Team OceanPulse w/ their poster
Photo: Jeff Liang, UCSB
Courtesy: ECE 188 Sr. Projects

Program Overview

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department has programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (see CE program website)

Students are introduced to computing methods and foundational knowledge for building and designing circuits. They are exposed to a balance of theory and practice, and are encouraged to pursue technical electives in signal processing, control systems, computer engineering, and electronics and photonics. Electrical engineers develop computer processors, work in optical communications, and study signal processing. They often work with semiconductors, lighting systems and electronics, and in robotics hardware and software.

Research areas include communications and signal processing; wireless networks; computing technology; control systems; systems biology; robotics; electronics and photonics; semiconductor device structure and physics; nanophotonics.

The program offers:

  • a solid set of "core" required classes in math, physics, and engineering to establish a strong foundation for advanced coursework
  • flexible elective program that can be adapted to a variety of student interests in junior and senior year
  • numerous opportunities for undergraduate research or design-oriented projects with linkages to several research centers on campus, local industry, and entrepreneurial outlets via the UCSB Technology Management Program (TMP)
  • completing a course sequence in the senior year, culminating in a senior capstone project
  • BS/MS program (for students satisfying certain eligibility criteria)

The undergraduate major in Electrical Engineering prepares students for a wide range of positions in business, government, and private industrial research, development, and manufacturing organizations.

Take a short tour of the undergrad experience viewed through the lens of our students
Hometown: Torrance, CA

Degree Program

The undergraduate curriculum in electrical engineering is designed to provide students with a solid background in mathematics, physical sciences, and traditional electrical engineering topics as presented above. A wide range of program options are provided including computer engineering; microwaves; communications, control & signal processing; and semiconductor devices & applications.

Curriculum Highlights

 Senior Projects (ECE 188ABC)

During the senior year, each EE student is required to take the Senior Capstone Project. Student groups design a significant project based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier coursework and integrate their technical understanding through practical design experience.

 Combined BS/MS Degree in ECE

The program allows current students to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering or Materials.

Our Mission

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering seeks to provide a comprehensive, rigorous and accredited educational program for the graduates of California's high schools and for postgraduate students, both domestic and international. The department has a dual mission for Education and Research...

Leadership

  • Luke Theogarajan, ECE Prof.  &
    Vice Chair of Undergrad Studies
  • Erika Klukovich, Student Affairs Manager
  • Beth English, Undergrad Program Officer: Trailer 380, Rm 101 | ugrad-advisor@ece.ucsb.edu 
  • Joanna Villalobos, Undergrad Advisor: Trailer 380, Rm 101 | undergrad@ece.ucsb.edu

Office Location: Trailer 380, Room 101

EE Five-Year Enrollment & Degree History

  • Fall Enrollment: 2023 (284) | 2022 (262) | 2021 (278) | 2020 (280) | 2019 (283)
  • Degrees Awarded: 2022-2023: (58) | 2021-2022: (68) | 2020-2021: (65) | 2019-2020 (52) | 2018-2019 (62)

EE Program Statistics (Fall 2023)

  • 1985 applicants | 476 admitted | 91 enrolled
  • Average incoming GPA: 4.40
Interested in the BS/MS Program?

BS/MS options available for Electrical Engineering undergraduates:

Applications for the BS/MS in ECE are usually due at the end of the spring quarter of the junior year. As this is an accelerated program, it is expected that all of the required courses for the EE major are completed including all of the junior required courses. GRE exams are not required to apply.

To check the status of a BS/MS application in ECE, contact the ECE Student Affairs Manager