Prospective Students in ECE

What is ECE?

Have you ever wondered how cell phones, high definition television, virtual reality systems, the internet, and high performance computers came about? All of these, and any other developments that make up our "high tech" world, largely come from the efforts and creativity of electrical and computer engineers. Not only are these creations of high technology often fun and convenient, they are also a major part of our economy.

Visit the IEEE Virtual Museum to explore the histories of these technologies, find out how they work, and learn about some of the people who invented them.

Electrical Engineering covers everything related to electrical devices and systems. The field is extremely broad, with electrical engineers being involved in the design and development of telecommunications networks; design and manufacture of consumer electronics; development of control systems for space vehicles and robots; and in many aspects of the power and automotive industries. Such things as satellite communications, cell phones, fiber optic networks, radar systems, and neural networks all fall within the domain of the electrical engineer. Within all of these industries, electrical engineers work in design, testing and verification, and manufacture. They are the creators as well as the implementers of all things electrical.

Computer Engineering primarily addresses the design, implementation, and application of computers and digital systems. The field covers hardware, software, and the interaction between them. Computer engineers are involved in the development of microprocessors, computers, and workstations; the servers and switches that support the internet; and the implementation of the hardware and protocols that support the telecommunications network. They design and implement real-time operating systems and software tools for designing integrated circuits. Computer engineers are also responsible for the realization of microprocessor chips that control computers and other electronic hardware.

The fields of electrical and computer engineering encompass a broad range of knowledge, therefore virtually all industries employ electrical and computer engineers at some level. Some of the everyday things that we take for granted that have resulted from developments in electrical and computer engineering are:

• computers the internet
• medical electronics such as CAT scanners, pacemakers, and MRI systems
• cell phones
• high definition television
• CD and DVD players
• digital cameras
• global positioning systems
• microprocessor chips such as the Pentium IV
• virtual reality systems including three dimensional television

Even the automobile is becoming more and more an electrical engineering marvel. Already available with night vision and satellite navigation systems, the car of the not too distant future is predicted to become essentially a computer on wheels with a motor to act primarily as an electrical generator. We are presently in the so-called information age. As we move into the "knowledge age" our society will even more come to depend on, and be driven by, the things that electrical and computer engineers do.

Should I be an electrical or computer engineer?

That is not a straightforward question to answer, but if you are good at mathematics, you like solving problems, you are interested in designing practical solutions to real-world problems and, in particular, you think working in the profession that is responsible for creating "High Tech" would be exciting, then electrical or computer engineering may be for you.

If you are still unsure and would like to learn more about a career in ECE, browse the following resources for additional information:

Visit Discover Engineering.org for general descriptions of the different types of work you can do with an ECE degree.

To learn about the many challenging careers in electrical and computer engineering, go to the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center to get acquainted with a handful of electrical and computer engineers. Watch video clips of ECE professionals as they provide insight into the activities, educational preparation, and daily challenges of individuals working in their field. Their stories may help you decide if a career in engineering is right for you.

For more information on the field of engineering, check out The Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century and learn how engineering has shaped a century and changed the world. Will you make history and change the world with the next engineering advancement?