Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Electrical Engineering?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has the following definition for the discipline of electrical engineering:
"Electrical engineers specializing in power work with motors and generators, and design transmission lines and power plants. EEs specializing in electronics deal with communications, such as radio, television, and telephony, and with digital and analog circuit technologies. All Engineers draw from the fundamentals of science and mathematics. Electrical Engineers design and work with electrical, electronic, electro-optical, and electromechanical devices, circuits, and systems. They collaborate with other professionals in developing sophisticated software tools that support design, verification, and testing. Electrical engineering is a discipline that integrates many other disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer software and hardware, solid-state electronics, communications, electro-magnetics and optics, signals and signal processing, systems science, reliability, engineering economics, and manufacturing."
The electrical engineering program at Miami has an emphasis on broad liberal arts education and strong mathematics and science foundations. Our technical focus areas are in communications, electromagnetics, robotics engineering, and signal processiing. The program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in Electrical Engineering.
Interests
This course of study is excellent for students who are interested in mathematics, physics, and science in general, in applying their math and science skills in analysis, design, construction, and testing of a wide range of electrical, electronics, electromechanical, and computing-related devices and systems, in becoming systematic problem solvers, and in gaining and applying scientific knowledge to human needs in an efficient, economic, and ethical way. Students will have many opportunities to participate in open-ended laboratory and industrial projects. Students who are interested in academic careers may work on research projects in cutting-edge technology areas under the guidance of faculty members.
Competencies
- Communication
- Preparing technical reports
Organizing/reporting data
Designing charts/graphs
Informing/explaining
Reporting
Writing technical information
Communicating orally/formal and informal
Communicating interpersonally on multiple levels - Interpersonal Skills
- Working as part of a team
Project management
Developing common goals - Computational
- Solving quantitative problems
Data analysis
Modeling and simulating physical problems - Analytical
- Thinking logically
Summarizing research findings
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Developing theories
Clarifying problems
Organizing ideas/materials - Investigative
- Reviewing relevant data
Applying concepts
Utilizing formulas
Identifying problems
Gathering information
Perceiving patterns/structures - Technical
- Knowing mechanical, electrical and optical equipment
Using computer technology
Designing systems
Opportunities - Careers
Electrical Engineers will have the opportunity to work in a diverse spectrum of professional fields. They vary from research to design, from development to manufacturing, from production to service. An electrical engineer may also choose to couple his/her technical aspects of his/her education with other responsibilities to work in many other fields such as management, business, law, medicine, and politics.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Graduates will be prepared to continue their education at the graduate level in electrical engineering and allied fields such as biomedical engineering, computer science, and aerospace engineering.
Opportunities - Experiential
Students can gain industry experience through the five-year co-op program in which students alternate semesters of study with semesters of work or through summer internship following their junior year. Students are also encouraged to get involved with student organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Sources of Additional Information
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (260 Engineering Bldg., 529-0741)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Building, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - School of Engineering & Applied Science (106 Benton Hall, 529-0700)
- * Miami Plan Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.