Electrical Engineering
Major, Minor
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Union’s Electrical Engineering program blends study in cutting-edge audio and image processing, wireless communications and nanotechnology with traditional areas such as electronic design, electric circuits, electromagnetics, optics, solid state devices, control systems and communication systems.
Our Electrical Engineering majors are part of a long line of distinguished students and professionals. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering was founded in 1902 by Charles Proteus Steinmetz, America's leading engineer at the time and a Union professor.
Students hone their abilities in analytic reasoning, design and problem-solving. Combined with the depth, breadth and flexibility of our liberal arts curriculum, the Electrical Engineering major is a powerful field of study that produces graduates who are highly attractive to employers.
Small classes, integrated studio-format courses and close faculty-student interaction are hallmarks of our program. All courses are taught by Union faculty members, and most classes have fewer than 20 students.
Other learning opportunities
Electrical Engineering majors at Union have exceptional opportunities to engage in research, written and oral presentations, and academic competitions. All students complete a capstone design project senior year, in which they apply theory, skills and creativity to a practical problem, working in small teams or individually, alongside a faculty member. Majors may also participate in one of the terms abroad offered by the College, especially in Germany and Turkey.
A sampling of courses
Probability and Digital Communications
An introduction to probability with an emphasis on applications in digital communications. Topics include digital signaling, coding, probability of error, matched filters, optimum receiver design, source entropy and channel capacity.
Semiconductor Devices and Circuits
The theory of operation of diodes and transistors, circuit models, basic electronic circuits and amplifiers, transfer characteristics and inverters.
Discrete Systems
The study of discrete signals and systems; classification and properties of systems; difference equations; Z-transform; Fourier series, Fourier transforms, the DFT and FFT; filters and filter design; A/D and D/A converters; and applications to audio signal processing.
Summary of EE Major Requirements
-
Class of 2020 and beyond
A total of 40 courses including the following:
- Math and Science:
- Calculus through MTH-117
- PHY-120 and 121
- NOTE: IMP120+121 is equivalent to MTH115+117 and PHY120+121.
- MTH-130 or 234
- One science elective (100 or higher)
- One math or science elective (100 or higher)
- Engineering Science:
- ESC-100
- One from CSC103-109
- EE Core:
- ECE-101
- ECE-118, 218
- ECE-225, 240, 241, 248
- ECE-343, 350, 351, 363, 366
- EE Electives: (3 ECE courses numbered 300 or higher)
- Capstone Design: ECE-497, 498, 499
- GenEd Courses (HUL, HUM, LCC, SOCS, WAC, …)
- Free Electives: (approximately 6 courses from any department)
- Math and Science:
-
Class of 2018 + 2019
A total of 40 courses including the following:
- Math and Science:
- Calculus through MTH-117
- PHY-120 and 121
- NOTE: IMP120+121 is equivalent to MTH115+117 and PHY120+121.
- MTH-130 or 234
- One science elective (100 or higher)
- One math or science elective (100 or higher)
- Engineering Science:
- ESC-100
- One from CSC103-109
- EE Core:
- ECE-101
- ECE-118
- ECE-225, 240, 241, 248
- ECE-343, 350, 351, 363, 366
- EE Electives: (3 ECE courses numbered 300 or higher)
- Capstone Design: ECE-497, 498, 499
- GenEd Courses (HUL, HUM, LCC, SOCS, WAC, …)
- Free Electives: (approximately 7 courses from any department)
- Math and Science:
After Union
Electrical engineering is a highly versatile field that has innumerable applications, from smart power grids to medical imaging. With your Union College degree, you will be well prepared for entry into the field, as well as for graduate study and for related professions such as medicine, law and business administration.
The Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree program is accredited by the Engineering Commission of ABET. Union also offers a 5-year combined B.S./M.S. in Electrical Engineering in conjunction with Clarkson University’s Capital Region Campus.
Here is what some of our alumni have been up to:
- Senior analyst, National Grid
- Engineer Apple
- Patent examiner, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
- Electrical engineer, General Electric
- Manager, integrations engineer, Google
- Electrical engineer, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories
- Lead financial analyst, IBM
