Program Overview

BS in Electrical Engineering

The BS in Electrical Engineering program is one of two BS programs offered by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Boston University. Electrical engineering draws on many disciplines, all linked by a common thread: the use and control of electromagnetic energy. With a degree in Electrical Engineering, students will learn skills and be prepared to begin a career in a wide range of fields, from robotics to medical imaging.

Program Description

As a student in this program, students will begin by learning the fundamentals of physical sciences, mathematics, and basic engineering skills. These foundations will then allow students to acquire discipline-specific knowledge and skills in electronics, electro-physics, electromagnetics, signals and systems, digital systems, and computer systems. Students will also enroll in technical electives to help them gain a broader understanding of the subfields of electrical engineering, such as communications, signal processing, control systems, solid-state devices, materials, photonics, circuit design, computer systems, and software. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore areas of data science and machine learning through a sequence of available courses.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Electrical Engineering BS program will have:

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.

Degree Requirements

A total of 131 units is required for graduation. In addition to satisfying all BS requirements, a minimum of 48 units of coursework must be taken at Boston University in the upper-division program. The upper-division program consists of the program requirements and program electives as listed below for the junior and senior years.

Required Courses

The typical sequence of required courses is as follows:

Freshman

• First Term (16 units)
  • CAS MA 123 Calculus I (4 units)
  • CAS WR 120 Writing Seminar (4 units)
  • ENG EK 100 Freshman Advising Seminar (0 units)
  • ENG EK 125 Introduction to Programming for Engineers (4 units)
  • Natural science elective (4 units)
• Second Term (17 units)
  • CAS MA 124 Calculus II (4 units)
  • CAS PY 211 Physics I (4 units)
  • CAS WR 151, WR 152, or WR 153 Writing and Research Seminar (4 units)
  • ENG EK 103 Computational Linear Algebra (3 units)
  • ENG EK 131 Introduction to Engineering (2 units)

Sophomore

• First Term (18 units)
  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus (4 units)
  • CAS PY 212 Physics II (4 units)
  • ENG EK 210 Introduction to Engineering Design (2 units)
  • ENG EK 307 Electric Circuits (4 units)
  • ENG EK 381 Probability, Statistics, and Data Science for Engineers (4 units)
• Second Term (16 units)
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations (4 units)
  • CAS PY 313 Waves & Modern Physics (4 units)
  • ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I (4 units)
  • Hub elective (4 units)

Junior

• First Term (16 units)
  • ENG EC 311 Introduction to Logic Design (4 units)
  • ENG EC 401 Signals and Systems (4 units)
  • ENG EC 410 Introduction to Electronics (4 units)
  • ENG EC 455 Electromagnetic Systems I (4 units)
• Second Term (16 units)
  • Hub elective (4 units)
  • EE Core elective (4 units)
  • EE Core elective (4 units)
  • EE Core elective (4 units)

Senior

• First Term (16 units)
  • ENG EC 463 Senior Design Project I (4 units)
  • Computer elective (4 units)
  • Technical elective (4 units)
  • Hub elective (4 units)
• Second Term (16 units)
  • ENG EC 464 Senior Design Project II (4 units)
  • Technical elective (4 units)
  • Technical elective (4 units)
  • Hub elective (4 units)

Accreditation

The BS program in Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).