ELEN 448Optical Communication Networks
ELEN 455Microwaves
ELEN 486Dynamics of Electric Machines
ELEN 487Electromagnetic Design of Electric Machines
ELEN 488Control of Machines
ELEN 498Special Topics: Electrical Engineering
CPEN 320Computer Systems
CPEN 325Operating Systems Concepts
CPEN 420Computer Systems Design
CPEN 427Computer Networks
CPEN 465Programmable Logic
CPEN 498Special Topics: Computer Engineering
Total Hours18

Recommended 5-year Sequence with Cooperative Education

This plan of study shows the recommended schedule for students who are also earning the "Cooperative Education, College of Engineering and Polymer Science" certificate.  Together, the Bachelor of Science and the certificate require a five-year plan of study.  The program recommends that students earn this certificate.

Plan of Study Grid
1st Year
Fall SemesterHours
CHEM 151 Principles of Chemistry I 1 3
CHEM 152 Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory 1
ELEN 101 Tools for Electrical Engineering 3
ENGL 111 English Composition I 1 3
MATH 221 Analytic Geometry-Calculus I 1 4
 Hours14
Spring Semester
CPEN 221 Digital Logic Design 3
CPEN 222 Digital Logic Design Laboratory 1
ENGL 112 English Composition II 1,2 3
MATH 222 Analytic Geometry-Calculus II 1 4
PHYS 291 Elementary Classical Physics I 1 4
 Hours15
2nd Year
Fall Semester
CPEN 208 Programming for Engineers 3
ELEN 230 Circuits I Laboratory 1
ELEN 231 Circuits I 3
MATH 223 Analytic Geometry-Calculus III 1 4
PHYS 292 Elementary Classical Physics II 1 4
 Hours15
Spring Semester
CPEN 210 Computational Problem Solving 3
ELEN 330 Circuits II Laboratory 1
ELEN 332 Circuits II 3
MATH 335 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3
Speaking Requirement 3 3
 Hours13
Summer Semester
GNEN 300 Cooperative Education Work Period (possible) 0
 Hours0
3rd Year
Fall Semester
ELEN 340 Signals & Systems 4
ELEN 350 Engineering Electromagnetics 4
ELEN 360 Physical Electronics 3
ELEN 380 Energy Conversion 3
ELEN 382 Energy Conversion Lab 1
Undergraduate Research I: Electrical Engineering (optional) 4  
 Hours15
Spring Semester
GNEN 301 Cooperative Education Work Period I (for Cooperative Education certificate) 0
 Hours0
Summer Semester
STAT 401 Probability and Statistics for Engineers 2
Humanities Requirement 3 3
Arts Requirement 3 3
Undergraduate Research II: Electrical Engineering (optional) 4  
 Hours8
4th Year
Fall Semester
GNEN 302 Cooperative Education Work Period II (for Cooperative Education certificate) 0
 Hours0
Spring Semester
ELEN 309 Design Project Seminar - Electrical Engineering 1
ELEN 341 Introduction to Communication Systems 3
ELEN 362 Electronic Design 3
ELEN 370 Control Systems I 3
Social Science Requirement 3 3
 Hours13
Summer Semester
GNEN 403 Cooperative Education Work Period III (for Cooperative Education certificate) 0
 Hours0
5th Year
Fall Semester
ELEN 401 Senior Design Project I - Electrical Engineering 2
ELEN 376 Electronics and Controls Lab 1
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Social Science Requirement 3,6 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ELEN 402 Senior Design Project II - Electrical Engineering 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Arts/Humanities Requirement 3,7 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours123
 
1

Honors sections may be available; honors students should check the schedule of classes.

2

Check General Education Program or Honors Distribution to find courses that satisfy the Writing Second Course requirement.  ENGL 112 is preferred, but ENGL 222 Technical Report Writing is accepted to fulfill the Writing Second Course requirement. 

3

Credit hours shown for General Education or Honors Distribution are general guidelines only. These courses should be chosen in accordance with the appropriate General Education curriculum guide (for non-honors students) or Honors Distribution (for honors students). Honors students must also ensure that their course selections meet additional requirements not shown on this curriculum guide.

4

Up to three credits of undergraduate research in Electrical Engineering may be applied to program requirements as Electrical Engineering Electives. Students may take at most one undergraduate research course in a semester.

5

Electrical Engineering Electives must be chosen to meet Breadth, Depth, and ELEN/CPEN Credit requirements.

6

Students should choose a class that also meets the Domestic Diversity requirement.

7

Students should choose a class that also meets the Global Diversity requirement.

Recommended 4-year Sequence

If a student chooses not to earn the Cooperative Education certificate, the following four-year plan of study is used.  Students wishing to gain some work experience may consult with the Cooperative Education and Placement Office to seek placement in summer internships or summer cooperative education work terms.

Plan of Study Grid
1st Year
Fall SemesterHours
CHEM 151 Principles of Chemistry I 1 3
CHEM 152 Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory 1
ELEN 101 Tools for Electrical Engineering 3
ENGL 111 English Composition I 1 3
MATH 221 Analytic Geometry-Calculus I 1 4
Speaking Requirement 3 3
 Hours17
Spring Semester
CPEN 221 Digital Logic Design 3
CPEN 222 Digital Logic Design Laboratory 1
ENGL 112 English Composition II 1,2 3
MATH 222 Analytic Geometry-Calculus II 1 4
PHYS 291 Elementary Classical Physics I 1 4
 Hours15
2nd Year
Fall Semester
CPEN 208 Programming for Engineers 3
ELEN 230 Circuits I Laboratory 1
ELEN 231 Circuits I 3
MATH 223 Analytic Geometry-Calculus III 1 4
PHYS 292 Elementary Classical Physics II 1 4
 Hours15
Spring Semester
CPEN 210 Computational Problem Solving 3
ELEN 330 Circuits II Laboratory 1
ELEN 332 Circuits II 3
MATH 335 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3
STAT 401
Probability and Statistics for Engineers
or Applied Statistics
2
Social Science Requirement 3 3
 Hours15
3rd Year
Fall Semester
ELEN 340 Signals & Systems 4
ELEN 350 Engineering Electromagnetics 4
ELEN 360 Physical Electronics 3
ELEN 380 Energy Conversion 3
ELEN 382 Energy Conversion Lab 1
Undergraduate Research I: Electrical Engineering (optional) 4  
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ELEN 309 Design Project Seminar - Electrical Engineering 1
ELEN 341 Introduction to Communication Systems 3
ELEN 362 Electronic Design 3
ELEN 370 Control Systems I 3
Arts Requirement 3 3
Humanities Requirement 3 3
Undergraduate Research II: Electrical Engineering (optional) 4  
 Hours16
4th Year
Fall Semester
ELEN 401 Senior Design Project I - Electrical Engineering 2
ELEN 376 Electronics and Controls Lab 1
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Social Science Requirement 3,6 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ELEN 402 Senior Design Project II - Electrical Engineering 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 5 3
Arts/Humanities Requirement 3,7 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours123
 
1

Honors sections may be available; honors students should check the schedule of classes.

2

Check General Education Program or Honors Distribution to find courses that satisfy the Writing Second Course requirement.  ENGL 112 is preferred, but ENGL 222 Technical Report Writing is accepted to fulfill the Writing Second Course requirement. 

3

Credit hours shown for General Education or Honors Distribution are general guidelines only. These courses should be chosen in accordance with the appropriate General Education curriculum guide (for non-honors students) or Honors Distribution (for honors students). Honors students must also ensure that their course selections meet additional requirements not shown on this curriculum guide.

4

Up to three credits of undergraduate research in Electrical Engineering may be applied to program requirements as Electrical Engineering Electives. Students may take at most one undergraduate research course in a semester.

5

Electrical Engineering Electives must be chosen to meet Breadth, Depth, and ELEN/CPEN Credit requirements.

6

Students should choose a class that also meets the Domestic Diversity requirement.

7

Students should choose a class that also meets the Global Diversity requirement.