Electrical engineers design, develop, analyze, research, and manufacture systems such as those for power generation distribution, communication, control, and instrumentation. Electrical engineers are also concerned with the devices that make up these systems, such as transistors, integrated circuits, rotating machines, antennas, and fusion plasma confinement devices. Low-power, reliable integrated circuits allow dramatic improvements that have driven the revolution in communications and computation. High-power transistors in combination with electronic controls are serving as the foundation for new ways of efficiently utilizing electrical power.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Our graduates should be engaged in activities such as:
- Employment in industry, government, academia, or nonprofit using their degree knowledge or skills for professional functions such as teaching, research and development, quality control, technical marketing, intellectual property management, or sales. Graduates may eventually reach a leadership position supervising others.
- Continuing education through self-study or short courses and workshops through their employer, local or online educational institutions, or attendance at professional events such as conferences.
- Taking a principal role in starting a new business or product line.
- Pursuing a postgraduate degree.
Admission to the College as a Freshman
Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission to a major means students will start in the program of their choice in the College of Engineering and will need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.
Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering
UW–Madison students in other schools and colleges on campus must meet minimum admission requirements for admission consideration to engineering degree granting classifications. Cross-campus admission is competitive and selective, and the grade point average expectations may increase as demand trends change. The student’s overall academic record at UW–Madison is also considered. Students apply to their intended engineering program by submitting the online application by stated deadlines for spring and fall. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and drop-in advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering
With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their major in the college. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is competitive and selective, and students who have exceeded the 80 credit limit at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
The College of Engineering has dual degree programs with select four-year UW System campuses. Eligible dual degree applicants are not subject to the 80 credit limit.
Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer Coordinator in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu or 608-262-2473.
Second Bachelor's Degree
The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
Summary of Requirements
The following curriculum applies to students who were admitted to the electrical engineering degree program (classification changed to EE) in Fall 2017 or later.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 16 | |
| Science | 17-18 | |
| Electrical Engineering Core | 33 | |
| Electrical Engineering Advanced Electives | 24 | |
| Professional Electives | 9 | |
| Communication Skills | 6 | |
| Liberal Studies | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120-121 | |
Mathematics1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| or MATH 217 | Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | |
| or MATH 275 | Topics in Calculus I | |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| or MATH 276 | Topics in Calculus II | |
| MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables 2 | 4 |
| Probability and Statistics Elective | 3 | |
| Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I | ||
| Statistical Experimental Design | ||
| Introduction to the Theory of Probability | ||
| Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
- 1
In additional to the courses listed in the Mathematics Requirement at least one additional course must be completed for the advanced mathematics auxiliary condition. Choose: MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations, MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, MATH 341 Linear Algebra, E C E 334 State Space Systems Analysis, or E C E/COMP SCI/M E 532 Matrix Methods in Machine Learning to satisfy the advanced math auxiliary condition. These credits count toward either professional electives or advanced elective credit depending on the course.
- 2
MATH 375 and MATH 376 taken in sequence will fulfill the requirement for MATH 234, professional elective credit, and advanced math auxiliary condition.
Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMP SCI 300 | Programming II | 3 |
| PHYSICS 201 | General Physics 1 | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 207 | General Physics | |
| or PHYSICS 247 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
| PHYSICS 202 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 208 | General Physics | |
| or PHYSICS 248 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
| Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Total Credits | 17-18 | |
- 1
Students may also fulfill this requirement by taking E M A 201 Statics and E M A 202 Dynamics or E M A 201 Statics and M E 240 Dynamics.
Electrical Engineering Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 203 | Signals, Information, and Computation | 3 |
| E C E 210 | Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| E C E 219 | Analytical Methods for Electromagnetics Engineering | 2 |
| E C E 220 | Electrodynamics I | 3 |
| E C E 230 | Circuit Analysis | 4 |
| E C E/PHYSICS 235 | Introduction to Solid State Electronics | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 252 | Introduction to Computer Engineering | 3 |
| E C E 270 | Circuits Laboratory I | 1 |
| E C E 271 | Circuits Laboratory II | 1 |
| E C E 330 | Signals and Systems | 3 |
| E C E 340 | Electronic Circuits I | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 352 | Digital System Fundamentals | 3 |
| E C E 370 | Advanced Laboratory | 2 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Electrical Engineering Advanced Electives
Students must take 22 credits in at least three of six areas and at least 2 credits in two laboratory courses.
- At least 9 credits must be in courses numbered 400 and above.
- At least one course must be a capstone design course.
- At least one course must be MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations, MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, MATH 341 Linear Algebra, E C E 334 State Space Systems Analysis, or E C E/COMP SCI/M E 532 Matrix Methods in Machine Learning to satisfy the advanced math auxiliary condition. MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations, MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, and MATH 341 Linear Algebra count toward professional electives. E C E 334 State Space Systems Analysis and E C E/COMP SCI/M E 532 Matrix Methods in Machine Learning count as advanced electives.
- Students can count 1 credit of E C E 1 Cooperative Education Program toward advanced electives.
- Students can count up to 6 credits of E C E 399 Independent Study , E C E 489 Honors in Research or E C E 699 Advanced Independent Study towards advanced electives.
- Students can take E C E 379 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering and E C E 601 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering as advanced electives.
Laboratory
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least one course from E C E 301 to E C E 317 | ||
| An additional laboratory course must be taken from the following list: | ||
| Introduction to Real-Time Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Electric Machines Laboratory | ||
| Semiconductor Properties Laboratory | ||
| Linear Active Circuits Laboratory | ||
| Nonlinear Electronic Circuits Laboratory | ||
| Optoelectronics Lab | ||
| Introductory Microprocessor Laboratory | ||
| Sensors Laboratory | ||
| Digital Signal Processing Laboratory | ||
| Embedded Microprocessor System Design | ||
| Medical Instrumentation 1 | ||
| Electric Machine & Drive System Laboratory | ||
| Power Electronics Laboratory | ||
| Advanced Microwave Measurements for Communications | ||
| Integrated Circuit Fabrication Laboratory | ||
| Digital Engineering Laboratory | ||
| Automatic Controls Laboratory | ||
- 1
Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.
Fields & Waves
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 320 | Electrodynamics II | 3 |
| E C E 420 | Electromagnetic Wave Transmission | 3 |
| E C E 434 | Photonics | 3 |
| E C E/N E/PHYSICS 525 | Introduction to Plasmas | 3 |
| E C E/N E/PHYSICS 527 | Plasma Confinement and Heating | 3 |
| E C E/N E 528 | Plasma Processing and Technology | 3 |
| E C E 536 | Integrated Optics and Optoelectronics | 3 |
| E C E/PHYSICS 546 | Lasers | 2-3 |
| E C E 547 | Advanced Communications Circuit Design 1 | 3 |
- 1
Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.
Systems & Control
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 332 | Feedback Control Systems | 3 |
| E C E 334 | State Space Systems Analysis | 3 |
| E C E/M E 439 | Introduction to Robotics 1 | 3 |
| E C E/M E 577 | Automatic Controls Laboratory 1 | 4 |
- 1
Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.
Power & Machines
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 355 | Electromechanical Energy Conversion | 3 |
| E C E 356 | Electric Power Processing for Alternative Energy Systems | 3 |
| E C E 411 | Introduction to Electric Drive Systems | 3 |
| E C E 412 | Power Electronic Circuits 1 | 3 |
| E C E 427 | Electric Power Systems | 3 |
| E C E 504 | Electric Machine & Drive System Laboratory | 2-3 |
| E C E 511 | Theory and Control of Synchronous Machines | 3 |
| E C E 512 | Power Electronics Laboratory 1 | 3 |
- 1
Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.
Communications & Signal Processing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 331 | Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics | 3 |
| E C E 401 | Electro-Acoustical Engineering | 3 |
| E C E 431 | Digital Signal Processing 1 | 3 |
| E C E 432 | Digital Signal Processing Laboratory 1 | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI/MATH 435 | Introduction to Cryptography | 3 |
| E C E 436 | Communication Systems I 1 | 3 |
| E C E 437 | Communication Systems II 1 | 3 |
| E C E 447 | Applied Communications Systems 1 | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI/M E 532 | Matrix Methods in Machine Learning 1 | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 533 | Image Processing 1 | 3 |
| E C E 537 | Communication Networks 1 | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI/M E 539 | Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks 1 | 3 |
| E C E/MATH 641 | Introduction to Error-Correcting Codes | 3 |
- 1
Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.
Circuits & Devices
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 335 | Microelectronic Devices | 3 |
| E C E 342 | Electronic Circuits II | 3 |
| E C E 445 | Semiconductor Physics and Devices | 3 |
| E C E/B M E 462 | Medical Instrumentation 1 | 3 |
| E C E 466 | Electronics of Solids | 3 |
| E C E 541 | Analog MOS Integrated Circuit Design 1 | 3 |
| E C E 542 | Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems 1 | 3 |
| E C E 545 | Advanced Microwave Measurements for Communications 1 | 3 |
| E C E 548 | Integrated Circuit Design 1 | 3 |
| E C E 549 | Integrated Circuit Fabrication Laboratory 1 | 3 |
| E C E 555 | Digital Circuits and Components 1 | 3 |
- 1
Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.
Computers & Computing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 353 | Introduction to Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
| E C E 453 | Embedded Microprocessor System Design 1 | 4 |
| E C E 454 | Mobile Computing Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| E C E/B M E 463 | Computers in Medicine | 3 |
| E C E 551 | Digital System Design and Synthesis 1 | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 552 | Introduction to Computer Architecture | 3 |
| E C E 553 | Testing and Testable Design of Digital Systems 1 | 3 |
| E C E 554 | Digital Engineering Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| E C E 556 | Design Automation of Digital Systems 1 | 3 |
- 1
Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.
Professional Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Classes to be taken in an area of professional interest. The following courses are acceptable as professional electives if the courses are not used to meet any other degree requirements. | 9 | |
| Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Data Science & Engineering | ||
| Electrodynamics II | ||
| Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics | ||
| Feedback Control Systems | ||
| State Space Systems Analysis | ||
| Microelectronic Devices | ||
| Electronic Circuits II | ||
| Introduction to Microprocessor Systems | ||
| Machine Organization and Programming | ||
| Electromechanical Energy Conversion | ||
| Electric Power Processing for Alternative Energy Systems | ||
E C E courses numbered 399 and higher | ||
COMP SCI courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
| Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 1 | ||
| Applied Mathematical Analysis | ||
| Applied Mathematical Analysis | ||
| Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra 1 | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
MATH courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
STATS courses numbered 400 and higher | ||
Any biological science course that is designated as intermediate or advanced | ||
Any physical science course that is designated as intermediate or advanced (except PHYSICS 241) | ||
Any natural science course that is designated as advanced except that Math, Computer Sciences, and Statistics courses must follow the above criteria | ||
Engineering courses numbered 300 and higher that are not E C E or cross-listed with E C E | ||
Up to six credits of Professional Electives can be taken from School of Business classes numbered 300 and higher. | ||
| Special Topics (Wearable Technologies) | ||
| Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (Making Digital Lighting Controls) | ||
- 1
Students may only earn degree credit for MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations or MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, not both.
Communication Skills
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 100 | Introduction to College Composition | 3 |
| or LSC 100 | Science and Storytelling | |
| or COM ARTS 100 | Introduction to Speech Composition | |
| or COM ARTS 181 | Elements of Speech-Honors Course | |
| or ESL 118 | Academic Writing II | |
| INTEREGR 397 | Engineering Communication (was EPD 397 before Fall 2020) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Liberal Studies Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements | ||
| Complete requirements 1 | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- 1
All liberal studies credits must be identified with the letter H, S, L, or Z. Language courses are acceptable without the letter and are considered humanities. Note: See an E C E advisor and/or the EE Curriculum Guide for additional information.
Honors in Undergraduate Research Program
Qualified undergraduates may earn an Honors in Research designation on their transcript and diploma by completing 8 credits of undergraduate honors research, including a senior thesis. Further information is available in the department office.
Named Option
Total Degree Credits: 120
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
SAMPLE FOUR-YEAR PLAN
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 221 | 5 | E C E/COMP SCI 252 | 3 |
| CHEM 103, 104, or 109 | 4-5 | PHYSICS 201 | 5 |
| E C E 210 | 2 | MATH 222 | 4 |
or Communication A | Communication A or | 3 | |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
| 14-15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 202 | 5 | E C E 219 | 2 |
| MATH 234 | 4 | COMP SCI 300 | 3 |
| E C E 203 | 3 | E C E 230 | 4 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | E C E 270 | 1 |
| E C E 330 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| E C E/PHYSICS 235 | 3 | ECE Advanced Elective | 3 |
| Statistics/Probability Elective | 3 | ECE Advanced Elective | 3 |
| E C E 340 | 3 | INTEREGR 397 (was EPD 397) | 3 |
| E C E 271 | 1 | EE Advanced Lab (3XX) | 1 |
| E C E/COMP SCI 352 | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| E C E 220 | 3 | Professional Elective (Adv Math) | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | Professional Elective | 3 |
| ECE Advanced Elective | 3 | ECE Advanced Elective (4XX) | 3 |
| ECE Advanced Elective | 4 | ECE Advanced Elective (4XX) | 3 |
| EE Advanced Lab (3XX) | 1 | ECE Capstone Design | 3 |
| E C E 370 | 2 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| Professional Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120-121 | |||
ADVISING
Each College of Engineering program has academic advisors dedicated to serving its students. Program advisors can help current College of Engineering students with questions about accessing courses, navigating degree requirements, resolving academic issues and more. Students can find their assigned advisor on the homepage of their student center.
ENGINEERING CAREER SERVICES
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in identifying pre-professional work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, considering and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment during their graduation year.
ECS offers two major career fairs per year, assists with resume writing and interviewing skills, hosts workshops on the job search, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.
Students are encouraged to utilize the ECS office early in their academic careers. For comprehensive information on ECS programs and workshops, see the ECS website or call 608-262-3471.
Professors
Susan Hagness (Chair)
David T. Anderson
Nader Behdad
John Booske
Dan Botez
Azadeh Davoodi
John A. Gubner (Associate Chair for Operations)
Yu Hen Hu
Hongrui Jiang (Associate Chair for Graduate Studies)
Irena Knezevic
Bernard Lesieutre (Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies)
Mikko Lipasti
Zhenqiang Ma
Luke J. Mawst
Robert Nowak
Parameswaran Ramanathan
Bulent Sarlioglu
William A. Sethares
Daniel van der Weide
Barry Van Veen
Giri Venkataramanan
Amy E. Wendt
Associate Professors
Steven Fredette
Mikhail Kats
Daniel Ludois
Paul H. Milenkovic
Umit Ogras
Dimitris Papailiopoulos
Andreas Velten
Zongfu Yu
Assistant Professors
Joseph Andrews
Kassem Fawaz
Dominic Gross
Chirag Gupta
Robert Jacobberger
Younghyun Kim
Bhuvana Krishnaswamy
Kangwook Lee
Chu Ma
Pedro Morgado
Shubhra Pasayat
Line Roald
Joshua San Miguel
Eric Severson
Eric Tervo
Ramya Korlakai Vinayak
Ying Wang
Teaching Faculty
Mark C. Allie
Eduardo Arvelo
Setareh Behroozi
Eric Hoffman
Joe Krachey
Srdjan Milicic
See also Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Directory.
Accreditation.
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Note: Undergraduate Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes are made publicly available at the Departmental website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are designated by our campus as "Learning Outcomes.")