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 Electrical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. 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 (DPR) 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
Natural Science12
Mathematics and Statistics17
General Engineering8
Computer Engineering10
Electrical Engineering37
Capstone Design Project7
Electrical Engineering Electives 18
Total Hours133
*

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

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.

Natural Science

CHEM:151Principles of Chemistry I3
CHEM:152Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory1
PHYS:291Elementary Classical Physics I4
PHYS:292Elementary Classical Physics II4
Total Hours12

Mathematics and Statistics

MATH:221Analytic Geometry-Calculus I4
MATH:222Analytic Geometry-Calculus II4
MATH:223Analytic Geometry-Calculus III4
MATH:335Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations3
STAT:401Probability and Statistics for Engineers2-4
or STAT:461 Applied Statistics
Total Hours17-19

General Engineering

CIVE:201Statics3
CIVE:202Introduction to Mechanics of Solids3
or MECE:203 Dynamics
CHEE:305Materials Science2
or MECE:305 Thermal Science
Total Hours8

 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:361Electronic Design4
ELEN:371Control Systems I4
ELEN:381Energy Conversion4
Total Hours37

Capstone Design Project 

ELEN:309Design Project Seminar - Electrical Engineering1
ELEN:401Senior Design Project I - Electrical Engineering3
ELEN:402Senior Design Project II - Electrical Engineering3
Total Hours7

Electrical Engineering Electives 

Select 18 credits from the following list, according to departmental Breadth and Depth requirements:18
Undergraduate Research I: Electrical Engineering
Undergraduate Research II: Electrical Engineering
Undergraduate Research III: Electrical Engineering
Active Circuits
Digital Communication
Wireless Communications
Random Signals
Optical Communication Networks
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Antenna Theory
Microwaves
Optical Electronics & Photonic Devices
Introduction to Sensors and Actuators
Control Systems II
Modern Power Systems
Power Electronics I
Electric Motor Drives
Dynamics of Electric Machines
Electromagnetic Design of Electric Machines
Control of Machines
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Special Topics: Electrical Engineering
Computer Systems
Operating Systems Concepts
VLSI Design
Embedded Scientific Computing
System Simulation
Computer Systems Design
Embedded Systems Interfacing
Computer Networks
Digital Signal Processing
Analog Integrated Circuit Design
Programmable Logic
VLSI Circuits & Systems
Total Hours18

Recommended 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 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
ENGL:111 English Composition I 1 3
MATH:221 Analytic Geometry-Calculus I 1 4
ELEN:101 Tools for Electrical Engineering 3
 Hours14
Spring Semester
ENGL:112 English Composition II 1,2 3
MATH:222 Analytic Geometry-Calculus II 1 4
PHYS:291 Elementary Classical Physics I 1 4
CPEN:221 Digital Logic Design 3
CPEN:222 Digital Logic Design Laboratory 1
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours18
2nd Year
Fall Semester
MATH:223 Analytic Geometry-Calculus III 1 4
PHYS:292 Elementary Classical Physics II 1 4
ELEN:230 Circuits I Laboratory 1
ELEN:231 Circuits I 3
CPEN:208 Programming for Engineers 3
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours18
Spring Semester
MATH:335 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3
CIVE:201 Statics 1 3
ELEN:330 Circuits II Laboratory 1
ELEN:332 Circuits II 3
CPEN:210 Computational Problem Solving 3
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours16
Summer Semester
GNEN:300 Cooperative Education Work Period (possible) 0
 Hours0
3rd Year
Fall Semester
CIVE:202
Introduction to Mechanics of Solids
or Dynamics
3
ELEN:340 Signals & Systems 4
ELEN:350 Engineering Electromagnetics 4
ELEN:360 Physical Electronics 3
ELEN:381 Energy Conversion 4
Undergraduate Research I: Electrical Engineering (optional) 5
 Hours18
Spring Semester
GNEN:301 Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) 0
 Hours0
Summer Semester
STAT:401 Probability and Statistics for Engineers 2
MECE:305 Thermal Science 2
Undergraduate Research II: Electrical Engineering (optional) 5
 Hours4
4th Year
Fall Semester
GNEN:302 Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) 0
 Hours0
Spring Semester
ELEN:309 Design Project Seminar - Electrical Engineering 1
ELEN:341 Introduction to Communication Systems 3
ELEN:361 Electronic Design 4
ELEN:371 Control Systems I 4
Undergraduate Research III: Electrical Engineering (optional) 5
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours15
Summer Semester
GNEN:403 Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) 0
 Hours0
5th Year
Fall Semester
ELEN:401 Senior Design Project I - Electrical Engineering 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ELEN:402 Senior Design Project II - Electrical Engineering 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours133
 
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. While ENGL:112 is preferred, 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

Electrical Engineering Electives must be chosen to meet Breadth and Depth requirements. See Electrical and Computer Engineering Departmental Office for Approved Electrical Engineering Electives (including Breadth and Depth requirements).

5

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 credit of undergraduate research in a semester.

Recommended Sequence without Cooperative Education

If a student chooses not to earn the Cooperative Education certificate, the following four-year plan of study is used.

Plan of Study Grid
1st Year
Fall SemesterHours
CHEM:151 Principles of Chemistry I 1 3
CHEM:152 Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory 1
ENGL:111 English Composition I 1 3
MATH:221 Analytic Geometry-Calculus I 1 4
ELEN:101 Tools for Electrical Engineering 3
 Hours14
Spring Semester
ENGL:112 English Composition II 1,2 3
MATH:222 Analytic Geometry-Calculus II 1 4
PHYS:291 Elementary Classical Physics I 1 4
CPEN:221 Digital Logic Design 3
CPEN:222 Digital Logic Design Laboratory 1
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours18
2nd Year
Fall Semester
MATH:223 Analytic Geometry-Calculus III 1 4
PHYS:292 Elementary Classical Physics II 1 4
ELEN:230 Circuits I Laboratory 1
ELEN:231 Circuits I 3
CPEN:208 Programming for Engineers 3
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours18
Spring Semester
MATH:335 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3
CIVE:201 Statics 1 3
ELEN:330 Circuits II Laboratory 1
ELEN:332 Circuits II 3
CPEN:210 Computational Problem Solving 3
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours16
3rd Year
Fall Semester
CIVE:202
Introduction to Mechanics of Solids
or Dynamics
3
ELEN:340 Signals & Systems 4
ELEN:350 Engineering Electromagnetics 4
ELEN:360 Physical Electronics 3
ELEN:381 Energy Conversion 4
Undergraduate Research I: Electrical Engineering (optional) 5
 Hours18
Spring Semester
ELEN:309 Design Project Seminar - Electrical Engineering 1
ELEN:341 Introduction to Communication Systems 3
ELEN:361 Electronic Design 4
ELEN:371 Control Systems I 4
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
Undergraduate Research II: Electrical Engineering (optional) 5
 Hours15
Summer Semester
STAT:401 Probability and Statistics for Engineers 2
MECE:305 Thermal Science 2
Undergraduate Research III: Electrical Engineering (optional) 5
 Hours4
4th Year
Fall Semester
ELEN:401 Senior Design Project I - Electrical Engineering 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ELEN:402 Senior Design Project II - Electrical Engineering 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
Electrical Engineering Elective 4 3
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours133
 
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. While ENGL:112 is preferred, 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

Electrical Engineering Electives must be chosen to meet Breadth and Depth requirements. See Electrical and Computer Engineering Departmental Office for Approved Electrical Engineering Electives (including Breadth and Depth requirements).

5

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 credit of undergraduate research in a semester.