BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Florida

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida prepares students to design, test, and improve electrical and electronic systems that power modern technology, from communication networks and computer components to robotics and energy systems. Ideal for students who enjoy mathematics, physics, problem-solving, and innovation, the program combines engineering fundamentals with laboratory work, technical electives, and design projects to prepare students for professional careers or advanced study.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Engineering and Scientific Foundations:

Students build a strong foundation in mathematics, science, programming, and electrical engineering principles. Courses such as Introduction to Electrical Engineering, Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1, and Physics with Calculus 1 introduce engineering practice and the quantitative skills needed for advanced technical subjects.

Year 2: Circuits, Signals, and Digital Systems:

Students progress into core electrical engineering concepts, learning to analyse circuits, understand signals, and work with digital hardware. Courses including Circuits 1, Introduction to Signals and Systems, and Digital Logic and Computer Systems connect theoretical concepts with laboratory-based engineering and computer-system applications.

Year 3: Electronics, Programming, and Engineering Design:

Students deepen their technical skills through electronic circuits, engineering programming, and structured design work. Electronic Circuits 1, Programming for Electrical Engineering 2, and Electrical Engineering Design 1 help students develop, test, and document engineering solutions while strengthening their practical problem-solving abilities.

Year 4: Specialisation and Capstone Design:

In the final year, students select advanced courses aligned with their interests, such as communication systems, digital signal processing, machine learning, control systems, or power engineering. Electrical Engineering Design 2, together with technical electives, allows students to apply their knowledge to design challenges and prepare for professional engineering roles or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas:

Electronic devices and circuits, electromagnetics and photonics, power engineering, computers and digital systems, communication systems, signals and control systems, digital signal processing, machine learning.

Learning Outcomes:

Apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to electrical engineering problems; design and conduct experiments and interpret data; develop systems and components that meet practical constraints; communicate technical information effectively; and demonstrate structured engineering design and problem-solving skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The University of Florida’s B.S. in Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This accreditation supports professional recognition and provides a strong foundation for future engineering career development.

Reputation and Employability:

The University of Florida’s ECE department combines engineering education with substantial research activity and practical industry engagement. Its 2024 departmental fact sheet reports $24.7 million in research expenditures for 2023–2024 and a department-reported median salary of $85,000 for Electrical Engineering. This salary figure is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students can take their engineering knowledge beyond lectures through practical laboratory sessions, design projects, internships, co-ops, and undergraduate research. UF provides equipment for circuit testing, digital logic development, power electronics, and prototype building, helping students gain experience with real engineering tools and systems. Key opportunities include:

• Circuits 1 Laboratory: Use oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, function generators, and Digilent Analog Discovery tools to build and measure electrical circuits.

• Digital Logic Laboratory: Design logic circuits using Quartus software and an Altera DE10-Lite FPGA development board.

• Electrical Engineering Design 1: Develop circuit designs and printed circuit boards using Altium Designer, then solder, assemble, and test components.

• Electrical Engineering Design 2: Create a working electronic product prototype using analog and digital design, software development, and laboratory testing.

• Internships and Co-op Experiences: Gain workplace experience, learn industry practices, and apply classroom knowledge in professional engineering environments.

• Integrated Product and Process Design (IPPD): Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams with industry sponsors to develop products and processes under the guidance of faculty coaches and industry engineers.

• Undergraduate Research: Explore research opportunities through UF’s ECE department and its undergraduate research initiatives.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue engineering roles across electronics, power systems, communications, embedded systems, automation, and technology development. The program also provides a foundation for further study in specialised engineering fields. Potential career paths include:

• Electrical Design Engineer — Design and test electrical systems, circuits, and components.

• Electronics Engineer — Develop electronic devices and circuit-based products.

• Power Systems Engineer — Work on electricity generation, distribution, and industrial power systems.

• Embedded Systems Engineer — Develop hardware and software for microcontrollers and computer-controlled devices.

• Controls Engineer — Design control systems for industrial processes, machines, and automated equipment.

• Communications Engineer — Work on communication systems, signals, and electronic transmission technologies.

Additional opportunities and support include:

• Career Connections Center: Access job and internship listings, résumé assistance, interview preparation, and career-planning resources.

• ECE Career Fair: Meet recruiters seeking electrical and computer engineering students for internships and full-time employment.

• Industry Collaboration: Explore internships, co-ops, industry-sponsored projects, and professional-development opportunities through the department.

• Career and Salary Research: Investigate career paths, salaries, alumni employment, and relevant industry skills using university career resources.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, a graduate program in Computer Engineering, or a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, depending on their academic interests and eligibility.