Electrical and Computer Engineering

Message from the Department HeadPhoto of Don Gruenbacher

Our department, originally founded in 1899, strives to be a top performing department in both research and teaching in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering. The department leads the college in both Ph.D. graduates and scholarly publications.

The department embraces the philosophy that faculty excellence leads to strong undergraduate and graduate programs. Recruiting and retaining top faculty is critical, and the department has four faculty members who hold endowed chairs or professorships, four who are Fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and one who is a Jefferson Science Fellow.

One of our greatest strengths is the integration of extensive hands-on laboratory experiences throughout our programs. All of our students will have at least five laboratory-based courses in our department, and we feel these experiences provide outstanding preparation for our graduates to contribute immediately upon completing either of our programs.

Computer engineering covers the design and application of computers and associated software development. The curriculum includes the basics of computer’s internal circuits and structures, the application of microcontrollers and processors, and how computers communicate with other computers and devices through networking.

In our electrical engineering program, areas of specialization are utilized to allow our students to tailor their degree to their specific interest. The three areas are:

  • Bioengineering
  • Electronics and Communications
  • Power Systems

We encourage you to explore our department, ask questions and schedule an on-campus visit to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you.

Don Gruenbacher, Ph.D.
Department head
George J. and Alice D. Fiedler Distinguished Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering