Soldering Surface-mount component

As an electrical engineering major, you can learn to design, develop, analyze, research and create systems for a wide variety of fields, including power generation, communication, healthcare and instrumentation. You’ll also learn about the devices and components that make up these systems —from the smallest transistors (of which there can be hundreds of billions on a single chip!) to antennas, lasers, electric engines and even fusion devices that could provide power for the world.

Electrical engineering majors learn the tools for analyzing and operating systems, including signal processing, control and machine learning. You can even focus on the mathematics, tools and practices associated with machine learning and data science in engineering with our new Machine Learning and Data Science named degree option. In the UW-Madison ECE department, our program will match your ambition.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Our graduates should be engaged in activities such as:

  1. Employment in industry, government, academia, or nonprofit using their degree knowledge or skills for professional functions such as teaching, research and development, quality control, technical marketing, intellectual property management, or sales. Graduates may eventually reach a leadership position supervising others.
  2. Continuing education through self-study or short courses and workshops through their employer, local or online educational institutions, or attendance at professional events such as conferences.
  3. Taking a principal role in starting a new business or product line.
  4. Pursuing a postgraduate degree.

Admission to the College as a Freshman

Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission to a major means students will start in the program of their choice in the College of Engineering and will need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.

Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering

UW–Madison students in other schools and colleges on campus must meet minimum admission requirements for admission consideration to engineering degree granting classifications. Cross-campus admission is competitive and selective, and the grade point average expectations may increase as demand trends change. The student’s overall academic record at UW–Madison is also considered. Students apply to their intended engineering program by submitting the online application by stated deadlines for spring and fall. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and drop-in advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.

Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering

With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their major in the college. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is competitive and selective, and students who have exceeded the 80 credit limit at the time of application are not eligible to apply.

The College of Engineering has dual degree programs with select four-year UW System campuses. Eligible dual degree applicants are not subject to the 80 credit limit.

Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer Coordinator in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu or 608-262-2473.

Second Bachelor's Degree

The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.

University General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.

General Education
  • Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
  • Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits
  • Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits
  • Communication Part A & Part B *
  • Ethnic Studies *
  • Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B *

* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements.

Summary of Requirements

The following curriculum applies to students who were admitted to the electrical engineering degree program (classification changed to EE) in Fall 2017 or later.

Mathematics16
Science17-18
Electrical Engineering Core33
Electrical Engineering Advanced Electives24
Professional Electives9
Communication Skills6
Liberal Studies15
Total Credits120-121

Mathematics1

MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 15
or MATH 217 Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II
or MATH 275 Topics in Calculus I
MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 24
or MATH 276 Topics in Calculus II
MATH 234 Calculus--Functions of Several Variables 24
Probability and Statistics Elective3
Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I
Statistical Experimental Design
Introduction to the Theory of Probability
Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics
Total Credits16
1

In additional to the courses listed in the Mathematics Requirement at least one additional course must be completed for the advanced mathematics auxiliary condition. Choose: MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential EquationsMATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential EquationsMATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear AlgebraMATH 341 Linear AlgebraE C E 334 State Space Systems Analysis, or E C E/​COMP SCI/​M E  532 Matrix Methods in Machine Learning to satisfy the advanced math auxiliary condition. These credits count toward either professional electives or advanced elective credit depending on the course.

2

MATH 375 and MATH 376 taken in sequence will fulfill the requirement for MATH 234, professional elective credit, and advanced math auxiliary condition.

Science 

COMP SCI 300 Programming II3
PHYSICS 201 General Physics 15
or PHYSICS 207 General Physics
or PHYSICS 247 A Modern Introduction to Physics
PHYSICS 202 General Physics5
or PHYSICS 208 General Physics
or PHYSICS 248 A Modern Introduction to Physics
Select one of the following:4-5
Advanced General Chemistry
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Total Credits17-18
1

 Students may also fulfill this requirement by taking E M A 201 Statics and E M A 202 Dynamics or E M A 201 Statics and M E 240 Dynamics.

Electrical Engineering Core 

E C E 203 Signals, Information, and Computation3
E C E 210 Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering2
E C E 219 Analytical Methods for Electromagnetics Engineering2
E C E 220 Electrodynamics I3
E C E 230 Circuit Analysis4
E C E/​PHYSICS  235 Introduction to Solid State Electronics3
E C E/​COMP SCI  252 Introduction to Computer Engineering3
E C E 270 Circuits Laboratory I1
E C E 271 Circuits Laboratory II1
E C E 330 Signals and Systems3
E C E 340 Electronic Circuits I3
E C E/​COMP SCI  352 Digital System Fundamentals3
E C E 370 Advanced Laboratory2
Total Credits33

Electrical Engineering Advanced Electives

Students must take 22 credits in at least three of six areas and at least 2 credits in two laboratory courses.

  • At least 9 credits must be in E C E courses numbered 400 and above.
  • At least one course must be a capstone design course.
  • At least one course must be MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential EquationsMATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential EquationsMATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear AlgebraMATH 341 Linear Algebra, E C E 334 State Space Systems Analysis, or E C E/​COMP SCI/​M E  532 Matrix Methods in Machine Learning to satisfy the advanced math auxiliary condition. MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations, MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, and MATH 341 Linear Algebra count toward professional electives. E C E 334 State Space Systems Analysis and E C E/​COMP SCI/​M E  532 Matrix Methods in Machine Learning count as advanced electives.
  • Students can count 1 credit of E C E 1 Cooperative Education Program toward advanced electives.
  • Students can count up to 6 credits of E C E 399 Independent Study , E C E 489 Honors in Research or E C E 699 Advanced Independent Study towards advanced electives.
  • Students can take E C E 379 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering and E C E 601 Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering as advanced electives.
  • Students can count up to 5 credits of COMP SCI courses numbered 500 and above (not including independent study)
  • E C E courses numbered 300 and above that are not specified in an area can count toward the total number of advanced elective credits required.

Laboratory

Select at least one course from E C E 301 to E C E 317
An additional laboratory course must be taken from the following list:
Introduction to Real-Time Digital Signal Processing
Electric Machines Laboratory
Semiconductor Properties Laboratory
Linear Active Circuits Laboratory
Nonlinear Electronic Circuits Laboratory
Optoelectronics Lab
Introductory Microprocessor Laboratory
Sensors Laboratory
Digital Signal Processing Laboratory
Embedded Microprocessor System Design
Medical Instrumentation 1
Electric Machine & Drive System Laboratory
Power Electronics Laboratory
Advanced Microwave Measurements for Communications
Integrated Circuit Fabrication Laboratory
Digital Engineering Laboratory
Automatic Controls Laboratory
1

Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.

Fields & Waves

E C E 320 Electrodynamics II3
E C E 420 Electromagnetic Wave Transmission3
E C E 434 Photonics3
E C E/​N E/​PHYSICS  525 Introduction to Plasmas3
E C E/​N E/​PHYSICS  527 Plasma Confinement and Heating3
E C E/​N E  528 Plasma Processing and Technology3
E C E 536 Integrated Optics and Optoelectronics3
E C E/​PHYSICS  546 Lasers2-3
E C E 547 Advanced Communications Circuit Design 13
1

Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.

 Systems & Control

E C E 332 Feedback Control Systems3
E C E 334 State Space Systems Analysis3
E C E/​M E  439 Introduction to Robotics 13
E C E/​M E  577 Automatic Controls Laboratory 14
1

Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.

Power & Machines

E C E 355 Electromechanical Energy Conversion3
E C E 356 Electric Power Processing for Alternative Energy Systems3
E C E 411 Introduction to Electric Drive Systems3
E C E 412 Power Electronic Circuits 13
E C E 427 Electric Power Systems 13
E C E 504 Electric Machine & Drive System Laboratory2-3
E C E 511 Theory and Control of Synchronous Machines3
E C E 512 Power Electronics Laboratory 13
1

Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.

Communications & Signal Processing

E C E 331 Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics3
E C E 401 Electro-Acoustical Engineering3
E C E 431 Digital Signal Processing 13
E C E 432 Digital Signal Processing Laboratory 13
E C E/​COMP SCI/​MATH  435 Introduction to Cryptography3
E C E 436 Communication Systems I 13
E C E 437 Communication Systems II 13
E C E 447 Applied Communications Systems 13
E C E/​COMP SCI/​M E  532 Matrix Methods in Machine Learning 13
E C E/​COMP SCI  533 Image Processing 13
E C E 537 Communication Networks 13
E C E/​COMP SCI/​M E  539 Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks 13
E C E/​MATH  641 Introduction to Error-Correcting Codes3
1

Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.

 Circuits & Devices

E C E 335 Microelectronic Devices3
E C E 342 Electronic Circuits II3
E C E 445 Semiconductor Physics and Devices3
E C E/​B M E  462 Medical Instrumentation 13
E C E 466 Electronics of Solids3
E C E 541 Analog MOS Integrated Circuit Design 13
E C E 542 Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems 13
E C E 545 Advanced Microwave Measurements for Communications 13
E C E 548 Integrated Circuit Design 13
E C E 549 Integrated Circuit Fabrication Laboratory 13
E C E 555 Digital Circuits and Components 13
1

Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.

Computers & Computing

E C E 353 Introduction to Microprocessor Systems3
E C E/​COMP SCI  354 Machine Organization and Programming3
E C E 453 Embedded Microprocessor System Design 14
E C E 454 Mobile Computing Laboratory 14
E C E/​B M E  463 Computers in Medicine3
E C E/​COMP SCI  506 Software Engineering3
E C E 551 Digital System Design and Synthesis 13
E C E/​COMP SCI  552 Introduction to Computer Architecture3
E C E 553 Testing and Testable Design of Digital Systems 13
E C E 554 Digital Engineering Laboratory 14
E C E 556 Design Automation of Digital Systems 13
1

Designated as a capstone course. Students can also take E C E 491 Senior Design Project for capstone credit.

Professional Electives

Classes to be taken in an area of professional interest. The following courses are acceptable as professional electives if the courses are not used to meet any other degree requirements.9
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Data Science & Engineering
Electrodynamics II
Introduction to Random Signal Analysis and Statistics
Feedback Control Systems
State Space Systems Analysis
Microelectronic Devices
Electronic Circuits II
Introduction to Microprocessor Systems
Machine Organization and Programming
Electromechanical Energy Conversion
Electric Power Processing for Alternative Energy Systems
E C E courses numbered 399 and higher
COMP SCI courses numbered 400 and higher
Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 1
Applied Mathematical Analysis
Applied Mathematical Analysis
Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra 1
Linear Algebra
MATH courses numbered 400 and higher
STATS courses numbered 400 and higher
Any biological science course that is designated as intermediate or advanced
Any physical science course that is designated as intermediate or advanced (except PHYSICS 241)
Any natural science course that is designated as advanced except that Math, Computer Sciences, and Statistics courses must follow the above criteria
Engineering courses numbered 300 and higher that are not E C E or cross-listed with E C E
Up to six credits of Professional Electives can be taken from School of Business classes numbered 300 and higher.
Special Topics (Wearable Technologies)
Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (Making Digital Lighting Controls)
1

 Students may only earn degree credit for MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations or MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra, not both.

Communication Skills

ENGL 100 Introduction to College Composition3
or LSC 100 Science and Storytelling
or COM ARTS 100 Introduction to Speech Composition
or COM ARTS 181 Elements of Speech-Honors Course
or ESL 118 Academic Writing II
INTEREGR 397 Engineering Communication3
Total Credits6

Liberal Studies Electives 

College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements
Complete requirements 115
Total Credits15
1

All liberal studies credits must be identified with the letter H, S, L, or Z. Language courses are acceptable without the letter and are considered humanities. Note: See an E C E advisor and/or the EE Curriculum Guide for additional information.

Honors in Undergraduate Research Program

Qualified undergraduates may earn an Honors in Research designation on their transcript and diploma by completing 8 credits of undergraduate honors research, including a senior thesis. Further information is available in the department office.

Named Option

Total Degree Credits: 120

University Degree Requirements

Total Degree To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements.
Residency Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs.
Quality of Work Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation.
  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

SAMPLE FOUR-YEAR PLAN

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2215E C E/​COMP SCI  2523
CHEM 103, 104, or 1094-5PHYSICS 2015
E C E 2102MATH 2224
or Communication A
Communication A or3
Liberal Studies Elective3
 14-15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYSICS 2025E C E 2192
MATH 2344COMP SCI 3003
E C E 2033E C E 2304
Liberal Studies Elective3E C E 2701
 E C E 3303
 15 13
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
E C E/​PHYSICS  2353ECE Advanced Elective3
Statistics/Probability Elective3ECE Advanced Elective3
E C E 3403INTEREGR 3973
E C E 2711EE Advanced Lab (3XX)1
E C E/​COMP SCI  3523Liberal Studies Elective3
E C E 2203Professional Elective (Adv Math)3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Liberal Studies Elective3Professional Elective3
ECE Advanced Elective3ECE Advanced Elective (4XX)3
ECE Advanced Elective4ECE Advanced Elective (4XX)3
EE Advanced Lab (3XX)1ECE Capstone Design3
E C E 3702Liberal Studies Elective3
Professional Elective3 
 16 15
Total Credits 120-121

ADVISING

Each College of Engineering program has academic advisors dedicated to serving its students. Program advisors can help current College of Engineering students with questions about accessing courses, navigating degree requirements, resolving academic issues and more. Students can find their assigned advisor on the homepage of their student center. 

ENGINEERING CAREER SERVICES

Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in identifying pre-professional work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, considering and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment during their graduation year.

ECS offers two major career fairs per year, assists with resume writing and interviewing skills, hosts workshops on the job search, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.

Students are encouraged to utilize the ECS office early in their academic careers. For comprehensive information on ECS programs and workshops, see the ECS website or call 608-262-3471.

Professors

Susan Hagness (Chair)
Nader Behdad
Daniel Botez
Azadeh Davoodi (Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies)
John A. Gubner (Associate Chair for Operations)
Yu Hen Hu
Hongrui Jiang (Associate Chair for Graduate Studies)
Irena Knezevic
Bernard Lesieutre
Mikko Lipasti
Zhenqiang Ma
Luke J. Mawst
Robert Nowak
Parameswaran Ramanathan
Bulent Sarlioglu
William A. Sethares
Daniel van der Weide
Giri Venkataramanan
Amy E. Wendt
Zongfu Yu

Associate Professors

Kassem Fawaz (Associate Chair for Research)
Mikhail Kats
Younghyun Kim
Daniel Ludois
Paul H. Milenkovic
Umit Ogras
Dimitris Papailiopoulos
Line Roald
Andreas Velten

Assistant Professors

Joseph Andrews
Jennifer Choy
Grigoris Chrysos
Jeremy Coulson
Dominic Gross
Chirag Gupta
Tsung-Wei Huang
Robert Jacobberger
Akhilesh Jaiswal
Bhuvana Krishnaswamy
Kangwook Lee
Chu Ma
Pedro Morgado
Shubhra Pasayat
Jinia Roy
Joshua San Miguel
Manish Singh
Hihan Sun
Eric Tervo
Ramya Korlakai Vinayak
Ying Wang
Feng Ye
Lei Zhou

Teaching Faculty

Mark C. Allie
Eric Hoffman
Joe Krachey
Srdjan Milicic
 

Teaching Professor

Eduardo Arvelo
Setareh Behroozi
Steven Fredette
Nathan Strachen

See also Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Directory.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communication, Telecommunication(s), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Note: Undergraduate Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes are made publicly available at the Departmental website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are designated by our campus as "Learning Outcomes.")