The curriculum in electrical engineering is purposefully broad and places a high value on creativity, invention, the continual learning of new concepts and the ethical practice of the profession. The first two years of the program provide a firm foundation in mathematics, natural science, basic engineering analysis and design, and an appreciation for the humanities and social sciences. Laboratories emphasize the use of computers and provide instruction in the use of basic instrumentation common to the profession. The last two years of the program are highly project oriented. Students take project labs in which they are assigned open ended projects requiring invention and design to meet specifications.
Many students work one to one with professors.
Class sizes for upper-level electives range from as small as four students to as large as 25. Some specialization is possible in the last three semesters where a student can choose five technical electives in areas such as computers, electronics, electro-optics, power systems or linear systems and controls. In addition to the design labs that are required, most courses at the junior and senior level have semester long projects as part of the course homework. Many projects require teamwork. During the senior year, every electrical engineering student is required to complete a year-long senior design project that is often sponsored by industry.