Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Electrical Engineering, B.S.E.


Requirements for the major in electrical engineering, B.S.E. program


Electrical engineering is a broad field encompassing a number of disciplines. Oakland University’s undergraduate program in electrical engineering is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills for challenging careers in electrical engineering in the coming decades. The curriculum offers strong fundamentals in analog and digital circuits, communications, computers, controls, electromagnetics, electronics including VLSI systems, electronic devices, and power systems. In addition, a strong laboratory component of the program offers numerous design opportunities and allows students to relate theoretical ideas to practical problems using modern equipment and hardware/software tools. The program also provides numerous engineering design experiences. Electrical and computer engineering faculty members are engaged in research related to new developments in the field. Their activities contribute to a well-developed, up-to-date curriculum.

Program educational objectives

 The undergraduate program in Electrical Engineering will provide educational experiences aimed toward producing graduates who will:

  • design electrical and/or electronic components or systems meeting user specifications;
  • use laboratory (instrumentation, testing, prototyping, etc.) and/or computer skills engineering analysis and design;
  • adapt and contribute to new technologies and methods, and use these in engineering design;
  • if desired, successfully pursue graduate study in electrical engineering or related disciplines;
  • function successfully in local, national or global technology-driven industries;
  • exhibit the willingness and flexibility to seek, accept and be effective in a variety of roles, such as developing and implementing solutions to problems with technical and non-technical elements, serving as a team member, and leading others;
  • communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms;
  • exhibit high standards of personal and professional integrity and ethical responsibility.

Course requirements (minimum of 129 total credits)

To earn the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in electrical engineering, students must complete a minimum of 129 credits, demonstrate writing proficiency (see Undergraduate degree requirements), and meet the following requirements:

General education (excluding math and science) – 28 credits


Approved mathematics or science elective – 4 credits


Students majoring in Electrical Engineering are advised to take MTH 275  to broaden their knowledge of Linear Algebra. However, students who have an explicit interest in broadening their knowledge in a specific area of math or science should select an elective from the following approved course list:

PHY 161 and PHY 162


* Neither PHY 161 nor PHY 162 satisfies the university general education requirement in the natural science and technology knowledge exploration area. Credit for both PHY 151 and PHY 161 is not permitted, and credit for both PHY 152 and PHY 162 is not permitted.

Professional electives – 16


Electrical engineering students must select two (2) professional depth areas. In each depth area, students are required to take the key course and one of the two listed elective courses. In special circumstances, one elective may be replaced with either ECE 490, ECE 494, or another ECE designated 400/500 level course with prior approval of the chair-person of the Department Electrical and Computer Engineering. The professional depth areas are:

Economics requirement


In addition to the requirements stated above, electrical engineering students must fulfill the economics requirement. This may be met by completion of ECN 150, ECN 201, 202 or 210.

Performance requirements


In addition to previously stated requirements, satisfactory completion of the program requires an average grade of at least 2.0 within each required group: namely, mathematics and science, core subjects, and professional subjects. Within professional subjects, at most two grades below 2.0 are permitted, at most two different courses may be repeated, and a total of three repeat attempts is permitted.

Sample electrical engineering program schedule


Students entering the School of Engineering and Computer Science with the required background may follow a schedule such as the one indicated below. However, students will need additional time to complete the program if they do not have the required background upon entrance to the program.

Freshman year


Sophomore year


Junior year


Senior year


Fall semester – 16 credits

  • Approved math/science elective

  • Key course-area 1

  • Key course-area 2

  • General education

Winter semester – 16 credits