Electrical and Computer Engineering

Bachelor of Science Degree

Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), one of the broadest engineering disciplines, is the branch of engineering that focuses on applying the laws of physics governing electricity, magnetism and light to develop products and services for the benefit of human kind. In addition to the traditional roles of designing, analyzing and working with components, circuits, and systems that utilize electrons and photons, electrical and computer engineers are also often engaged in systems integration, information technology, software development and frequently serve on multidisciplinary teams.

Our program provides breadth across the discipline and a balance between theory and application. In addition, a large number of laboratory courses provide students opportunities for hands-on learning. The program provides graduates the skills and knowledge necessary for a dynamic career in either electrical or computer engineering.

The educational and career objectives of the program are to provide graduates with i) a solid foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, humanities and social sciences and the fundamentals of engineering design and analysis; ii) the technical knowledge and critical thinking skills required for the professional practice of electrical and computer engineering, and for seeking advanced degrees; and iii) the development of communication skills, teamwork, lifelong learning, and understanding of professional, ethical and social responsibility within a global context.

SUNY Poly’s engineering facilities include 5 highly specialized laboratories with a multitude of electrical and electronic equipment, including function generators, power supplies, multi-meters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, micro-controller demonstration boards, field programmable gate array (FPGA) demonstration boards, logic analyzers, electrical and electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, 74xx integrated circuit chips), digital probes, simulations software (Matlab, Electronics Workbench, Pspice, PCAD), and general purpose computers. Through a comprehensive approach towards experimentation, simulation and analysis, engineering skills and aptitudes are challenged from theory to practice, enabling and preparing SUNY Poly ECE graduates to thrive and capitalize on future research and development opportunities.

The ECE program offers two areas of concentration: electrical engineering (EE) and computer engineering (CoE). The EE track focuses on traditional EE disciplines including signal processing, semiconductor devices, communications, electromagnetics and control theory. The CoE track emphasizes digital systems design, computer architecture, computer networks, and operating systems.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Requirements Overview

The requirements for the BSECE program at SUNY Poly are governed not only by the State Education requirements, but also those of EAC/ABET. In order to earn the BSECE degree, the student’s coursework must include:

  • One year of a combination of college-level mathematics and basic sciences (some with experimental experience) appropriate to electrical and computer engineering;
  • Nearly two years of engineering topics, consisting of engineering sciences, engineering design, and engineering topics appropriate to electrical and computer engineering;
  • A general education component that complements the technical content of the electrical and computer engineering curriculum and is consistent with the program and institution objectives;
  • A professional component that covers career issues and provides flexibility to choose electives that support the student’s professional engineering interests (e.g., math, science, engineering, technology or faculty-approved special choices such as finance, accounting, public speaking, etc.))
  • To receive the BSECE degree, students must complete a minimum of 125 credit hours in the courses outlined below with a grade-point average of 2.0. All students must meet the General Education requirements for the program.

Students shall satisfy the requirements listed below.

I. SUNY General Education Requirements (30 credits)

All SUNY students must satisfy the following requirements.

No fewer than 30 credits must be attained from the SUNY approved General Education Course List with the following provisions:

  • Mathematics (MAT 151 or equivalent recommended by program)
  • Basic Communication (ENG 101 or equivalent)
  • Natural Science (PHY 201 recommended by program)

At least five (5) out of the following seven (7) SUNY General Education categories:

  • Social Science
  • American History
  • Western Civilization
  • Other World Civilization
  • Humanities
  • The Arts
  • Foreign Language

NOTE: You may take more than one course in a given category to complete this 30 credit hour requirement, but you must also satisfy the appropriate number of categories.

The ECE Program recommends the completion of a four course sequence as follows:

  • HIS 306 or HIS 370 plus THREE courses from General Education categories other than Western Civilization and Other World Civilization

II. Liberal Arts/Sciences Requirements (30 credits) 

The New York State Education Department (SED) requires a student earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree to attain no fewer than 60 credits of combined SUNY General Education and Liberal Arts/Sciences courses. There may be overlap between courses meeting both the SUNY General Education Requirements and Liberal Arts/Sciences Requirements, but a student may receive course credits only once even if multiple requirements are satisfied by a single course. The total number of combined credit hours must be no fewer than 60 credits.

SUNY Poly degree requirements:

  • Natural Sciences: one course which may be a General Education Natural Science course. For Electrical and Computer Engineering students, the requirement is satisfied by PHY 201 with a lab. 
  • Upper-Division Writing Course (COM 306)

Specific requirements for Electrical and Computer Engineering majors:

  • MAT 151 Calculus I
  • MAT 152 Calculus II
  • MAT 230 Differential Equations
  • MAT 370 Applied Probability
  • CHE 110 Essentials of Chemistry w/lab
  • PHY 201 Physics I (calc-based)
  • PHY 202 Physics II (calc-based)
  • CS 108 Computer Fundamentals
  • CS 240 Data Structures

Liberals Arts/Sciences Electives (remainder of credits)

III. Technical Core Coursework (43 credits)

  • ECE 101 Introduction to Engineering I
  • ECE 251 Digital Logic Design
  • ECE 252 Computer Organization and Microprocessors
  • ECE 260 Electric Circuits
  • ECE 281 ECE Seminar I
  • ECE 301 Signals and Systems
  • ECE 315 Electronics
  • ECE 382 ECE Seminar II
  • ECE 387 Junior Design Laboratory
  • ECE 487 Senior Project I
  • ECE 488 Senior Project II
  • ECE Technical Elective I
  • ECE Technical Elective II

IV. Concentration (Select ONE)

Computer Engineering (18 credits)

  •  ECE 351 Digital Systems Design
  •  ECE 352 Computer Architecture
  •  ECE 359 Computer Networks

Also

  •  CS 330 Operating Systems and Networking
  •  MAT 413 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science

Electrical Engineering (20 credits)

  •  ECE 323 Electromagnetics
  •  ECE 332 Semiconductor Devices
  •  ECE 361 Control Systems
  •  ECE 377 Communications Systems

Also

  • MAT 253 Calculus III
  • Professional Elective: [one course 3-4 credits] Any 300-level or above math course, lab science course, engineering course, or faculty approved special choice (management, accounting, etc.)

V. Professional Elective and Wellness (5-6 credits)

  • Professional Elective: [one course 3-4 credits] Any 300-level or above math course, lab science course, engineering course, or faculty approved special choice (management, accounting, etc.)
  • Physical Education/Wellness (2 credits)