Electrical and Computer Engineering
Undergraduate Program

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers degree programs in a variety of areas: system and control theory; signal processing; communications; bioengineering; quantum electronics and lasers; electronic materials, devices, and circuits; and computer systems engineering, including software, hardware, computer architecture, and performance evaluation. Bioengineering is primiarily a graduate program, although undergraduates may take introductory courses in this field as electives or as part of their specialization area courses. The ECE undergraduate degrees provide a foundation for a wide variety of careers and for further professional development. The Master of Electrical Engineering is highly desirable, if not essential, for a professional career of engineering practice. The Doctor of Philosophy is required for a career in research or university teaching.

Undergraduate Program. The department offers two undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.). The B.A. is highly flexible, permitting a student to tailor the program to his or her interests, be they broad or highly focused. The B.S.E.E. degree is approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and requires more scientific and professional courses, a minimum of 134 semester hours, and has fewer electives. Outstanding students interested in careers in research and teaching may enter graduate school after either bachelor degree. Both degrees are organized around a core of required courses and a selection of elective courses from five Specialization Areas. Each student's program must contain a depth sequence in one Area, and courses from at least two Areas to provide breadth. The specialization electives provide a flexibility that can be used to create a focus, such as optical communications or robotics, that crosses traditional areas. Because of the number of options, students should consult early with departmental advisors to plan a program that meets their needs.

New students can obtain an introduction to the ECE Department and the engineering process by taking ELEC 201; there are no prerequisites. Students considering a major in Electrical and Computer Engineering should take physics (PHYS 101, 102) and calculus (MATH 101, 102) their freshman year, and perhaps CHEM 121, depending on their area of interest. The first core course in the department, ELEC 241, is usually taken the sophomore year, along with more math and science. Students entering with advanced placement have more scheduling options and should consult with one of the department's undergraduate advisors.

Bachelor of Arts (Electrical Engineering Major) (120 semester hours)
(Degree Requirements (pdf))

The B.A. program is highly flexible, permitting a student to tailor the program to his or her interests, be they broad or highly focused The B.A. degree provides a basic foundation in electrical and computer engineering that the student can build upon to construct a custom program. Because of its flexibility and large number of free electives, the B.A. can be combined easily with another major to create an interdisciplinary program. This may be particularly appropriate for students planning further study in law, business, or medicine.

University Distribution Requirements: Groups I & II.
Math: Math 101, 102, 212, Caam 335 or Math 355, Elec 331.
Science: Physics 101, 102, Elec 261 or Phys 201.
ECE Core: Elec 220, 241, 242, 305, 326.
Restricted Electives:
Computation: Comp 210 or CAAM 210
Laboratory: One from: ELEC 201, 303, 327, 423, 433, 465, or 490.
Specialization: Four Area Courses:
Four ECE courses at the 300 level or higher. Each course must be at least 3
semester hours. Elec 490 requires advisor approval to qualify here.
See the B.S.E.E. requirements for lists of courses in each Area.
Unrestricted Electives:
Additional courses to provide the B.A. minimum requirement
of at least 120 semester hours.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
(Degree Requirements (pdf))

The B.S.E.E. is the usual degree taken by those students planning a career of engineering practice. It is accredited by ABET, and can thus reduce the time required to become a registered professional engineer. Accreditation and professional licensure are important for some careers, and several states require licensure for those providing engineering services directly to the public, for example, as a consultant. Students who place out of required courses, but without receiving course credit, must substitute another course in the same area to maintain ABET accreditation.

University Distribution Requirements: Groups I and II
Mathematics: Math 101, 102, 212, Caam 335 or Math 355, Elec 331
Science: Physics 101, 102, Elec 261 or Phys 201; and Chem 121
Math--Science Electives:
Additional 3 hours of approved basic math and science courses to bring total to 32 hours.
ECE Core: Elec 220, 241, 242, Elec 301* or Comp 212*, Elec 305, 326 and 391
Restricted Electives:
Computation: Comp 210 or Caam 210
Laboratory: One from: Elec 201, 303, 327, 423, 433, 465, or 490
Specialization: Seven Area Courses:
The seven courses must include 4 or more in one area, and courses
from at least two areas. Each course must be at least 3 semester hours.
At least one of the specialization area courses must be an approved design course.
Elec 490 does not count towards these seven courses unless it is an approved design course.
Unrestricted Electives:
Additional courses to provide the B.S.E.E. minimum requirement
of at least 134 semester hours.
Specialization Area Electives
Undergraduate Info Page


Comments and questions to: www-ece@ece.rice.edu

Last modified: May 26, 2003