Lee A. Belfore II, Chief Departmental Advisor
The electrical engineering undergraduate curriculum begins with a solid foundation in math, science, English, circuits, signals and linear systems, electronics, electromagnetics, digital systems, and microelectronics. Adequate elective freedom is available to the student to allow specialization in one or more of five areas: systems and automation engineering, physical electronics, computer hardware systems, power and renewable energy, or data analytics engineering. Emphasis is placed on understanding principles through theoretical investigation and experimental verification. In addition, course work in General Education Skills and Ways of Knowing is required to assure a well-rounded program of study.
Students pursuing a BSEE degree are intended in their degree until Engineering Fundamental/foundational courses (I.E. Calculus I & II, Calculus-based University Physics I, Programming I, Chemistry I, and Engineering introductory courses) are completed.
Electrical Engineering Program Educational ObjectivesThe electrical engineering program seeks to prepare graduates who, after the first few years of their professional career, have:
established themselves as practicing engineering professionals in industry or government, or engaged in graduate studydemonstrated their ability to work successfully as members of a professional team and function effectively as responsible professionalsdemonstrated their ability to adapt to new technology and career challengesStudent OutcomesThe electrical engineering student outcomes are as follows. Graduates must attain:
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.AccreditationThe Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Requirements Lower-Division General Education Course ListCode Title Credit HoursWritten Communication6 Oral Communication3 Mathematics3 Language and Culture0-6 Information Literacy and Research3 Human Behavior3 Human Creativity3 Interpreting the Past3 Literature3 Philosophy and Ethics3 The Nature of Science8 Impact of Technology3The General Education requirements in information literacy and research, impact of technology, and philosophy and ethics are met through the major.
Upper-Division General EducationOption A. Approved Minor, 12-24 credit hours; also second degree or second major
Option B. Interdisciplinary Minor; 12 credit hours, (3 credit hours may be in the major area of study)
Option C. An approved certification program such as teaching licensure (hours vary)
Option D. Two Upper-Division Courses (6 credit hours) from outside the College of Engineering and Technology and are not required by the major.
Requirements for GraduationRequirements for graduation include the following:
Minimum of 120 credit hours. Minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours of upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University. Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken. Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward the major. Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward a minor. Completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better. The W course must be taken at Old Dominion University. Completion of Senior Assessment. Electrical EngineeringElectrical engineering majors must earn a grade of C or better in all 200-level ECE courses prior to taking the next course in the sequence.
Any ECE course registration issues are to be resolved with the ECE Academic Coordinator and Program Manager.
Course ListCodeTitleCredit HoursGeneral EducationComplete lower-division requirements33-39Complete upper-division requirements (minimum of 6 credit hours)6Electrical Engineering MajorComplete electrical engineering departmental and major requirements as shown on the degree program guide84Total Credit Hours123-129Electrical Engineering Areas of SpecializationStudents in the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree program may focus their studies in one or more specialized areas by electing to take courses in systems and automation engineering, physical electronics, computer hardware systems, power and renewable energy, or data analytics engineering.
The systems and automation engineering area requires completion of four courses selected from the following: ECE 381, ECE 451, ECE 455, ECE 458, and ECE 461.
The physical electronics area requires completion of four courses selected from the following: ECE 403, ECE 454, ECE 464, ECE 471, ECE 472, ECE 473, and ECE 474.
The computer hardware systems area requires completion of four courses selected from the following: ECE 341, ECE 346, ECE 441, ECE 443, and ECE 483.
The power and renewable energy area requires completion of four courses selected from the following: ECE 303, ECE 403, ECE 404, ECE 405, ECE 408, ECE 461, and ECE 471.
The data analytics engineering area requires completion of the following four courses: ECE 346, ECE 350, ECE 445, and ECE 450.
Degree Program GuideThe Degree Program Guide is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in four years. It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor. Additional information can also be found in Degree Works.
On This PageElectrical Engineering (BSEE)*Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Dual Major/Degree with Computer Engineering Major (BSCE)*Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Dual Major/Degree with Modeling & Simulation Engineering Major (BSCE)*Bachelor of Science in Physics (BS): Dual Degree with Electrical Engineering (BSEE)*Electrical Engineering (BSEE)*Plan of Study GridFreshmanFallCredit HoursENGN 121Introduction to Engineering and Technology4CHEM 121NFoundations of Chemistry I Lecture3CHEM 122NFoundations of Chemistry I Laboratory1MATH 211Calculus I (Grade of C or better required)4ENGL 110CEnglish Composition (Grade of C or better required)3 Credit Hours15SpringENGN 122Computer Programming for Engineering4COMM 101RPublic Speaking3MATH 212Calculus II (Grade of C or better required)4PHYS 231NUniversity Physics I4 Credit Hours15SophomoreFallMATH 307or MATH 280Ordinary Differential Equationsor Transfer Credit for Ordinary Differential Equations3ECE 201Circuit Analysis I3ECE 241Fundamentals of Computer Engineering4PHYS 232NUniversity Physics II4ENGL 211Cor ENGL 231CWriting, Rhetoric, and Research (Grade of C or better required)or Writing, Rhetoric, and Research: Special Topics3 Credit Hours17SpringECE 202Circuit Analysis II3ECE 287Fundamental Electric Circuit Laboratory2ECE 304Probability, Statistics, and Reliability3MATH 312or MATH 285Calculus IIIor Transfer Credit for Calculus III4Interpreting the Past Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours15JuniorFallECE 302Linear System Analysis3ECE 313Electronic Circuits4ECE 332Microelectronic Materials and Processes3ECE 461Automatic Control Systems3Human Creativity Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours16SpringECE 303Introduction to Electrical Power3ECE 323Electromagnetics3ECE 381Introduction to Discrete-time Signal Processing3ECE 451Communication Systems3Literature Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours15SeniorFallECE 481WPreparatory ECE Senior Design (Grade of C or better required)3Technical Elective **3Technical Elective **3ENMA 480Ethics and Philosophy in Engineering Applications3Upper-Division General Education course3 Credit Hours15SpringECE 482ECE Senior Design3Technical Elective **3Technical Elective **3Human Behavior Way of Knowing3Upper-Division General Education course3 Credit Hours15 Total Credit Hours123*Does not include the University's General Education language and culture requirement. Additional hours may be required.
**Electrical Engineering students need four technical elective courses selected from one of two options: (1) four 400-level ECE technical elective courses; (2) three 400-level ECE technical elective courses and one 300-level ECE technical elective course or one approved 300- or 400-level CS/MATH/Engineering course.
Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Dual Major/Degree with Computer Engineering Major (BSCE)*Plan of Study GridFreshmanFallCredit HoursENGN 121Introduction to Engineering and Technology4CHEM 121NFoundations of Chemistry I Lecture3CHEM 122Nor CHEM 120Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory **or Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory for Online Degree Programs1MATH 211Calculus I (Grade of C or better required)4ENGL 110CEnglish Composition (Grade of C or better required)3 Credit Hours15SpringENGN 122Computer Programming for Engineering4MATH 212Calculus II (Grade of C or better required)4COMM 101RPublic Speaking3PHYS 231NUniversity Physics I4 Credit Hours15SophomoreFallMATH 307or MATH 280Ordinary Differential Equationsor Transfer Credit for Ordinary Differential Equations3ENGL 211Cor ENGL 231CWriting, Rhetoric, and Research (Grade of C or better required)or Writing, Rhetoric, and Research: Special Topics3ECE 201Circuit Analysis I3PHYS 232NUniversity Physics II4CS 381Introduction to Discrete Structures3Human Creativity Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours19SpringECE 202Circuit Analysis II3ECE 287Fundamental Electric Circuit Laboratory2ECE 241Fundamentals of Computer Engineering4CS 252Introduction to Unix for Programmers1ECE 250Object-Oriented Programming in C++ for Engineers3MATH 312or MATH 285Calculus IIIor Transfer Credit for Calculus III4 Credit Hours17JuniorFallECE 302Linear System Analysis3ECE 304Probability, Statistics, and Reliability3ECE 461Automatic Control Systems3ECE 341Digital System Design3CS 261Java for Programmers1Interpreting the Past Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours16SpringECE 303Introduction to Electrical Power3ECE 313Electronic Circuits4ECE 346Microcontrollers3ECE 381Introduction to Discrete-time Signal Processing3CS 361Data Structures and Algorithms3ECE 451Communication Systems3 Credit Hours19SeniorFallECE 342Field Programmable Gate Arrays Design Laboratory2ECE 323Electromagnetics3ECE 481WPreparatory ECE Senior Design (Grade of C or better required)3ECE 443Computer Architecture3ECE 332Microelectronic Materials and Processes3ECE 355Introduction to Networks and Data Communications3 Credit Hours17SpringECE 482ECE Senior Design3CS 350or CS 330Introduction to Software Engineeringor Object-Oriented Design and Programming3CS 471Operating Systems3ENMA 480Ethics and Philosophy in Engineering Applications3Human Behavior Way of Knowing3Literature Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours18 Total Credit Hours136*Does not include the University's General Education language and culture requirement. Additional hours may be required.
**CHEM 120 is for online program students only.
The General Education requirements in information literacy and research, impact of technology, and philosophy and ethics are met through the major. The upper-division General Education requirement is met through a built-in minor in computer science and through the completion of a second major/degree.
Electrical & Computer engineering majors must earn a grade of C or better in all 200-level ECE courses and all CS courses prior to taking the next course in the sequence.
Any ECE course registration issues are to be resolved with the ECE Academic Coordinator and Program Manager. Students must have a 3.00 GPA or better and must obtain approval from their advisor and college dean to register for more than 18 hours in a semester.
The five-year plan is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in five years. It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor. Additional information can also be found in Degree Works.
Students seeking two degrees must complete a minimum of 150 credit hours.
Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Dual Major/Degree with Modeling & Simulation Engineering Major (BSCE)*Plan of Study GridFreshmanFallCredit HoursENGN 121Introduction to Engineering and Technology4CHEM 121NFoundations of Chemistry I Lecture3CHEM 122Nor CHEM 120Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory **or Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory for Online Degree Programs1MATH 211Calculus I (Grade of C or better required)4ENGL 110CEnglish Composition (Grade of C or better required)3 Credit Hours15SpringMATH 212Calculus II (Grade of C or better required)4ENGN 122Computer Programming for Engineering4PHYS 231NUniversity Physics I4COMM 101RPublic Speaking3 Credit Hours15SophomoreFallMATH 307or MATH 280Ordinary Differential Equationsor Transfer Credit for Ordinary Differential Equations3ENGL 211Cor ENGL 231CWriting, Rhetoric, and Research (Grade of C or better required)or Writing, Rhetoric, and Research: Special Topics3ECE 201Circuit Analysis I3PHYS 232NUniversity Physics II4CS 381Introduction to Discrete Structures3Human Creativity Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours19SpringECE 202Circuit Analysis II3ECE 287Fundamental Electric Circuit Laboratory2ECE 241Fundamentals of Computer Engineering4ECE 250Object-Oriented Programming in C++ for Engineers3MATH 312or MATH 285Calculus IIIor Transfer Credit for Calculus III4 Credit Hours16JuniorFallECE 302Linear System Analysis3ECE 304Probability, Statistics, and Reliability3ECE 341Digital System Design3ECE 461Automatic Control Systems3CS 261Java for Programmers1Interpreting the Past Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours16SpringECE 313Electronic Circuits4ECE 346Microcontrollers3ECE 451Communication Systems3ECE 381Introduction to Discrete-time Signal Processing3ECE 306Discrete System Modeling and Simulation3ECE 320Continuous System Modeling and Simulation3 Credit Hours19SeniorFallECE 323Electromagnetics3ECE 481WPreparatory ECE Senior Design (Grade of C or better required)3ECE 303Introduction to Electrical Power3ECE 406Computer Graphics and Visualization3ECE 348Simulation Software Design3ECE 332Microelectronic Materials and Processes3 Credit Hours18SpringECE 482ECE Senior Design3ENMA 480Ethics and Philosophy in Engineering Applications3ENMA 410Agile Project Management3Technical Elective ***3Literature Way of Knowing3Human Behavior Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours18 Total Credit Hours136*Does not include the University's General Education language and culture requirement. Additional hours may be required.
**CHEM 120 is for online program students only.
***Electrical & Computer Engineering students pursuing the double major/degree need their final technical elective to be a 400-level ECE technical elective course.
The General Education requirements in information literacy and research, impact of technology, and philosophy and ethics are met through the major. The upper-division General Education requirement is met through the completion of a second major/degree.
Electrical & Computer engineering majors must earn a grade of C or better in all 200-level ECE courses and all CS courses prior to taking the next course in the sequence.
Any ECE course registration issues are to be resolved with the ECE Academic Coordinator and Program Manager. Students must have a 3.00 GPA or better and must obtain approval from their advisor and college dean to register for more than 18 hours in a semester.
The four-year plan is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in four years. It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor. Additional information can also be found in Degree Works.
Students seeking two degrees must complete a minimum of 150 credit hours.
Bachelor of Science in Physics (BS): Dual Degree with Electrical Engineering (BSEE)*Plan of Study GridFreshmanFallCredit HoursENGN 121Introduction to Engineering and Technology 14CHEM 121NFoundations of Chemistry I Lecture3CHEM 122NFoundations of Chemistry I Laboratory1MATH 211Calculus I (Grade of C or better required)4ENGL 110CEnglish Composition (Grade of C or better required)3 Credit Hours15SpringENGN 122Computer Programming for Engineering4MATH 212Calculus II (Grade of C or better required)4PHYS 261Nor PHYS 231Nor PHYS 226NAdvanced University Physics Ior University Physics Ior Honors: University Physics I4COMM 101RPublic Speaking3 Credit Hours15SophomoreFallMATH 307or MATH 280Ordinary Differential Equationsor Transfer Credit for Ordinary Differential Equations3CHEM 123NFoundations of Chemistry II Lecture3CHEM 124NFoundations of Chemistry II Laboratory1ECE 201Circuit Analysis I3ENGL 211Cor ENGL 231CWriting, Rhetoric, and Research (Grade of C or better required)or Writing, Rhetoric, and Research: Special Topics3PHYS 262Nor PHYS 232Nor PHYS 227NAdvanced University Physics IIor University Physics IIor Honors: University Physics II4 Credit Hours17SpringECE 202Circuit Analysis II3ECE 287Fundamental Electric Circuit Laboratory 22ECE 241Fundamentals of Computer Engineering4PHYS 319Analytical Mechanics3MATH 312or MATH 285Calculus IIIor Transfer Credit for Calculus III4 Credit Hours16JuniorFallECE 302Linear System Analysis3ECE 303Introduction to Electrical Power3PHYS 323Modern Physics3PHYS 355Mathematical Methods of Physics3PHYS 425Electromagnetism I 33 Credit Hours15SpringECE 313Electronic Circuits4ECE 381Introduction to Discrete-time Signal Processing3ECE 323or PHYS 453Electromagnetics 4or Electromagnetism II3PHYS 411 or PHYS 415 or PHYS 416 or PHYS 4173Literature Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours16SeniorFallECE 304Probability, Statistics, and Reliability3ECE 461Automatic Control Systems3ECE Technical Elective I 53PHYS 452Introduction to Quantum Mechanics3ENMA 480Ethics and Philosophy in Engineering Applications 63 Credit Hours15SpringECE 451Communication Systems3PHYS 413Methods of Experimental Physics3PHYS 456Intermediate Quantum Mechanics 43PHYS 499W or PHYS 489W and PHYS 490W3Human Behavior Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours15Fifth YearFallECE 332Microelectronic Materials and Processes3ECE 481WPreparatory ECE Senior Design (Grade of C or better required to meet the University Writing Intensive requirement)3ECE Technical Elective II 53PHYS 420Introductory Computational Physics3Human Creativity Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours15SpringECE 482ECE Senior Design3ECE Technical elective III 53ECE Technical elective IV 53PHYS 454Thermal and Statistical Physics3Interpreting the Past Way of Knowing3 Credit Hours15 Total Credit Hours154*Does not include the University's General Education language and culture requirement. Additional hours may be required.
1ENGN 121 satisfies both the Physics Approved Seminar requirement and the PHYS Information Literacy and Research requirement in the Physics curriculum.
2ECE 287 satisfies the PHYS 303 requirement in the Physics curriculum.
3PHYS 425 satisfies the Nonmajor Engineering Elective requirement in the Electrical Engineering curriculum.
4PHYS 453 and PHYS 456 offered spring semester only.
5Electrical Engineering students need four technical elective courses selected from one of two options: (1) four 400-level ECE technical elective courses; (2) three 400-level ECE technical elective courses and one 300-level ECE technical elective course or one approved 300- or 400-level CS/MATH/Engineering course.
6ENMA 480 satisfies the PHYS Philosophy & Ethics requirement in the Physics curriculum.
The General Education requirements in information literacy and research, impact of technology, and philosophy and ethics are met through the Electrical Engineering major/degree. The upper-division General Education requirement is met through the completion of a second major/degree.
Electrical engineering majors must earn a grade of C or better in all 200-level ECE courses prior to taking the next course in the sequence.
Any ECE course registration issues are to be resolved with the ECE Academic Coordinator and Program Manager.
The five-year plan is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in five years. It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor. Additional information can also be found in Degree Works.
Linked Bachelor's/Master's Degree ProgramsThese are designed to allow qualified students to secure a space in a master's program available in the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology while they are still pursuing their undergraduate degrees. An eligible student can choose a master's program in the same discipline as his/her bachelor's program or in a complementary discipline. Subject to the approval of the undergraduate and graduate program directors, a student enrolled in a linked program can count up to six credit hours of course work towards both the undergraduate and the graduate degrees. Full-time students may be able to complete the requirements for the bachelor's degree in four years and the master's degree in one additional year. Students in linked programs must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree).
Students who are matriculated in an undergraduate major in the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology with a GPA of at least 3.00 overall and 3.00 in the major are eligible to apply for admission to a linked bachelor's/master's program. Transfer students who desire to be admitted to a linked program at the time they join an undergraduate major at Old Dominion University are eligible to apply if their overall GPA at their previous institution is 3.25 or higher. Prerequisite courses may be required for engineering technology majors to pursue a master's degree in engineering.
Continuance in a linked bachelor's/master's program requires maintenance of a GPA of 3.00 or higher overall and in the major.
Bachelor-to-PhD ProgramsFor a select number of exceptionally well-qualified students, the college has established a linked doctoral program that enables students to be admitted directly into the PhD program upon completion of the baccalaureate degree. A select number of exceptionally well-qualified students can be admitted to the Bachelor/PhD program in their junior year while they are pursuing one of the undergraduate programs at Old Dominion University. This program encourages admitted students to work closely with faculty members and pursue a research experience. Just as in the linked Bachelor/MS program, six credit hours of graduate course work may again be counted towards the undergraduate degree and doctoral course work mentioned above for the Bachelor/PhD program. For linked bachelor's to doctoral programs, students must earn a minimum of 198 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 78 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree). Students in these programs must maintain a GPA of 3.50 or better throughout their bachelor's and doctoral studies.
The student may opt to obtain the master's degree along the way to the doctorate. To obtain the master's degree, the student must utilize the six graduate credits obtained as part of their undergraduate program, use 18 credits of the graduate course work that is part of the PhD, and work with the Graduate Program Director to plan the final 6 credits.