Overview
Electrical Engineering at SIUE
Electrical engineering and computer engineering disciplines are concerned with the development and application of electrical and computer technology to enhance and enrich all life. Electrical and computer engineers, as part of this mission, are engaged in a wide variety of activities that include:
- Space exploration and remote sensing
- Process control and automation
- Automatic control systems for use in robotics, missiles, aircraft and manufacturing plants
- Electric power generation and distribution, environmentally responsible generation and use of energy
- Audio- video- and data-communication systems, and satellite communications
- Digital processing of signals and images using the computer
- Design and manufacturing of faster and more capable microprocessors for the computers of tomorrow
- Applications of technology in the healthcare field through computerized ultrasound, radiology, tomography and imaging systems, computer-aided diagnosis and treatment, and telesurgery
The applications listed above require a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, which requires electrical and computer engineering students to go through a substantial set of courses in these areas. In addition, today’s engineers also must be aware of a wide variety of global, social, ethical, economic and environmental issues that are relevant to the systems they design and build. Our bachelor’s degree programs include courses and projects designed to build this awareness. The electrical and computer engineering program mission is consistent with the mission of the University and the School of Engineering.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has several well-equipped modern laboratories for computation, simulation and measurement. Individual laboratories to support elective courses in the areas of computers, control, digital signal processing, image processing, and power also are available to students.
Career Opportunities
Electrical and computer engineers find employment in a wide variety of manufacturing companies such as aerospace and aircraft, electric manufacturers, computer circuit (a.k.a. “chip”) manufacturers, and medical equipment manufacturers. They are employed in the fields of research, design, manufacturing and sales. Many public utilities, which include power companies and telephone companies, employ both computer engineers and electrical engineers. Other potential employers include oil companies, railroads, food processing plants, chemical and biological laboratories, chemical plants, various branches of federal government, and many consulting engineering companies.
