2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
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Computer Engineering
Computer engineers are active in and in demand for all phases of technology research, design and development, testing, manufacturing, sales, and management of computer technologies. In addition, many successful leaders in other professions, such as law, medicine, and business, pursue an undergraduate education in computer engineering as preparation for later professional study. Thus the undergraduate curriculum provides preparation in both mathematics and physical sciences, coupled with coverage of all aspects of computing, software, hardware, design, and application. The program’s flexible elective structure offers the student considerable opportunity for professional specialization, area specialization within the computing discipline, or interdisciplinary broadening. The computer engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. http://www.abet.org. For more information about the program, contact compengr@engr.pitt.edu or see http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers are involved in research, design, development, testing, manufacturing, sales, and management of electrical systems and devices, such as televisions, wireless telephone systems, computers and computer networks, patient monitoring equipment, and power generation and distribution systems. Many successful leaders in professions such as law, medicine, and business have used an undergraduate education in electrical engineering as preparation for later professional study. The undergraduate curriculum includes required courses in the basic electrical and physical sciences as well as electives that provide the student an opportunity to choose professional specialization or interdisciplinary breadth. The curriculum also includes elective courses in the humanities and social sciences to provide a balanced, liberal education so that the graduate may participate creatively in society and become both an educated and effective citizen.
During the sophomore year, electrical engineering students take courses in calculus, matrix theory, differential equations, and communication skills. There are also required electrical engineering courses in linear circuits and systems, digital logic, computer organization, electronics, and an introductory lab. In the junior year, students have required courses in signals and systems, electromagnetics, semiconductor electronics, laboratories in signal processing and electronic circuit design, and elective courses. During the senior year, students take only electives, including electrical engineering (EE) electives, selected from more than 25 offerings. The culmination of the student’s curriculum is the Senior Design elective, in which the student initiates and completes a significant design project. Each term students take the undergraduate seminar, which addresses professional issues and career opportunities. All undergraduate students are required to use computers and computer software in project work and in homework assignments.
Non-EE elective courses in the undergraduate program include humanities and social science electives, a communication skills course, an open elective, and technical electives. The humanities and social science electives must be selected from the list of acceptable electives compiled by the school. The communications skills elective is also chosen from a list available on the department web site. The open elective may be satisfied by taking a course that is acceptable for any other elective course category, or by using (for example) 3 credits of band, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), 3 rotations of co-operative education or chorus. Technical electives may include electrical engineering electives, courses in other engineering disciplines, mathematics courses, or basic science courses. The electrical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. http://www. abet.org. For more information on the program, visit our website or contact eeadmin@ee.pitt.edu.
The overall objective of the EE program is for our graduates to be successful professionals in the diverse, global environment of the 21st century. This entails the ability to adapt to new and shifting technologies, in whatever career path they choose to pursue. This includes careers in electrical engineering through employment in industry, government or private practice, as well as careers in other engineering or professional disciplines such as bioengineering, computer engineering, business, law, or medicine. Our graduates can also pursue advanced study in electrical engineering or other engineering or professional fields and be able to serve in leadership positions in academia, industry or government.
Specialization and Interdisciplinary Studies
Specialization is readily available for students with specific career goals. To facilitate specialization, optional areas of concentration have been defined to allow a student to develop strength in a particular area of interest. Areas of concentration that are currently available include digital systems, electronics, telecommunications/signal processing and power. Requirements for the areas of concentration are met by proper selection of design and other elective courses. Students may take some courses in an area of concentration without completing all of the requirements.
For students interested in interdisciplinary studies, special programs can be arranged using the elective structure that exists within the regular electrical engineering curriculum. Formal interdisciplinary programs have been developed through minors offered by other engineering departments. Students may use electives to satisfy both EE and minor requirements.
ProgramsMajorMinor
CoursesComputer EngineeringElectrical Engineering
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