Nov 08, 2024  
CURRENT 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
CURRENT 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Electrical Engineering, BSEE


Total number of hours for the program: 126.

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) program provides a foundation in mathematics, sciences, and engineering. Additional coursework provides a broad Electrical Engineering foundation and depth in various areas of Electrical Engineering including communications, analog/digital electronics, control theory, computers, and digital design. Students work with outstanding faculty members who bring industry and business expertise to the classroom. The program emphasizes the hands-on application of theoretical and technical concepts through project-based learning (PBL), and students work on real-world assignments with companies across Western North Carolina, and beyond, through The Rapid Center.  BSEE graduates contribute to technological advancements in society and pursue wide ranges of technical and/or managerial careers in both private and public sectors.

Liberal Studies Hours (42 hours)


Liberal Studies Program Requirements  

*NOTE:


Four major courses (12 credits) also meet Liberal Studies requirements: ENGR 199, MATH 153, CHEM 139 and PHYS 230. If these courses are not taken to meet Liberal Studies requirements, they will still need to be completed for the BS Electrical Engineering degree.

Major Requirements


The Electrical Engineering major requires 96 credits, 12 of which (ENGR 199, MATH 153, CHEM 139, and PHYS 230) also meet the Liberal Studies requirements, 61 credits from the Electrical Engineering Core, 32 credits from the Mathematics and Science Core, and 3 credits from Technical Electives.

The minimum cumulative GPA of 2.20 in all major courses is required to earn the Electrical Engineering degree.

To continue in the Electrical Engineering major, students must maintain a minimum cumulative overall GPA of 2.20 for courses taken to date at Western Carolina University. Students may be removed from the Electrical Engineering major and placed in Engineering Intended if they earn more than two of the following grades in the major in an academic year:  U, W, and C- or lower. For more details, contact the School of Engineering + Technology.

An application is required for all prospective students. The application and admissions process are available on the School’s website: set.wcu.edu

Students who are not admitted to a program in the School of Engineering + Technology may be placed in Engineering Intended.

•    First Year Students:

The requirements for admission into the Electrical Engineering major include placement into Calculus I (MATH 153) or above. Students accepted to the university but not admitted into the Electrical Engineering major may be placed in Engineering Intended.  Placement in the Engineering Intended major does not guarantee admission into the Electrical Engineering program.  

Refer to the school website for application details and deadlines:  set.wcu.edu

•    Admission for Engineering Intended and Change-of-Major students already enrolled at WCU:

The requirements for admission into the Electrical Engineering major include placement into Calculus I (MATH 153) or above.

Refer to the school website for application details and deadlines:  set.wcu.edu

•    Admission for Transfer Students:

The requirements for admission into the Electrical Engineering major include placement into Calculus I (MATH 153) or above.

Refer to the school website for application details and deadlines: set.wcu.edu

Mathematics and Science Core (32 hours)


Concentrations


Comprehensive Concentration (26 hours)


Building on core topics, electrical engineering focuses on the design and applications of electronic devices, analog and digital circuits and systems, and microprocessors. Topics may include semiconductor components, electromagnetics, electric power, clean energy systems, controls, signal processing and analysis, embedded systems, and communications.

Electric Power and Clean Energy Concentration (26 hours)


This concentration focuses on electrical power and clean energy systems. Topics may include power systems, transmission and distribution systems, electromechanical energy conversion, power electronics, and power converters, with an emphasis on clean and sustainable energy resources and systems and their integration into electric power systems.

Computer Engineering Concentration (23 hours)


This concentration builds on core electrical engineering topics to focus on the design of digital components and devices, computer-based systems, networks, and services. Topics may include digital design, microprocessors and microcontrollers, embedded systems, higher-level programming, real-time operating systems, software and firmware, and controls and IoT. 

Technical Electives (6 - 9 hours)


Any 3 credit hour 300-level or 400-level EE, CPE, RAE course that is not required in the Electrical Engineering Core, or not already included in concentration, can count as a Technical Elective. PHYS 322, or any 3 credit hour 400-level PHYS course can also count as a Technical Elective. Other technical courses may be available with School permission.

Note: The Comprehensive concentration and the Electric Power and Clean Energy concentration both require 6 hours of Technical Electives. The Computer Engineering concentration requires 9 hours of Technical Electives.

Additional Information


Visit the school’s website to view the 8-semester curriculum guide at set.wcu.edu.

Accreditation


Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Program Criteria.