department-of-electrical-and-computer-engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Chairperson: Majeed Hayat, Ph.D.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering website

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers curricula that lead to a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering or a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering.

Mission

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering embraces the missions of Marquette University and its Opus College of Engineering. The mission of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is to offer its students high-quality, up-to-date, nationally recognized programs in electrical and computer engineering that prepare them for successful careers. This success is marked by a commitment to lifelong learning and a deep concern for the impact of their work on others; by research that advances the frontiers of technical and scientific knowledge; and by service to professional and civic communities.

Engineering is the professional art of applying science and mathematics to the efficient conversion of natural resources and to the manipulation of information for human benefit. The basic concepts in this definition can be expanded, particularly for the electrical or computer engineer, by considering their activities. These usually involve

  1. the processing and control of energy,
  2. the processing and control of information,
  3. the processing and control of materials.

Certainly, any educational experience in electrical engineering or computer engineering should be evaluated for the student in terms of its contribution in one or more of these areas.

However, this is not the only consideration. Equally important is the concept of engineering as a dynamic profession. In terms of the educational process, this means that attention must be directed to preparing the student for types of processing and control, which have not yet been developed or perhaps even discovered. The young engineer must be prepared to cope with devices, technologies and systems which will appear years into the future, from the viewpoint of the scientific principles on which the design of these future devices and systems will be based.

There is another important consideration in the practice of electrical and computer engineering. An engineer is called on for many and varied activities but as diversified as these may be, when carefully examined, they lead to this conclusion: Problem-solving is the engineer’s most important activity. From the educator’s viewpoint, this naturally should lead to a planned, conscious effort to develop the young engineer’s problem-solving ability to the limits of their God-given talents. In this regard, it is important to note that since engineers’ problems are sometimes creative, sometimes analytic and sometimes experimental, their educational experience must give practice in each of these areas and in all types of problems. Significant design experience is an essential part of the engineer’s education.

Finally, the engineer is an individual, a citizen who needs to develop a sense of moral and ethical values on a plane consistent with their education in other areas. In the educational process, this requires that a good balance be developed between the technical and ethical-social-humanistic content.

The electrical engineering and computer engineering curricula at Marquette University are carefully designed to meet the requirements of each student. This is achieved through having a curriculum that includes core requirements on foundational concepts in electrical or computer engineering while having the flexibility in selecting from many electives in areas of specialization. Opportunities are provided for each student to develop in the direction of personal interests and at a rate corresponding to individual ability. Coherent elective programs are planned with each student consistent with their ability and professional goals. Moreover, beyond these electives, interested students have the opportunity for independent study and for participation in research activity.

Educational Objectives

The Educational Objectives for the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Programs derive from the department’s vision for our graduates. Alumni of these programs, particularly those individuals who have completed their undergraduate education within the last two to five years, will be thriving professionals who apply the knowledge, skills and values gained through their study of Computer or Electrical Engineering at Marquette University.

Specifically, our graduates are:

  1. Engaged in solving significant problems in engineering or another field in the public or private sector, as students pursuing an advanced or professional degree or as volunteers.
  2. Capably contributing as members of engineering or other problem-solving teams and communicating effectively within the team and to the team’s clients.
  3. Advancing in their professional careers — taking on increasing responsibilities and leadership roles.
  4. Continually learning, whether in a formal degree program or by participating in professional conferences and continuing education programs.
  5. Acting responsibly and respectfully when making professional and personal decisions — serving as examples to those around them.

Computer Science Minor

Students in Electrical or Computer Engineering may obtain a minor in computer science and should consult with the Engineering Academic Advising Center to discuss the requirements of the minor.

Non-Electrical/Computer Engineering Minors

Students in the electrical engineering curriculum who are interested in obtaining a minor (or major) in any other area should consult with the Engineering Academic Advising Center to discuss the requirements of these minors. Careful planning with an academic adviser can minimize the number of additional hours beyond the normal graduation requirements.

Five Year B.S./M.S. Program

This program allows students to receive a bachelor of science degree in either electrical engineering or computer engineering, depending on the student’s undergraduate major, and a master of science degree in electrical engineering in five years. Students with qualifying grade point averages enroll in the program during their junior year. Additional information about this program is available in the most recent Marquette University Graduate bulletin.