The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is at the forefront of technological innovation, preparing students to design, analyze, and improve the systems that power modern life. With a curriculum grounded in mathematics, physics, and computing, students gain a strong technical foundation while exploring specialized areas such as artificial intelligence, embedded systems, semiconductor engineering, and renewable energy. Hands-on learning is a key component, with lab courses, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary electives allowing students to develop both technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Whether pursuing careers in industry or advanced research, graduates are equipped to become leaders in their fields.
Electrical engineering focuses on the design and development of systems essential to a wide range of industries. Electrical engineers create technologies such as semiconductor chips, mobile computing systems, wind, solar, and fusion power generators, robotic actuators, medical imaging devices, electric vehicles, and avionics. They also develop algorithms that enable these systems to function efficiently. The curriculum covers fundamental principles, providing students with the ability to analyze, design, and improve these systems throughout their careers. Technical electives allow students to specialize in emerging fields while gaining practical experience through laboratory courses and design projects.
Computer engineering bridges hardware and software, focusing on the design and manufacturing of computing systems that drive modern technology. Computer engineers work with cutting-edge semiconductor technologies to develop hardware for applications ranging from consumer electronics to defense systems. They also design and optimize systems that process, store, and communicate digital information, with applications in wearable technology, cloud computing, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence. The program includes coursework in digital systems, circuits, and programming, enabling students to develop both theoretical and practical expertise. Like electrical engineering, computer engineering offers opportunities for specialization, hands-on learning, and research in rapidly evolving fields.
Technical elective freedom in both curricula makes it possible for students to choose from approximately 50 specialized courses at the junior and senior levels in electrical and computer engineering areas, as well as courses from other departments. In both curricula, students can choose a broad program covering an introductory treatment of a variety of areas or focus in one or two specialized areas. Students in both degrees have the opportunity to pursue transcripted named options in Machine Learning and Data Science or in Semiconductor Engineering.
Resources and Scholarships
Facilities
Facilities available for instruction and research include:
- CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and ECE Laboratory Computers
- Center for Plasma Theory and Computation Computers
- Cross-Disciplinary Electromagnetics Laboratory
- Digital Engineering Lab
- Digital Logic and Microprocessor Lab
- Electronics Lab
- Embedded Systems Lab
- Grainger Electric Machines and Power Lab
- High-Frequency Engineering Lab
- HSX Plasma Laboratory
- Integrated Circuit Facility
- Lab for Molecular Scale Engineering
- Photonics Lab
- Plasma Processing & Technology Laboratory
- Plexus Collaboratory
- Power Electronics Lab
- Qualcomm Design Labs
- Signal Processing Lab
- Vacuum Electronic Devices Lab
- Wisconsin Advanced Network Design, Experimentation, and Research (WANDER) Lab
Scholarships
For department and college-wide scholarship information, visit College of Engineering Scholarships.