BS/BA in Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering (EE) is a profession that uses science, mathematics, computers and other technology, coupled with problem solving skills, to design, construct, and maintain products, services, and systems using electricity and electronics. Electrical engineers research, design, develop, and operate the many electrical systems and components that run our world. Electrical engineers are often associated with computer chips, power generation, or telecommunications. However, electrical engineers also specialize in such work as circuit design, computers and automatic control systems, microelectronics, electronic photography and television, energy sources and systems, and solid-state materials and devices. Electrical engineers work in the communications, aerospace, computer, electrical power, medical, semiconductor, and consumer electronics industries. Electrical engineering is a field with diverse challenges and many opportunities. The EE program at USD encompasses a breadth of traditional fields and provides depth in electronics, signal analysis, and digital systems. In addition, students complete the broad range of core curriculum requirements that lead to a unique dual BS/BA degree in electrical engineering. Within the curriculum, special emphasis is placed upon engineering design and the use of the computer both as an engineering tool and as an integral component in systems. Both emphases are integrated throughout the curriculum with basic concepts introduced during the first two years followed by increasing levels of application complexity throughout the upper division courses. The educational objectives of the USD electrical engineering program are to develop graduates who: Are able to apply their electrical engineering and broad academic backgrounds in their professional and personal endeavors Can adapt to evolving job responsibilities Can contribute effectively on a team and provide leadership in their professional careers To achieve these objectives, the EE program has been designed to ensure that graduates have achieved the following outcomes: a. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering b. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data c. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability d. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams e. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems f. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility g. an ability to communicate effectively h. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context i. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning j. a knowledge of contemporary issues [in the profession] k. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. l. an ability to apply knowledge of probability and statistics to applications in electrical engineering. Fast-changing technologies in the field of electrical engineering mean that life-long learning is a necessity for members of the profession. The significance of electrical engineering technologies in affecting the quality of life throughout the world creates additional professional responsibilities. As part of these professional obligations, all EE majors are expected to maintain student membership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc. (IEEE).