Mission Statement

The mission of the ECE department is to provide Midshipmen with a state-of-the-art education in electrical and computer engineering and develop them into resilient leaders who can work collaboratively, analyze problems critically, and generate innovative solutions for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Why Chose ECE?

What is Electrical and Computer Engineering all about?

Electrical and computer engineering is all about exploring and understanding the fascinating world of technology. It's like being a detective who solves puzzles related to electricity, computers, and how they work together to create amazing things that make our lives better.

In electrical engineering, you'll get to learn about the power of electricity, which is what allows us to use all the electronic devices we rely on every day. You'll study how to generate, control, and distribute electrical energy efficiently. You'll also dive into the design and development of electronic circuits, which are like the building blocks of all the gadgets we use, such as smartphones, game consoles, and even robots!

Computer engineering, on the other hand, focuses on the happenings inside those devices we love. You'll discover the inner workings of computers and learn how to design and build hardware and software systems that make them run smoothly. It's like being the mastermind behind the scenes, making sure everything works together flawlessly. You'll learn to write computer programs, create innovative algorithms, and even explore exciting topics like artificial intelligence and robotics.

What do students do in the major?

By studying electrical and computer engineering, you'll gain problem-solving skills and creativity that will allow you to invent and improve the technology of the future. Imagine being able to create your own electronic devices, design new ways for computers to interact with people, or even develop solutions to complex challenges facing our world, like sustainable energy or advanced medical technologies.

It's worth mentioning that electrical and computer engineering are interdisciplinary fields, which means they connect with other areas like physics, mathematics, and even business. This opens up a world of possibilities, as you can explore various interests and apply your knowledge to solve real-world problems.

While you don't need to be an expert right now, having a curiosity about how things work and a passion for exploring technology are great starting points. In our department, you'll have supportive professors and hands-on projects to help you understand and apply what you learn.

So, if you're fascinated by technology, enjoy problem-solving, and have a curious mind, electrical and computer engineering could be the perfect path for you!

What kinds of classes can I take?

There are a lot of popular choices for electives within the major such as power and renewable energy, signal and data processing, computer hardware design, and communication systems; and we give you a lot of flexibility to take technical electives in other departments. Check out the Research Focus for a list of required and elective courses.

What do students say they like most about the major?

Every year we poll the outgoing 1/C to find out what they liked the most about Electrical and Computer Engineering. Invariably these are the top three responses:

• Projects - If you like building things and learn by doing, this is a good major for you. During the 1/C year students get to design, build, and test a project of their choosing. We'll let you build just about anything you can dream up (as long as it is safe and we have the parts). 
• Flexibility - There is a lot of opportunity to tailor the major toward your interests. 
• Faculty - Our faculty love to teach. And it shows. We pride ourselves on being approachable, personable and knowledgeable. We constantly strive to bring the latest technology into the classroom. 

What is the "Capstone Project" I keep hearing about?

It is one of the best parts of the major. It is a year long, team-based, design project where you get to apply all you have learned in your course work to a real world problem.

This major sounds hard. I am not sure if I can do it...

Like every engineering major, you have to have some interest and aptitude for math and science. However, if you were able to get through plebe year, there is a pretty good chance you have what it takes to do well in Electrical or Computer Engineering. It is certainly no more difficult than any other engineering or science major. We don't assume you have any prior experience with building things or programming computers. There is a lot of help available if you need it. The most important piece of advice is to pick a major you are genuinely interested in and excited about.

Are you accredited?

Absolutely. We're accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and technology (ABET) – the gold standard for engineering programs in the United States.

Can Electrical or Computer Engineers participate in the internship program?

The internship program allows you to work at a company or government lab for one summer training block (about 4 weeks).   Typically housing and transportation arrangements are set up through the internship coordinator.   Most of the internships advertised on the engineering division internship (intranet access only), are suitable for Electrical and Computer Engineering majors.  Keep in mind that the internships must come from that pre-approved list.