Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE) Degree

The program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE) is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Program Criteria.

The BSEE was renamed the BSECE degree in academic year 2022-2023.

Program Learning Outcomes (Student Outcomes) for the BSECE Degree

Upon completing the BSECE degree, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Educational Objectives for the BSECE Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE) degree program strives to provide a high-quality degree that emphasizes fundamental principles, responds to the changing demands and opportunities of technology, challenges the exceptional abilities of Rice students, and prepares these students for roles of leadership in their chosen careers. In support of this goal, the Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering's (BSECE) degree Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are to produce graduates who:

1. Practice electrical and computer engineering, and related fields, and/or obtain an advanced degree in electrical and computer engineering, and related fields.
2. Practice mathematical modeling and problem solving skills in electrical and computer engineering and other technical applications.
3. Analyze, incorporate, and adapt to new technical and scientific developments.
4. Assume increasing professional responsibility and enhance communication and teamwork abilities.

Requirements for the BSECE Degree

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing the BSECE degree must complete:

• A minimum of 28-30 courses (82-83 credit hours), depending on course selection, to satisfy major requirements.
• A minimum of 125 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 14 courses (42 credit hours) taken at the 300-level or above.
• The requirements for one area of specialization (see below for areas of specialization). When students declare the major in Electrical and Computer Engineering (associated with the BSECE degree), students must additionally identify and declare one of four areas of specialization, either in:
  • Computer Engineering: provides a broad background in computer systems engineering, including computer architecture, digital hardware engineering, software engineering, and computer systems performance analysis, or
  • Data Science/Systems: integrates the foundations, tools and techniques involving data acquisition, data analytics, data storage and computing infrastructure in order to enable meaningful extraction of actionable information from diverse and potentially massive data sources. Applications include wireless communication systems, digital signal processing, image processing, and networking, or
  • Neuroengineering: exploits engineering techniques to understand, repair, manipulate, or treat the diseases of human neural systems and networks, or
  • Photonics, Electronics, and Nano-devices: encompasses studies of electronic materials, including nanomaterials, semiconductor and optoelectronic devices, lasers and their applications.

  Because of the common core requirements, it is possible for students to change their area of specialization at any time, even after initially declaring the major. To do so, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

  The specialization electives provide the flexibility to create a focus that crosses traditional areas. Ultimately each student’s program must contain a course sequence that provides depth in one area and courses from at least two areas to provide breadth. Because of the number of options, students should consult early with departmental advisors to plan a program that meets their needs. Planning sheets and degree plan forms can be found on the Electrical and Computer Engineering website.

  The BSECE degree is the usual degree taken by those students planning a career in engineering practice. The BSECE requires more hours and greater depth than the BA degree; however, it still provides considerable flexibility and can reduce the time required to become a licensed professional engineer. In the final year, BSECE students undertake a capstone design project.

  Students considering a major offered by the Electrical and Computer Engineering department should take physics ( PHYS 101 , PHYS 102 ) and calculus ( MATH 101 or MATH 105 , MATH 102 or MATH 106 ) in their first year, along with COMP 140 . The first core courses in the department, ELEC 220 , ELEC 241 (lecture) with ELEC 240 (lab), and ELEC 261 are taken in either first or second year, along with more math and science. A course can satisfy only one program requirement. Students entering with advanced placement may have more scheduling options and may take some of these core courses in their first year. Students who place out of required courses without transcript credit must substitute other approved courses in the same area. Students should consult with one of the department's undergraduate advisors in these situations.

  The courses listed below satisfy the requirements for this major. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of the major’s academic advisor or, where applicable, the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by the major's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document the courses to be taken.

  Summary

  Course List

  Code	Title	Credit Hours
  Total Credit Hours Required for the Major in Electrical and Computer Engineering		82-83
  Total Credit Hours Required for the BSECE Degree		125