Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is concerned with the understanding and utilization of electricity and with providing society useful, efficient, and economic products and services. It encompasses everything from batteries and power supplies to crystal fabrication, autonomous robots, and devices that can recognize human speech. Electrical engineers design, produce, study, and operate all manner of devices and systems that use electric and electromagnetic energy. They also work on systems at the macro scale of electric power grids and at the micro scale of nanotechnology.

Contemporary society is in the midst of an information revolution, created in large part from the fruits of electrical engineering. Rapid improvements in communication technologies, computer visualization, and information access continue to have a significant impact on manufacturing, medicine, transportation, and environmental monitoring. Dramatic advances in personal communication services, digital imaging, and network hardware and software are changing the texture of everyday life for an increasing portion of the world's population.

Undergraduate Program

The Department of Electrical Engineering offers the following program of study

• The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Department Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered in three groups -- Early Decision, Early Admission, and Upper-Division Admission. Admission is competitive. Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the department's admission decision.

Early Decision

The Department of Electrical Engineering enrolls up to 10 percent of its incoming class directly out of high school, prior to the completion of University-level prerequisites. Freshman applicants to the University of Washington who list Electrical Engineering as their intended major are automatically considered. Competitive applicants will have taken or be taking calculus and at least one year of laboratory science (preferably physics). Admission is for autumn quarter only.

Early Admission

1. Course requirements: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; 10 credits of physical science plus accompanying laboratory at the level of PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, or CHEM 142, CHEM 152, or equivalent; 5 credits of English composition. All courses must be completed prior to the July 1 application deadline.
2. Applicants must be currently enrolled at the UW and must have completed a minimum of 15 credits taken in residence at the UW. Early Admission is available autumn quarter only. Application deadline is July 1.
3. Grade requirements: Minimum 2.50 GPA in courses required for admission, and minimum 2.50 overall GPA.

1. Course requirements: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; PHYS 121, PHYS 122; CHEM 142; 5 credits of English composition.
2. 64 credits completed by application deadline (July 1 for autumn admission; February 1 for spring admission).
3. Grade requirements: Minimum overall 2.50 GPA and minimum 2.50 GPA in courses required for admission.

Students may also declare into the Electrical Engineering degree program through the College of Engineering Advanced Admission program (see the College of Engineering section for Advanced Admission entrance and continuation requirements).

Graduation Requirements

1. Written and Oral Communications: 12 credits, to include one 5-credit English composition course from the University list; T C 231; T C 333 (or department-approved alternative).
2. Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts (VLPA), and Individuals & Societies (I&S) (25 credits): A minimum of 10 credits is required in each area.
3. Natural World (44 credits):
   1. Mathematics (24 credits): MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 307 (or AMATH 351), MATH 308 (or AMATH 352), and MATH 324.
   2. Science (20 credits): CHEM 142; PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123

1. Computer Programming (9 credits):  CSE 142, CSE 143
2. Electrical Engineering Core (13 credits):  E E 215, E E 233, E E 235
3. Electrical Engineering Pathways (21 credits minimum)
4. Electrical Engineering Electives (up to 24 credits): See adviser for list of acceptable courses. Total number of credits of the pathway and electives should total 45.
5. Engineering Electives (10 credits):  See adviser for list of acceptable courses.
6. Statistics (3-4 credits):  STAT/MATH 390 or IND E 315
7. Grade Requirements: Minimum 2.00 GPA in all E E courses with no grade below 1.0 in any of these courses.

1. Approved Non-Electrical Engineering Electives (10 credits): Selected from courses listed in the departmental handbook.
2. Free Electives (8-9 credits)

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The objective of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington is to produce alumni who contribute to society and to the economic base of the region and beyond to the best of their abilities. The department recognize that its students have diverse interests and talents, and although the majority may find employment in one of the many specialties or interdisciplinary activities in industry or academe to which electrical engineers traditionally gravitate, the department also expects some of its alumni to build careers in business, law, health care, government or other professions. Regardless of the intended career, the educational objective is to see students succeed, to use the analytical discipline and problem-solving skills of their undergraduate education in creative endeavors as professionals and to avail themselves of opportunities to learn new skills and advance their careers through continuing education.

  The B.S.E.E. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700, and the department has adopted the following student outcomes:

  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  3. An ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability
  4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  5. An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
  7. An ability to communicate effectively
  8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context
  9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
  10. Knowledge of contemporary issues
  11. An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
  12. Knowledge of probability and statistics, including applications appropriate to electrical engineering
  13. Knowledge of differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and discrete mathematics
  14. Knowledge of mathematics through differential and integral calculus, basic sciences, computer science, and engineering sciences necessary to analyze and design complex electrical and electronic devices, software, and systems containing hardware and software components, as appropriate to program objectives.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: The department maintains a number of instructional and research labs to support courses and independent study activities. There are three general-purpose computing labs. Instructional labs include a large instrumentation lab supporting numerous electronics courses; individual labs for digital design courses; a power lab to support the power/energy systems classes; and labs that support capstone design classes. Students participating in undergraduate research and independent study generally have access to the research labs of their supervising faculty member.
• Honors Options Available: With College Honors. With Distinction. See adviser for details.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Many electrical engineering students participate every year in internship and co-op (cooperative education) programs. The Engineering Co-op Office is one source for companies recruiting for internship and co-op students. The Center for Career Services also lists a variety of internship opportunities.
• Department Scholarships: Many scholarships specifically for electrical engineering majors and based on merit and financial need are awarded each year. Students interested in applying for these and other College of Engineering scholarships may obtain information from the Department of Electrical Engineering Scholarship Award Committee Chair.
• Student Organizations/Associations: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), UW student chapter organizes social activities, workshops, field trips and other professional development opportunities. Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) is an invitation-only honor society for electrical engineering students. HKN organizes tutoring services, tutorial workshops, social activities, and community services projects.

Of Special Note:

The departmental policy on continuation is consistent with the continuation policy of the College but also includes supplementary requirements specific to the department. Details may be obtained from the department advising office.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
AE100R Paul Allen Center, Box 352500
206-543-2142
grad@ee.washington.edu

The Department of Electrical Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (M.S.E.E.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Graduate courses and research programs are offered in biosystems, circuits and network theory, computational intelligence, computer networks and distributed systems, computer architecture, digital systems, software engineering, operating systems, microprocessors, VLSI design, control systems, electromagnetics (including optics and radio science), electronic materials (including devices and micro-electronics), energy systems (including power electronics and electric drives), signal and image processing, telecommunications, and virtual reality. Numerous interdisciplinary research opportunities exist, including projects relating to bioengineering, computer engineering, and marine acoustics. The department does extensive research in coordination with the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory and Washington Technology Center.

The M.S.E.E. degree may be earned in three ways, each of which requires the accumulation of 45 credits. A student may perform research and write a thesis; a student may pursue a one-quarter project as part of their studies; or a student may simply accumulate a suitable distribution of 45 credits of course work. Course work for each of the options is developed with the advice of faculty advisers as well as through the department advising staff.

For the Ph.D. degree, students must pass the departmental qualifying examination, pass an advanced General Examination, pursue an original research problem, and report the results of that research in a dissertation that must be a contribution to knowledge. At least one year of course work beyond the M.S.E.E. degree is usually desirable.

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting Graduate School admission requirements, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is required of all students. Official test scores must be submitted, along with a formal application, a statement of purpose, and a minimum of two reference letters.

Although most applicants have baccalaureate degrees in electrical engineering, applicants with degrees in other branches of engineering, the physical sciences, computer science, or mathematics often are able to pursue graduate study in electrical engineering following some additional preparation. Such applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the department for further information.

For more information on admissions qualifications, visit the department's Web site at www.ee.washington.edu/graduate/admitcriteria.html.

Degree Requirements

• Thesis option: The thesis option is best intended for students who wish to pursue an in-depth research experience with intended preparation for pursuing a Ph.D.
• Project option: Students who wish to combine the written work of a thesis with a more hands-on approach to individual problems may choose the project option.
• Coursework option: A student whose main goal is to work in industry immediately upon graduation may find the coursework option more suitable to their needs.

• Students must complete a plan of study by their second quarter of study.
• Students must complete a minimum of 45 credits.
• Students must be registered full time (10 credits) per quarter (less in summer)
• Students may apply no more than 3 credits of E E 500. 1 credit is required.
• Students may apply no more than 5 credits of E E 599 to the degree.
• Students are required to take 1 credit of E E 592, offered autumn quarter.

Thesis Option

• 9-12 credits of E E 700
• At least 20 credits in E E courses numbered 500 and above
• No more than 12 credits in E E 400-level courses
• No more than 9 credits from non-E E courses

Project Option

• A minimum of 4 credits E E 600
• At least 25 credits in E E courses numbered 500 and above
• No more than 12 credits in E E 400-level courses
• No more than 9 credits from non-E E courses

Coursework Option

• At least 25 credits in E E courses numbered 500 and above
• No more than 12 credits in E E 400-level courses
• No more than 9 credits from non-E E courses

Doctor of Philosophy

Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting Graduate School admission requirements, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is required of all students. Official test scores must be submitted, along with a formal application, a statement of purpose, and a minimum of two reference letters.

Although most applicants have baccalaureate degrees in electrical engineering, applicants with degrees in other branches of engineering, the physical sciences, computer science, or mathematics often are able to pursue graduate study in electrical engineering following some additional preparation. Such applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the department for further information.

For more information on admissions qualifications, visit the department's Web site at www.ee.washington.edu/graduate/admitcriteria.html.

Degree Requirements

• Pass the department Qualifying Examination
• Complete an individualized course of study approved by the student's Ph.D. Supervisory Committee
• Pass the University General Examination
• Prepare and defend a satisfactory dissertation based on original research
• Complete at least 90 credits of course work, independent study, and dissertation (60 of which must be completed at the UW), 18 of which must be graded credits
• Maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.00.
• Complete 30 credits of dissertation credits (E E 800)

Research Groups

Facilities in the Department of Electrical Engineering include research laboratories for advanced digital systems, advanced power technology, applied electromagnetics, optics, remote sensing, applied signal and image processing, mechatronics and intelligent control, modern sensors, and semiconductor technology

Financial Aid

Research assistantships, teaching assistantships, scholarships, and graduate fellowships are available to qualified graduate students in all areas of electrical engineering. Most awards include a monthly stipend plus payment of tuition and fees.