Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering (EE) is a challenging and rewarding course of study that requires a love of math, strong study habits and the ability to visualize abstract concepts. The EE program is made up of like-minded students in small classes with faculty who have a thorough knowledge of the topics they are teaching as well as practical experience in their fields.
The primary mission of the EE program is to produce well-educated graduates who are employable in professional areas such as electrical engineering design and analysis of electrical and photonic products and systems. Graduates may also continue their education at the graduate level.
Emphasis on areas such as communication skills, professional and ethical responsibility, lifelong learning and contemporary issues complements the technical aspects of the engineering program. The combination of engineering and complementary course work inherent in the program ensures that EE graduates are well-rounded, able to work effectively in team settings and able to adapt to different work environments.
The B.S. Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Program Criteria.
About the Program
Concentrations
Building on core topics, electrical engineering focuses on the design and applications of electronic devices, analog and digital circuits and systems, and microprocessors. Topics may include semiconductor components, electromagnetics, electric power, clean energy systems, controls, signal processing and analysis, embedded systems, and communications.
This concentration focuses on electrical power and clean energy systems. Topics may include power systems, transmission and distribution systems, electromechanical energy conversion, power electronics, and power converters, with an emphasis on clean and sustainable energy resources and systems and their integration into electric power systems.
This concentration builds on core electrical engineering topics to focus on the design of digital components and devices, computer-based systems, networks, and services. Topics may include digital design, microprocessors and microcontrollers, embedded systems, higher-level programming, real-time operating systems, software and firmware, and controls and IoT.
Curriculum and Eight Semester Plans
For more information on the Electrical Engineering program or concentration descriptions visit the WCU course catalog. For the eight semester plans for each concentration, see below:
B.S. Electrical Engineering, 8 Semester Plan
B.S. Electrical Engineering - Electric Power and Clean Energy Concentration, 8 Semester Plan
B.S. Electrical Engineering - Computer Engineering Concentration, 8 Semester Plan
Career Options
- Electrical engineering
- Software engineering
- Broadcast engineering
- Control and instrumentation engineering
- Electronics engineering
- Systems Design engineering
- Network engineering
- Systems analytics
Program Objectives
As an ABET-accredited program, WCU's Electrical Engineering curriculum sets out to meet specific learning objectives and prepare each student with particular knowledge and analytic skills to ensure their success in the industry:
ABET definition: Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve.
Graduates of the Electrical Engineering Program will:
1. Apply their technical knowledge as practicing professionals or engage in graduate
education.
2. Work successfully in their chosen career individually and within a professional
team environment.
3. Engage in professional development in their profession by adapting to new technology
and career challenges.
ABET Definition: Student Outcomes are statements that describe what
students are expected to know and be able to apply by the time of graduation.
Upon graduation, B.S. in Electrical Engineering students will have:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- 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
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- 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
- 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
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
*This table represents first-time full-time fall semester enrollment.
| Academic Year | FR | SO | JR | SR | 2nd Bachelors | Total | Degrees Conferred | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | 16 | 10 | 15 | 41 | 2 | 84 | 29 | ||
| Fall 2021 | 26 | 13 | 18 | 50 | 1 | 108 | 32 | ||
| Fall 2020 | 20 | 14 | 22 | 54 | 2 | 112 | 18 | ||
| Fall 2019 | 19 | 14 | 26 | 53 | 2 | 114 | 19 | ||
| Fall 2018 | 27 | 15 | 31 | 38 | 3 | 114 | 10 | ||
| Fall 2017 | 28 | 24 | 24 | 26 | 1 | 103 | 28 | ||
| Fall 2016 | 25 | 17 | 15 | 33 | 2 | 92 | 13 | ||
Accreditation
The Rapid Center
