Electrical Engineering
What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is the driving force that powers high-tech industry. As an electrical engineer, you can shape the design of microelectronics, communication systems, medical equipment, control systems, signal processing, space systems, computers and many other forms of technology that have an impact on the quality of our lives. The manufacturing process for just about every product has been shaped at least in part by an electrical engineer.
Success Factors
Successful electrical engineers have a strong foundation in math and science. Skills in calculus and physics are particularly important. Electrical engineers are problem solvers and enjoy thinking outside of the box to develop creative solutions to problems. Strong computer skills are necessary in electrical engineering.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of this major pursue many different careers. A few examples include:
- Product design and development
- Computer and integrated circuit design
- Electric power generation and distribution
- Electronics manufacturing
Majoring in Electrical Engineering
UC’s electrical engineering program is a bachelor’s degree program designed to be completed in five years. Students are required to alternate quarters of practical work assignments with quarters of on-campus study during their second, third and fourth years.
All freshmen in the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science have a similar program of study consisting of courses in chemistry and physics, mathematics, social sciences and humanities. The electrical engineering program includes advanced study in electromagnetic fields and solid state electronics, among others. In addition, students are challenged to a design project during their senior year.
Curriculum
This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.
If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school, use u.select to see how credits you have earned will transfer to UC. See course descriptions by college.
Please visit http://www.ceas.uc.edu/current_students/curriculum_information/electrical_engineering.html for up to date curriculum information.
UC Advantages and Special Opportunities
Electrical and computer engineering undergraduates have the option of selecting one of two minors offered by the department. The first is photonic communication. Photonic systems utilize light to enhance system performance. These systems are increasingly being used in applications such as CD players, high-speed communication networks, cable television, optical storage such as CD ROM, and medical instrumentation.
The second optional minor program is "very large scale integrated" (VLSI) systems engineering. This program is the first of its kind in the nation and is designed to produce qualified VLSI design and test specialists who help to maintain the competitive edge of U.S. computer and semiconductor industries in the emerging world markets.
Over $5 million has been spent on teaching laboratory upgrades over the past five years. These facilities are available to students year round, 24 hours per day.
Students have a virtually 100 percent success rate on the initial state board examination required of graduates for the state of Ohio professional engineering registration.
Many electrical engineering students are eagerly recruited by nationally prominent industries and consistently receive starting salaries well above the national average. Others become successful entrepreneurs. Those who apply to graduate school are readily accepted by the nation’s top institutions.
Admission Requirements
Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA.
Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following college preparatory subjects:
- English (4 units)
- Mathematics, including algebra, geometry and either pre-calculus or calculus (4 units)
- Chemistry (1 unit)
- Physics (1 unit)
- Social sciences (2 units)
- Fine arts (1 unit)
- Additional college-prep subjects (2 units)
Transferring to UC Requirements
Changing Majors within UC Requirements
Students changing majors from outside programs or colleges within UC will be considered based on the same criteria as outside transfers.
International Student Requirements
International students must display proficiency in the English language through successful completion of the TOEFL. The College of Engineering and Applied Science requires a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test), or 79 (internet-based test).
International applicants who score a minimum of 480 on the critical reading portion of the SAT will not be required to take the TOEFL.
Application Deadlines
Freshmen must begin the program during fall quarter. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. High school students who wish to be considered for scholarships must apply by December 1 of their senior year.
Accreditation
The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The electrical engineering program at the University of Cincinnati is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
