Program Overview

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Overview

Purdue University Northwest's 4+1 combined Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE) program allows students to receive both degrees in five years, as compared to six years to complete these degrees separately.

Program Description

Outstanding undergraduate students can broaden their studies and improve their career prospects with a competitive advantage by completing both the BSEE and MSECE degrees at an accelerated pace. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a strong interdisciplinary program, with all graduate faculty members having Ph.D. degrees from major universities and being active in research.

Why Study Electrical and Computer Engineering at PNW?

The engineering departments offer a strong interdisciplinary program. All graduate faculty members have Ph.D. degrees from major universities and are active in research.

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Curriculum

As an undergraduate student in the electrical and computer engineering program, you will take a balance of general education courses, College of Engineering and Sciences courses, and electrical and computer engineering courses. The combined program allows students to use a maximum of nine credits of graduate-level courses approved by the Graduate Advisor or the Graduate Committee of the ECE Department to satisfy both the B.S. and M.S. graduation requirements, thereby making it possible for qualified students to complete both degrees in five years. The graduate portion of the combined program offers both thesis and non-thesis options.

Yearly Course of Study

• Year One: Learn the fundamentals in calculus and physics courses while exploring the foundational concepts of engineering.
  • Sample Courses:
    • ENGR – First Year Seminar for Engineers
    • ENGR 19000 – Elementary Engineering Design
    • MA 16300 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry I
• Year Two: Discover electrical engineering concepts such as circuit analysis, digital logic design, and analog/digital electronics as well as integrated circuits.
  • Sample Courses:
    • ECE 20100 – Linear Circuit Analysis I
    • ECE 27500 – Analog and Digital Electronics
    • ECE 27001 – Introduction to Digital System Design
• Year Three: Engage in advanced math, technical writing, and project management.
  • Sample Courses:
    • MA 26500 – Linear Algebra
    • ENGL 30700 – Written and Oral Communication for Engineers
    • ECE 31200 – Engineering Economics and Project Management
• Year Four: Take electives while completing a two-semester, team-based senior-design project.
  • Sample Courses:
    • ECE 42900 – Senior Engineering Design
    • IECE 43900 – Senior Engineering Design II
    • ECE 30100 – Signals and Systems
• Year 5: During the fifth year, students will take 18 hours of 500-level ECE courses and a 500-level MA course to complete the Electrical and Computer Engineering, MSECE.
  • Sample Courses:
    • ECE 55000 – Computer Network Security
    • ECE 51200 – Power Systems

Program Requirements

Students should start the application in their junior year after completion of 65 credits toward the BSEE. Requirements for initial conditional admission:

• Current undergraduate student at PNW with a minimum of 65 credits toward BSEE degree
• Minimum 3.25 GPA
• B- or higher grade in all completed Electrical Engineering core courses

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Highlights

The engineering programs at PNW are included in the top 62 rankings of master's comprehensive universities nationwide by U.S. News and World Report.

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you'll be able to:

• Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
• Use skills and tools necessary for engineering practice
• Design and conduct experiments; analyze data
• Design systems or processes within realistic constraints
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities
• Understand the impact of engineering in economic, environmental, and societal contexts

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Career Paths

A 4+1 electrical and computer engineering degree from PNW prepares you for a number of careers in the field, including:

• Computer Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

You'll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Honors College
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Society of Women Engineers

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Employers

Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:

• NIPSCO
• Sierra Nevada Corporation
• ArcelorMittal

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking electrical and computer engineering degrees may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:

• Undergraduate Admissions Merit Scholarships
• College of Engineering, Math and Science Scholarship
• Presnak Engineering Scholarship
• Women in Engineering Scholarship

Electrical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Accreditation

Purdue University Northwest's Bachelor of Science program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria. Purdue University Northwest's Bachelor of Science program in Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.