Electrical Engineering Major

Electrical Engineering Major

Electrical Engineering

Major

The Electrical Engineering major is devoted to the idea of design-simulate-build-test. Majors have the necessary skills to see projects through from requirements to working devices that meet real needs for customers.

Offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.

Electrical engineers use the principles of physics, mathematics, and the engineering sciences to develop new and innovative applications of electronics. Regardless of the branch, officers will surely be involved with electronic systems in military hardware. 

Cadets who major in electrical engineering develop a mastery of the fundamental elements of circuit theory, electromagnetic fields and waves, electronics, digital computer logic, and electromechanical energy conversion. They then study in greater depth subjects selected from the areas of robotics, communications, opto-electronics, alternative energy, and cyber engineering. The program emphasizes practical design, hands-on laboratory and computer experience, teamwork, and interdisciplinary projects. The program additionally provides a sound basis for graduate schooling in electrical engineering.

Cadet studies consist of a base of fundamental skills and knowledge, followed by an opportunity to focus on a particular technology-based depth of study. Depth options are:

  • Alternative energy
  • Communications
  • Cyber engineering
  • Opto-electronics
  • Robotics

Electrical engineering majors have a lab requirement component. 

This major offers an honors track. 

Interested Cadets

Required Courses

  • EE302 Intro to Electrical Engineering
  • EE360 Digital Logic w/Embedded Systems
  • EE362 Intro to Electronics
  • EE375 Computer Architecture w/Microcontrollers
  • EE377 Electric Power Engineering
  • EE381 Signals and Systems
  • EE383 Electromagnetic Fields
  • EE400 EE Professional Considerations
  • XE401 Integrative System Design I
  • XE402 Integrative System Design II
  • EE462 Electronic Design
  • MA205 Calculus II
  • MA364 Engineering Math
  • MC311 Thermal-Fluid Systems - I

Depth and/or Electives

  • XE442 Alternative Energy Engineering
  • XE472 Dynamic Modeling & Control
  • XE475 Mechatronics
  • XE492 Disruptive Innovations
  • EE477 Digital Communication Systems
  • EE480 Optical Fiber Communications
  • EE482 Wireless Communication System Engineering
  • EE483 Photonics Engineering
  • EE485 Visiting Professor’s Course
  • EE486 Solid-State Electronics
  • EE487 Embedded Systems Development
  • EE489 Advanced Individual Study
  • CY300 Programming Fundamentals
  • CY350 Network Engineering & Management
  • CY450 Cyber Security Engineering
  • IT393 Database Systems

To learn more, view the full Electrical Engineering major curriculum.

Outside the classroom, many electrical engineering majors participate in activities that are great fun and professionally rewarding. Cadets in this major have the opportunity to apply for a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, a USMA-run academic enrichment experience, to apply their knowledge in research and operational settings at locations throughout the world, normally for four to seven weeks. 

Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment in this area of study, visit the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Cyber Research Center, or the Photonics Research Center.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering at the United States Military Academy is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical Engineering and similarly named engineering programs.

Current ABET Electrical Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Student Outcomes

Student outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. 

Cadets who qualify for graduation with an Electrical Engineering major from USMA will demonstrate:

  • 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 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.

ABET Electrical Engineering program educational objectives

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve.

The Electrical Engineering program seeks to prepare future Army officers for productive and rewarding careers in engineering or related professions for service to the nation.

Five to seven years after graduation, cadets who majored in Electrical Engineering will have been successful Army officers who:

  • applied their engineering, management, and leadership skills in the service of their country.  

  • demonstrated intellectual growth through self-study, continuing education, and professional development in the Army.  

  • provided technical leadership and disciplinary knowledge as Army officers with a broad understanding of the potential ethical and societal impacts of technology.  

  • applied engineering methodology and creativity to Army problems while effectively communicating across mediums and cultures.  

For the current and recent enrollment and graduate statistics, click the link for “View by Major” under the section "Enrollment for Select Majors."