A degree in electrical and computer engineering provides graduates the opportunity to enter the profession of engineering and to engage in work as a design, production, testing, consulting, research, teaching, or management professional in a wide variety of careers in the computer industry, embedded systems, telecommunications, instruments, the power and renewable energy industry, the biomedical industry, aerospace and academia. Some graduates also go on to develop careers in other professions like law and medicine.

Examples of career opportunities include development of new electrical or electronic devices, instruments or products; design of equipment or systems; production and quality control of electrical products for private industry or government; sales or management for a private firm or government; and teaching and research in a university.

Colorado Mesa University/University of Colorado Boulder Partnership Program (Electrical & Computer Engineering)

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and CU Boulder have created a partnership to deliver specific engineering baccalaureate programs in their entirety in Grand Junction, Colorado. The first two years of coursework are taught by CMU faculty and the second two years of coursework are taught by CU Boulder faculty located in Grand Junction. Students completing the programs will be awarded a Bachelor of Science from CU Boulder.

Degrees are offered in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and electrical & computer engineering, with additional details on the partnership website.

Coursework requirements and plans of study specific to this partnership can be found on the Colorado Mesa University electrical and computer engineering partnership website. Learn more about this program on the CU Boulder partnership website.

Requirements

Required courses in engineering, physical science, and mathematics are interwoven throughout the curriculum to provide a balanced education in the fundamentals of the electrical engineering profession. The core courses are complemented by technical electives, humanities and social sciences electives, free electives, and a writing course, for a total of 128 credits required for the degree. Electrical and computer engineering is also offered in partnership with Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. Specific coursework requirements and plans of study can be found on the partnership website.

Prerequisites and Passing Grades

The Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Department reserves the right to drop students enrolled in ECEN courses who have not met the minimum prerequisite requirements. It is the student's responsibility to communicate with the department if summer coursework and/or transfer credit will be used to meet the prerequisite requirement.

All courses must be taken for a letter grade. The minimum passing grade for a course that is a prerequisite or corequisite for another required course is C-. If a grade of D+ or lower is received in a course which is a prerequisite to another, the student may not register for the subsequent course until the first grade has been raised to a C- or higher. If a grade of D+ or lower is received in a course which is a corequisite to another, the course must be repeated until a grade of C- or higher is achieved. ECEN 4610 Capstone Laboratory Part 1 and ECEN 4620 Capstone Lab, Part 2  both require a grade of C- or better for graduation.

The minimum passing grade for a course that is not specifically a prerequisite or corequisite for another required course is D-.

Required Courses and Credits

Humanities, Social Sciences and Writing
Writing 13
Humanities & Social Sciences - at least 6 credits must be upper-division (3000-level or higher) 115
Math and Science
APPM 1350Calculus 1 for Engineers4
or MATH 1300 Calculus 1
or APPM 1345 Calculus 1 with Algebra, Part B
APPM 1360Calculus 2 for Engineers4
or MATH 2300 Calculus 2
APPM 2350Calculus 3 for Engineers4
or MATH 2400 Calculus 3
APPM 2360Introduction to Differential Equations with Linear Algebra4
or MATH 2130
MATH 3430
Introduction to Linear Algebra for Non-Mathematics Majors
and Ordinary Differential Equations
or MATH 2135
MATH 3430
Introduction to Linear Algebra for Mathematics Majors
and Ordinary Differential Equations
ECEN 3810Introduction to Probability Theory3
or STAT 3100 Applied Probability
or MATH 4510 Introduction to Probability Theory
or APPM 3570 Applied Probability
PHYS 1110General Physics 14
or PHYS 1115 General Physics 1 for Majors
PHYS 1120General Physics 24
or PHYS 1125 General Physics 2 for Majors
PHYS 1140Experimental Physics 11
General Science Elective 23
Electrical & Computer Engineering
ECEN 1100Exploring ECE1
or AREN 1316 Introduction to Architectural Engineering
or ASEN 1000 Introduction to Aerospace Engineering Sciences
or BMEN 1000 Exploring Biomedical Engineering
or CHEN 1300 Introduction to Chemical Engineering
or COEN 1500 CEAS Design Lab: Engineering Your Life
or CSCI 1000 Computer Science as a Field of Work and Study
or CVEN 1317 Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering
or EVEN 1000 Introduction to Environmental Engineering
or COEN 3100 Engineering Transfer Student Success Seminar
ECEN 1400Introduction to Digital and Analog Electronics3
or GEEN 1400 Engineering Projects
or ASEN 1400 Gateway to Space
or ASEN 1403 Introduction to Rocket Engineering
or GEEN 2400 Engineering Projects for the Community
ECEN 1310C Programming for ECE4
or CSCI 1300 Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
ECEN 2703Discrete Mathematics for Computer Engineers3
or APPM 3170 Discrete Applied Mathematics
or MATH 2001 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
or CSCI 2824 Discrete Structures
CSCI 2270Computer Science 2: Data Structures4
ECEN 2250Introduction to Circuits and Electronics3
ECEN 2260Circuits as Systems3
ECEN 2270Electronics Design Lab3
ECEN 2350Digital Logic4
ECEN 2360Programming Digital Systems3
or CSCI 2400 Computer Systems
ECEN 2370Embedded Software Engineering3
ECEN 3753Real-Time Operating Systems3
ECEN 3593Computer Organization3
or ECEN 4693 Advanced Computer Architecture
or ECEN 5593 Advanced Computer Architecture
ECEN 4610Capstone Laboratory Part 13
ECEN 4620Capstone Lab, Part 23
Sophomore Elective3
Choose one from:
Renewable Sources and Efficient Electrical Energy Systems
Electronics for Wireless Systems
Application of Embedded Systems
Electronic and Semiconductor Device Laboratory
Advanced Analog Core3
Choose one from:
Microelectronics
Linear Systems
Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
Additional Electives
Software Elective3
Choose one from:
Introduction to Robotics
Fundamentals of Computer Security
Concurrent Programming
Data and Network Science
Compiler Construction
Fundamentals of Human Computer Interaction
Algorithms
Design and Analysis of Database Systems
Introduction to Robotics
Software Development Methods and Tools
Design and Analysis of Operating Systems
Linux System Administration
Datacenter Scale Computing - Methods, Systems and Techniques
Network Systems
Chaotic Dynamics
Advanced Concentration Electives (ACE)6
Complete 2 Advanced Concentration Elective courses. 3
Technical Electives12
Complete 12 credits of Technical Elective coursework. 4
Free Electives6
Complete 6 credits of Free Electives to meet the minimum 128 credit hours required for the BS degree.
Total Credit Hours128

Recommended Four-Year Plan of Study

The following information represents a sample eight-semester sequence of study only. Up-to-date curricular information and policies can be found on the ECEE Advising website.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
Fall SemesterCredit Hours
APPM 1350 Calculus 1 for Engineers 4
ECEN 1100 Exploring ECE 1
ECEN 1400 Introduction to Digital and Analog Electronics 3
PHYS 1110 General Physics 1 4
Humanities & Social Sciences Elective 1 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
APPM 1360 Calculus 2 for Engineers 4
PHYS 1120 General Physics 2 4
PHYS 1140 Experimental Physics 1 1
ECEN 1310 C Programming for ECE 4
Humanities & Social Sciences Elective 1 3
 Credit Hours16
Year Two
Fall Semester
APPM 2360 Introduction to Differential Equations with Linear Algebra 4
ECEN 2250 Introduction to Circuits and Electronics 3
ECEN 2350 Digital Logic 4
ECEN 2370 Embedded Software Engineering 3
Humanities & Social Sciences Elective 1 3
 Credit Hours17
Spring Semester
APPM 2350 Calculus 3 for Engineers 4
ECEN 2260 Circuits as Systems 3
ECEN 2270 Electronics Design Lab 3
CSCI 2270 Computer Science 2: Data Structures 4
ECEN 24XXSophomore Elective 2 3
 Credit Hours17
Year Three
Fall Semester
ECEN 2360 Programming Digital Systems 3
ECEN 2703 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Engineers 3
ECEN 3810 Introduction to Probability Theory 3
ECEN 3XXXAdvanced Analog Core 3 3
General Science Elective 4 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
ECEN 3593 Computer Organization 3
ECEN 3753 Real-Time Operating Systems 3
Technical Elective 5 3
Technical Elective 5 3
College-Approved Writing Course 1 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours18
Year Four
Fall Semester
ECEN 4610 Capstone Laboratory Part 1 3
Advanced Concentration Elective 6 3
Technical Elective 5 3
Free Elective 3
Humanities & Social Sciences Elective 1 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring Semester
ECEN 4620 Capstone Lab, Part 2 3
Advanced Concentration Elective 6 3
Humanities & Social Sciences Elective 1 3
Technical Elective 5 3
Software Elective 7 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours128

Program Educational Objectives

The following set of program objectives for the Electrical and Computer Engineering program was developed by our faculty and our other stakeholders.

During the first several years after completion of their baccalaureate studies,

  • ECE-1: Graduates will be situated in growing careers involving the design, development or support of electrical, electronic, and computer hardware and software systems, software engineering, devices, instruments, or products, or will be successfully pursuing an advanced degree.
  • ECE-2: Graduates will have advanced in professional standing based on their technical accomplishments and will have accumulated additional technical expertise to remain globally competitive.
  • ECE-3: Graduates will have demonstrated professional and personal leadership and growth.

The EE curriculum is designed to prepare our graduates to meet these objectives as follows:

  • ECE-1: Graduates will be situated in growing careers involving the design, development or support of electrical, electronic, and computer hardware and software systems, software engineering, devices, instruments, or products, or will be successfully pursuing an advanced degree.

Graduates attaining the ECE degree will have comprehensive knowledge and experience in the concepts and design of electrical, electronic, and computer devices, circuits, and systems. Besides emphasizing computer hardware and software, the ECE curriculum also emphasizes design, integration, and application of computer systems, as well as experience in software development. This is achieved through a sequence of required courses in these areas, culminating in a major design project incorporating realistic engineering constraints. The curriculum also provides opportunities for specialization in areas such as compiler design, embedded systems, software engineering, and VLSI design, as well as in the electrical engineering specialities.

ECE graduates will have attained other professional skills that will be useful throughout their careers, including verbal and written communication and the ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.

The ECE curriculum is rich in laboratory work. ECE graduates will have achieved extensive practical experience in the laboratory techniques, tools, and skills that provide a bridge between theory and practice.

  • ECE-2: Graduates will have advanced in professional standing based on their technical accomplishments and will have accumulated additional technical expertise to remain globally competitive.

    ECE graduates experience a curriculum that contains a broad core of classes focused on mathematical and physical principles that are fundamental to the fields of electrical and computer engineering. Hence, they understand the physical and mathematical principles underlying electrical and electronic technology and computer systems and are able to analyze and solve electrical and computer engineering problems using this knowledge. In addition to basic classes in mathematics, science, and computing, the ECE curriculum includes a sequence of courses in analog and digital electronic circuits and systems, and electromagnetic fields, probability, computer software, and computer design and architecture.

  • ECE-3: Graduates will have demonstrated professional and personal leadership and growth.

    To lay the foundation for a long career in a rapidly changing field, a broad background of fundamental knowledge is required. This is achieved in the ECE curriculum through a sequence of required classes in mathematics, physics, and the ECE core. In addition, the graduate must be capable of lifelong learning; this is taught through assignments and projects that require independent research and study.

    The curriculum includes a significant component of electives in the humanities and social sciences. ECE graduates will have knowledge of the broader contemporary issues that impact engineering solutions in a global and societal context. They will have the verbal and written communications skills necessary for a successful career in industry or academia. Graduates also understand the meaning and importance of professional and ethical responsibility.

Student Outcomes

The ECE curriculum is designed to prepare our graduates to meet these as follows:

  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics 
  • 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
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • 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
  • 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
  • An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's Degree Program(s)

The bachelor's–accelerated master's (BAM) degree program options offer currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to receive a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time. Students receive the bachelor's degree first, but begin taking graduate coursework as undergraduates (typically in their senior year).

Because some courses are allowed to double count for both the bachelor's and the master's degrees, students receive a master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than if they were to enroll in a stand-alone master's degree program after completion of their baccalaureate degree. In addition, staying at CU Boulder to pursue a bachelor's–accelerated master's program enables students to continue working with their established faculty mentors.

Admissions Requirements

BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, MS in Electrical Engineering

In order to gain admission to the BAM program named above, a student must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher.
  • Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of solid B for 5000-level coursework taken as an undergraduate student; minimum of solid C for undergraduate coursework.
  • Have completed 9–10 core ECEN courses (see BAM degree website for more information).
  • Have at least junior class standing.
  • Completion of all MAPS requirements and no deficiencies remaining (students admitted to CU Boulder prior to Summer 2023 only).
  • Transfer students must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours at CU Boulder (students admitted to CU Boulder prior to Summer 2023 only).

BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Professional ME in Engineering Management

In order to gain admission to the BAM program named above, a student must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher.
  • Have at least junior class standing.
  • Completion of all MAPS requirements and no deficiencies remaining (students admitted to CU Boulder prior to Summer 2023 only).

Program Requirements

For all programs above, students may take up to and including 12 hours while in the undergraduate program which can later be used toward the master’s degree. However, only 6 credits of coursework may be double counted toward the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree. Students must apply to graduate with the bachelor’s degree, and apply to continue with the master’s degree, early in the semester in which the undergraduate requirements will be completed.

Visit the Electrical & Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering BAM webpage for more information.