Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
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The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering takes a comprehensive approach to fostering the next generation of engineers and technology leaders. Undergraduate students in the department can take advantage of numerous opportunities to customize their electrical or computer engineering coursework (view our courses here) and extracurricular activities to best prepare themselves for the next step in their careers — whether that be a job in industry, graduate studies, an entrepreneurial endeavor, or beyond.
Our students can:
Enroll in cutting-edge certificate programs, such as Biology in Engineering and Engineering for Energy Sustainability
Engage in undergraduate research opportunities
Participate in student organizations with a philanthropic emphasis, such as Engineers Without Borders
Enter innovation competitions at UW-Madison
Contribute on student organizations such as the UW Hybrid Vehicle Team and the IEEE Robotics Team, which participate in national competitions
Our concept of fostering leadership extends beyond our current students. Our efforts include extensive pre-college (K-12) outreach activities designed to engage young people in science, technology, engineering and math; inspire more students to consider engineering careers; and to increase diversity in engineering.
We offer two Bachelor of Science and four Master of Science programs in addition to a Ph.D. program.
Computer engineers design, develop, and manage systems that process, store, and convey information. These systems include computers, networks, digital systems and any device or system with an electronic "brain". They also conduct research on ideas for new computer technologies. Computer engineers are heavily involved in the growing Internet and E-commerce areas and also develop the computer-aided design tools that are used in every other type of engineering. A computer engineer typically has the hardware background of an electrical engineer and the software background of a computer scientist.
Electrical engineers create and innovate electrical and electronic components and systems. They also conduct research on ideas for new technologies. Examples include electric power generation and distribution, mobile communications, robotics, biomedical devices and systems, alternative and sustainable energy sources, automotive electronics, electric and hybrid-electric transportation systems, consumer products, data processing tools, and electronic sensors and sensing systems. The electrical engineer is also concerned with the devices that make up such systems: transistors, integrated circuits, antennas, computer memory devices, and fusion plasma confinement devices.
We offer graduate courses in all areas of electrical engineering. You can pursue the following specializations in depth: biomedical engineering, signal processing and machine learning, computer engineering, electromagnetic fields and waves, energy and power systems, plasmas and controlled fusion, solid state electronics and photonics.
There are four distinct MS degree programs: Research, Signal Processing and Machine Learning, Professional, and Power Engineering Online. The table below distinguishes the features of these four programs:
ECE RA, TA, Grader Eligibility
Research Traditional Research Yes ~24 months Project/thesis
SPML Course Only Academic No ~12-16 months ECE 697/ Co-op
Professional Course Only Academic No ~16 months Co-op/EPD courses
Power Engineering Online Online Academic/ Research No Open N/A
Master of Science, Electrical Engineering
We offer graduate courses in all basic areas of electrical engineering—and you can pursue the following eight specializations in depth: automatic control systems; biomedical engineering; communication and signal processing; computer engineering; electromagnetic fields and waves; energy and power systems; plasmas and controlled fusion; solid state electronics and photonics. We also offer master's degrees in power engineering on campus and online.
Master of Science, Signal Processing and Machine Learning
The Signal Processing and Machine Learning MS program educates students in the foundations of data science theory and methods. This is a 1-year, course-focused master's program that is intended to be completed in 12-16 months starting only in the Fall semester. Students in this program will NOT be eligible for TA, RA, and PA positions or a thesis. This is a coursework ONLY degree.
Master of Science Electrical Engineering, Professional
The Professional Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree is designed to deepen student's technical knowledge and sharpen their professional skills for a well-prepared entry into industry. The program provides a practical focus through a course-only curriculum, an accelerated and predictable 16-month completion time and a professional development summer session. Students in this program will NOT be eligible for TA, RA, and PA positions or a thesis. This is a coursework ONLY degree.
Our PhD degree program emphasizes creative approaches to solving problems. Our laboratory facilities provide opportunities for research in biomedical computing; computer architecture; data acquisition and simulation; digital engineering; microprocessors; signal processing and machine learning; medical instrumentation; microelectronics and integrated-circuit fabrication; microwave devices, circuits, and antennas; photonics and optics; plasmas and controlled fusion; rotating electric machines and power electronics; thin-film devices; VLSI systems; and x-ray lithography.
ECE TA/Grader Applications
TA/Grader applications will ONLY be accepted from students who are currently registered for classes. Access the TA/Grader portal here.