Program Curriculum
Credits Required for graduation: 131
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Core Requirements | ||
| ECE1004 | Introduction to ECE Concepts (C) | 3 |
| ECE2024 | Circuits and Devices (C) | 3 |
| ECE2514 | Computational Engineering (C) | 3 |
| ECE2544 | Fundamentals of Digital Systems (C) | 3 |
| ECE2564 | Embedded Systems (C) | 3 |
| ECE2804 | Integrated Design Project (C) | 2 |
| ECE3514 | Data Structures & Algorithms (C-) | 3 |
| ECE3574 | Applied Software Design (C-) | 3 |
| Subtotal | 23 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| ECE2214 | Physical Electronics (C) | 3 |
| ECE2714 | Signals and Systems (C) | 3 |
| ECE3504 | Principles of Computer Architecture (C-) | 3 |
| ECE3564 | Introduction to Computer Networking (C-) | 3 |
| ECE4564 | Network Application Design | 3 |
| ECE4560 | Computer and Network Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| CS4264 | Principles of Computer Security | 3 |
| Subtotal | 21 | |
| Additional Course Requirements | ||
| MATH2114 | Introduction to Linear Algebra (C-) | 3 |
| MATH2204 | Introduction to Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| STAT4714 | Probability and Statistics for Electrical Engineers (C-) | 3 |
| MATH2534 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Secondary Focus Area Requirements | ||
| See secondary focus area requirements below. | 9 | |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Free Elective Credits | ||
| Select remaining credits required for the degree: | 10 | |
| Subtotal | 10 | |
| Pathways to General Education | ||
| Pathways Concept 1 - Discourse | ||
| ENGL1105 | First-Year Writing (1F) | 3 |
| ENGL1106 | First-Year Writing (1F) | 3 |
| ECE4805 &ECE4806 | Senior Design Project and Senior Design Project (1A) | 6 |
| Pathways Concept 2 - Critical Thinking in the Humanities | ||
| Select six hours in Pathway 2 | 6 | |
| Pathways Concept 3 - Reasoning in the Social Sciences | ||
| Select six hours in Pathway 3 | 6 | |
| Pathways Concept 4 - Reasoning in the Natural Sciences | ||
| PHYS2305 | Foundations of Physics | 4 |
| PHYS2306 | Foundations of Physics | 4 |
| Pathways Concept 5 - Quantitative and Computational Thinking | ||
| MATH1225 | Calculus of a Single Variable (5F) | 4 |
| MATH1226 | Calculus of a Single Variable (5F) | 4 |
| MATH2214 | Introduction to Differential Equations (5A) | 3 |
| Pathways Concept 6 - Critique and Practice in Design and the Arts | ||
| Select three credits in Arts Pathway 6a | 3 | |
| ENGE1215 &ENGE1216 | Foundations of Engineering and Foundations of Engineering (6D) | 4 |
| Pathways Concept 7 - Critical Analysis of Identity and Equity in the United States | ||
| Pathways 7 should be double counted with either Pathways 2, 3 or 6a to avoid taking any additional credit hours. | 3 | |
| Subtotal | 53 | |
| Total Credits | 128 | |
Secondary Focus Requirement
Focus Areas Within ECE
The courses listed below are grouped into suggested ECE focus areas. Students are encouraged to choose 3 courses from a single focus area that is not their chosen major. Students have the flexibility to choose any 3 ECE courses (9 credits) at the 3xxx level or 4xxx level to meet the secondary focus requirement as long as at least one course (3 credits) is at the 4xxx level. None of the 3 courses can duplicate a course from the student’s major. Actual course offerings will be based on sufficient resources, including faculty availability and student demand. Refer to the University’s on-line timetable of classes for specific course availability information and prerequisite. Note: All ECE courses require a C- or better in prerequisite courses unless a C or better is noted on the checksheet.
Chip-Scale Integration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE3004 | AC Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| ECE4514 | Digital Design II | 4 |
| ECE4540 | VLSI Circuit Design | 3 |
Controls, Robotics, and Autonomy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE3004 | AC Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| ECE3105 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3704 | Continuous and Discrete System Theory | 3 |
| ECE3714 | Introduction to Control Systems | 3 |
| ECE4524 | Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Applications | 4 |
| ECE4580 | Digital Image Processing | 3 |
| ECE4704 | Principles of Robotics Systems | 3 |
Machine Learning
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 4424/CS4824 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| ECE4524 | Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Applications | 4 |
| ECE4525 | Video Game Design and Engineering | 3 |
| ECE4554 | Introduction to Computer Vision | 3 |
| ECE4580 | Digital Image Processing | 3 |
Software Systems
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE4524 | Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Applications | 4 |
| ECE4525 | Video Game Design and Engineering | 3 |
| ECE4550 | Real-Time Systems | 3 |
| ECE4574 | Large-Scale Software Development for Engineering Systems | 3 |
Communications and Networking
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE3004 | AC Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| ECE3105 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3564 | Introduction to Computer Networking | 3 |
| ECE3614 | Introduction to Communication Systems | 3 |
| ECE3704 | Continuous and Discrete System Theory | 3 |
| ECE4624 | Digital Signal Processing And Filter Design | 3 |
| ECE4634 | Digital Communications | 3 |
Energy and Power Electronic Systems
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE3004 | AC Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| ECE3105 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3204 | Analog Electronics | 3 |
| ECE3304 | Introduction to Power Systems | 3 |
| ECE3704 | Continuous and Discrete System Theory | 3 |
| ECE4205 | Electronic Circuit Design | 3 |
| ECE4224 | Power Electronics | 3 |
| ECE4334 | Power System Analysis and Control | 3 |
Micro/Nanosystems
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE3004 | AC Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| ECE3105 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3204 | Analog Electronics | 3 |
| ECE3214 | Semiconductor Device Fundamentals | 3 |
| ECE3614 | Introduction to Communication Systems | 3 |
| ECE4205 | Electronic Circuit Design | 3 |
| ECE4220 | Analog Integrated Circuit Design | 3 |
| ECE4234 | Semiconductor Processing | 3 |
| ECE4254 | Principles of Electronics Packaging | 3 |
Photonics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE3004 | AC Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| ECE3105 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3106 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3134 | Introduction to Optoelectronics | 3 |
| ECE3614 | Introduction to Communication Systems | 3 |
| ECE4134 | Photonics | 3 |
| ECE4144 | Optical Systems | 3 |
Radio Frequency and Microwave
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE3004 | AC Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| ECE3105 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3106 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3204 | Analog Electronics | 3 |
| ECE3604 | Introduction to RF and Microwave Engineering | 3 |
| ECE4104 | Microwave and RF Engineering | 4 |
| ECE4114 | Antennas | 3 |
| ECE4124 | Radio Wave Propagation | 3 |
| ECE4220 | Analog Integrated Circuit Design | 3 |
| ECE4605 | Radio Engineering | 3 |
Space Systems
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE3004 | AC Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| ECE3104 | Introduction to Space Systems and Technologies | 3 |
| ECE3105 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3106 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| ECE3614 | Introduction to Communication Systems | 3 |
| ECE4154 | Space Weather: The Solar Wind and Magnetosphere | 3 |
| ECE4164 | Introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS) Theory and Design | 4 |
| ECE4194 | Engineering Principles of Remote Sensing | 3 |
| ECE4205 | Electronic Circuit Design | 3 |
| ECE4644 | Satellite Communications | 3 |
Other ECE Options
(Actual course offerings will be based on sufficient resources)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE4324 | Microgrids | 3 |
| ECE4354 | Power System Protection | 3 |
| ECE4424 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| ECE4444 | Technological Singularity | 3 |
| ECE4504 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| ECE4530 | Hardware-Software Codesign | 3 |
| ECE4534 | Embedded System Design | 4 |
| ECE4984 | Special Study (Topics vary - See timetable for options) | 1-19 |
Independent Studies and Undergraduate Research
For purposes of satisfying the Secondary Focus requirements, the sum of the number of hours taken fromECE4974 Independent StudyandECE4994 Undergraduate Researchcannot exceed 6 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE4974 | Independent Study | 1-19 |
| ECE4994 | Undergraduate Research | 1-19 |
Instructors and students must complete the College of Engineering Undergraduate Research/Independent Study Form (https://eng.vt.edu/academics/undergraduate-students/resources-support/undergraduate-research-independent-study.html).
Deadline to submit form is last day to add classes.
Individualized Secondary Focus
(Must be preapproved by ECE Department)
Electrical and computer engineering has applications across a wide variety of fields, such as medicine, human-computer interaction, finance, and entertainment. People with ECE degrees can be entrepreneurs, patent lawyers, policy makers, and business executives. The individualized secondary focus helps students pursue these interests. This option can be used in place of a pre-defined, in-department secondary focus.
The individualized secondary focus typically is pursued via an already defined university-approved program such as a degree, major, minor, or certificate that the student has declared. Students are encouraged to select courses from these programs, subject to the guidelines below.
- To begin this process, students must first meet with their academic advisor.
- The student must complete a brief proposal form describing the expected added value to their major. This includes a narrative about how these courses support the student’s career goals and ability to achieve their professional aspirations. This proposal must be approved by the Director of Undergrad Program or designee.
- Individualized secondary focus plans must include 3 courses within the following parameters:
- None of the courses may duplicate the student’s ECE major requirements.
- None of the courses can be at the 1xxx level (1xxx courses required for university-approved programs, e.g. minors, can be used for a student’s free electives).
- A maximum of one course can be at the 2xxx level, and only if it is a requirement of a university approved program, or if the course is a prerequisite to one or more of the other two courses in the individualized secondary focus.
- A minimum of one course must be at the 4xxx level.
- If the set of courses is part of an already defined university program, the student should attach documentation to the proposal form.
- If the set of three courses are not part of an already defined university-approved program, the student must also obtain written approval from the department that houses the courses.
- It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the set of courses is available to be taken in a timely manner. The ECE department is not responsible for changes of programs elsewhere in the university.
Graduation Requirements
Each student must complete at least 131 semester credit hours with a minimum overall GPA of 2.00 and a minimum in-major GPA of 2.00. In determining the Networking & Cybersecurity in-major GPA, all ECE courses, including repeats, areused.
General Information about Checksheet
Course offerings are subject to change and the availability of sufficient resources. Students should confirm course offerings in advance with their department.
Pathways to General Education (Pathways)
Consult the pathways courses table:https://www.pathways.prov.vt.edu/about/table.html. Pathways courses need to be completed prior tograduation.
Electives
The Networking & Cybersecurity Major requires 9 hours of free electives. Only free electives may be taken under the P/F gradingoption. Students are encouraged to use free elective credits to provide depth in their major or secondary focus.
Secondary Focus
The Networking & Cybersecurity Major requires 9 credits for a secondary focus area. Students have the flexibility to choose any 3 ECE courses (9 credits) at the 3xxx level or 4xxx level to meet the secondary focus requirements as long as at least one course (3 credits) is at the 4xxx level and the courses do not duplicate major courses. Alternatively, students may seek an approved individualized secondaryfocus. See the requirements below for more information.
Change of Major Requirements
Please see: https://eng.vt.edu/em
Foreign Language Requirements
Students must have had 2 years of a foreign language in high school or one year at the college level(6 credit hours) of the same language. College-level credits used to meet this requirement do not count towards the degree.
Satisfactory Progress Towards Degree
University Policy 91 outlines university-wide minimum criteria to determine if students are making satisfactory progress towards the completion of their degrees. The ECE Department fully supports this policy. Specific expectations for satisfactory progress for BSCPE and BSEE majors are as follows:
- Each student must meet the minimum University-wide criteria as described in Policy 91 and summarized in the Undergraduate Catalog (under Academic Policies)
- Upon completing 2 semesters in ECE, students must have satisfactorily completed ECE2024 Circuits and Devices, ECE2514 Computational Engineering, ECE2544 Fundamentals of Digital Systems, MATH2214 Introduction to Differential Equations, and PHYS2306 Foundations of Physics
- Upon completing 3 semesters in ECE, students must have satisfactorily completed ECE2804 Integrated Design Project.
- Upon attempting 90 credits, BSCPE and BSEE students must have successfully completed 33 credits of in-major courses and have 2.0 overall and in-major GPAs. (The BSCPE and BSEE in-major GPA includes all ECE courses, including repeats).
Grade Requirement
Students must earn a C or higher in the following ECE courses: ECE1004 Introduction to ECE Concepts, ECE2024 Circuits and Devices, ECE2214 Physical Electronics, ECE2514 Computational Engineering, ECE2544 Fundamentals of Digital Systems,ECE2564 Embedded Systems, ECE2714 Signals and Systems, ECE2804 Integrated Design Project.
Statement of Prerequisites
Pre-requisites for each course are listed. In general, all ECE courses require a C- or better in prerequisite courses. Students must earn a C or higher in the ECE courses listed above. There are no hidden prerequisites in this program of study. Prerequisites may change from what is indicated. Be sure to consult the Timetable of Classes or check with youradvisor for the most current requirements.
Roadmap
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| ECE1004 | Introduction to ECE Concepts (C) | 3 |
| ENGL1105 | First-Year Writing | 3 |
| MATH1225 | Calculus of a Single Variable (C-) | 4 |
| ENGE1215 | Foundations of Engineering (C-) | 2 |
| Pathways 2 or 3 or 6A | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL1106 | First-Year Writing | 3 |
| MATH1226 | Calculus of a Single Variable | 4 |
| PHYS2305 | Foundations of Physics | 4 |
| ENGE1216 | Foundations of Engineering (C-) | 2 |
| MATH2114 | Introduction to Linear Algebra (C-) | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MATH2214 | Introduction to Differential Equations (C-) | 3 |
| PHYS2306 | Foundations of Physics | 4 |
| ECE2024 | Circuits and Devices (C) | 3 |
| ECE2514 | Computational Engineering (C) | 3 |
| ECE2544 | Fundamentals of Digital Systems (C) | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MATH2204 | Introduction to Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| ECE2214 | Physical Electronics (C) | 3 |
| ECE2564 | Embedded Systems (C) | 3 |
| ECE2714 | Signals and Systems (C) | 3 |
| ECE2804 | Integrated Design Project (C) | 2 |
| Pathways 2 or 3 or 6A | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ECE3504 | Principles of Computer Architecture (C-) | 3 |
| ECE3514 | Data Structures & Algorithms (C-) | 3 |
| STAT4714 | Probability and Statistics for Electrical Engineers (C-) | 3 |
| Secondary Focus Area course (see list) | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ECE3574 | Applied Software Design (C-) | 3 |
| ECE3564 | Introduction to Computer Networking (C-) | 3 |
| Secondary Focus Area course (see list) | 3 | |
| Secondary Focus Area course (see list) | 3 | |
| Pathways 2 or 3 or 6A | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ECE4805 | Senior Design Project (C-) | 3 |
| ECE4564 | Network Application Design | 3 |
| MATH2534 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Pathways 2 or 3 or 6A | 3 | |
| Pathways 2 or 3 or 6A | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ECE4806 | Senior Design Project | 3 |
| ECE4560 | Computer and Network Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| CS4264 | Principles of Computer Security | 3 |
| Pathways 7 or Free Elective (if Pathways 7 double counted) | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 128 | |
