Why Study Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is a field of specialization within engineering that seeks to develop new technologies that contribute to society in many different and exciting ways. The roots of electrical engineering go back to the physical laws of electricity (charge, voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, optics, and the like) but today it is a very broad field with impact on a variety of interdisciplinary applications. Electrical engineers are responsible for the most significant human technological advances of the 20th century, including electrical power generation and distribution, telephones, radio, television, defense technologies like radar and sonar, entertainment technologies like CDs and DVDs, medical imaging, computers, and the Internet. Opportunities for shaping the 21st century in similar ways are limited only by the imagination.
Electrical engineers are good at math and science, but have that extra “spark” that makes them want to solve problems and create something that no one else has thought of before. They like to know how things work, and want to make their own ideas work. Electrical engineers are highly sought-after in the marketplace and have the skills to adapt to an ever-changing technological landscape.
Why Study Systems Engineering?
Systems engineering is the field of specialization within engineering that uses advanced mathematical methods to model physical systems, and to develop techniques for system optimization and control. Systems engineers are experts at analyzing complex systems and effectively coordinating their many different components. Systems engineers design, develop, manage and optimize complex systems including electrical systems, information systems, economic models, financial systems, environmental systems, telecommunication networks, transportation networks, project management, and aerospace systems.
Professional vs. Non-Professional Degrees
The Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering offers both professional degrees (BSEE, BSSSE) and non-professional degrees (BS in Applied Science).
The professional degrees are designed for those students who seek to enter the engineering profession. These degree programs are accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Engineers who eventually seek registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) must have an ABET-accredited degree in engineering. In most states you must be a registered professional engineer to go into business as a consulting engineer, to be a founder of company with the word “engineer” in the title, or to be the head of a large engineering organization.
The non-professional degrees offer more flexibility, and are appropriate for students seeking a technical education but who do not necessarily wish to pursue a career as an engineer. There are fewer departmental requirements in the major and thus students are afforded more choices to take elective classes in mathematics, science or the humanities. These degree programs are not ABET-accredited. Students in the non-professional degree programs may be interested in careers in medicine, law, business, government service, and in some cases graduate school in other disciplines.
Pre-Medicine Programs
The practice of medicine is becoming increasingly technologically sophisticated, and doctors with a solid understanding of engineering and technology are in high demand. Students increasingly find that an engineering undergraduate degree is a highly attractive path to medical school. This is especially true at Washington University, where the School of Engineering has close ties with the School of Medicine, one of the top five medical schools in the U.S.
How can students combine study in electrical engineering with preparation for a career in medicine?
View a sample program.
How can students combine study in systems engineering with preparation for a career in medicin?
View a sample program.
The Washington University Advantage
The Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering offers undergraduate degree programs that feature a very low student-to-faculty ratio and a nice balance of theory and hands-on experience. Our students receive a great deal of personal attention and have ample opportunity to explore a variety of engineering subjects, design projects, and undergraduate research under the guidance of our caring and committed faculty. We offer a flexible curriculum that accommodates study in areas outside of engineering. Our graduates receive outstanding job offers and/or admission to the best graduate engineering programs nationwide.
Beyond coursework, there are special are opportunities for students to engaged in other projects.
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