Emphasis areas at all levels in circuits and electronics, power and energy, communications and signal processing, controls and systems, electromagnetics, optics and devices, and computer engineering.
Electrical engineers are involved in channeling natural resources into uses for society such as heating, lighting, home appliances, consumer products, computing, sensing, control, and communication. They contribute to systems and devices for power, instrumentation, measurement, communication, management, manufacturing, transportation, etc. They are primarily concerned with the processes of generation, transmission, transformation, control, and utilization of energy or information.
Students who are interested in electrical engineering begin in the foundational engineering and computing program, thus obtaining fundamental skills and an overview of the various degree programs at Missouri S&T, before entering the main program. They commit to a given degree program after exposure to the different career options. Once in the program, students gain knowledge in the main areas of electrical engineering, learn to use hardware and software tools in numerous laboratories, and apply engineering concepts in both freshman and capstone design experiences. Educational options include dual major programs (such as electrical and computer engineering degrees), minor programs, emphasis areas, and honors activities (such as the Honors Scholar Program in electrical engineering). They may supplement their education with participation in design competitions, professional societies, work internships, research experiences, etc.
The curriculum exposes students to the breadth of electrical engineering and allows them to pursue electives in several areas or to emphasize a specialty. The areas are defined as circuits and electronics, power and energy, communications and signal processing, controls and systems, electromagnetics, optic and devices, and computer engineering.
In circuits and electronics, courses provide study of basic electrical devices – energy sources, resistors, inductors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors – and their interconnection in operational networks. Circuits design and analysis techniques are covered with both analog and digital applications.
In power and energy, courses emphasize the design and applications of motors, generators, transformers, distribution systems, high-voltage devices, and power electronics.
In communications and signal processing, courses include concepts required for the characterization and manipulation of information-bearing signals, modulation systems, wireless networks, image processing, and detection hardware.
In controls and systems, courses emphasize the design and application of circuits and systems to automatically monitor and regulate devices, machines, and processes. Advanced technologies using digital control, intelligent processing, neural networks, and programmable logic controllers are included.
In electromagnetics, courses provide instruction in the interaction, propagation, and transmission of high-frequency waves and signals through space and in conductors. Topics include grounding and shielding, antennas, microwaves, and systems.
In optics and devices, courses emphasize solid-state materials, electronic devices, and optoelectronics. Applications are microfabrication, telecommunications, computing, instrumentation, lasers and fiber optics, nanotechnologies, sensing, and smart technologies.
In computer engineering, courses are offered in computers and architecture, integrated circuits and logic design, embedded computer systems, computational intelligence, networks and software engineering, and software security and reliability.
The electrical engineering program and the related computer engineering program are administered in the same department. Degree programs for B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. are offered. The classrooms and laboratories are located in Emerson Electric Company Hall. Additional research activities are being conducted in various research centers on campus. The department supports chapters for the following student groups: the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers; IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society; and the Amateur Radio Club. Various faculty and students participate in other campus organizations and are active in professional societies, design competitions, and technical conferences.
Educational Mission
The electrical and computer engineering department strives to contribute to the state, nation, and world through the education of outstanding professionals and leaders in engineering. Our educational focus is on a broad, rigorous education in all areas of electrical and computer engineering with significant hands-on experiences. The program will provide students with an understanding of engineering problem solving at all levels and an appreciation for engineering as a profession.
Objectives
The electrical and computer engineering degree programs seek to prepare its graduates to attain the following accomplishments a few years after graduation:
- Succeed in professional career placement and practice as ethical engineers, scholars and entrepreneurs;
- Grow their career through technical and professional activities and leadership roles;
- Contribute to society and the economy through technical products, services, communication and knowledge; and
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Adapt to an ever-changing world through continued education, through graduate study, professional development activities, independent learning, or pursuit of follow-on degrees.
In order to attain these objectives, students graduating from the electrical and computer engineering degree programs should have the following attributes:
- Technical Competency. Graduates will have a sound knowledge of the fundamentals in electrical or computer engineering that allows them to analyze and solve technical problems, to apply hardware and software tools, to create and evaluate technical products, to learn independently, and to succeed in the workplace and in graduate school.
- An Engineering Perspective. Graduates will be capable of understanding complex projects and the creative process required to find innovative problem solutions, including project evolution and abstraction and the optimization of associated decisions and risk, both locally and globally.
- Professional Skills and Knowledge. Graduates will have the ability to communicate well in both oral and written form, to interact in teams, to manage and lead technical projects, to manage their career, and to conduct themselves with an understanding of ethics, economics, and intellectual property.
Objectives approved by the ECE faculty in October 2017 with update in November 2020.