Sep 26, 2023  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Electrical Engineering B.S.E.E.


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TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 128

The Electrical Engineering major offers study in all areas fundamental to the analysis, design, and development of electrical devices and systems. ​The areas covered by the major include foundational topics such as circuits and electrical power, to applications such as Internet of Things, Smart Grid, Security,  and Data Analytics. The major offers curriculum tracks that include: Bioelectrical Systems, Communication Systems, Energy, Power and Sustainability, Mechatronics, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Micro and Nano-scale Systems and Wireless Systems. Additional information on these areas may be found at: http://www.usf.edu/engineering/ee/documents/trackdescriptions.pdf. Well-equipped laboratories reinforce fundamental concepts, while providing real world hands-on exposure.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Electrical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is to provide a high quality education in electrical engineering for our students and practicing professionals; create new knowledge and solve real world problems via innovative research, and disseminate this information for the benefit of society; and to engage in effective regional, national and international service and outreach.

Program Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes

Educational Objectives

The Electrical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is committed to graduating electrical engineers who shall within a few years of graduation:

  • Demonstrate a progression in technical competence and increasing responsibility in the practice of engineering, and the ability to contribute to the diversity of thought and creativity in the workplace.
  • Engage in written and oral professional communication within and beyond the engineering community.
  • Continue to develop professionally through life-long learning, advanced education, and other creative pursuits in science and technology.

Student Outcomes

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. 

Please refer to the mission statement on the department website for additional information.

Student Enrollment Data

Student enrollment data can be found at the department’s website: https://www.usf.edu/engineering/ee/about-us/factsandtrends.aspx.

University Admissions


Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following urls:

For Admission information specific to the College of Engineering, see the information at College of Engineering .

Electrical Engineering Minimum Requirements for Progression into the Upper Division


Electrical Engineering students who have fully met the below requirements and are in good academic standing, may progress into the upper division of the major. Prior to progression into the upper division, a student may be permitted to take no more than two departmental engineering courses beyond the first two years. Upon admission to the department all students must meet with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, to discuss their pathway to graduation, and the department’s Academic Integrity policies.  The Department has continuation requirements which specify minimum performance standards in core major courses which must be met before further registration in the Department is granted.

  1. Completion of:

A minimum grade of C in each course and a 3.0 GPA based upon the best attempt in these courses (maximum two attempts) for guaranteed progression to the upper division, OR a 2.75 GPA based upon the best attempt in these courses for a conditional progression to the upper division pending review of complete transcript.

   2. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0
   3. A minimum USF GPA of 2.0

Minimum Continuation Requirement for the Electrical Engineering Department


Continuation in the major requires successful completion of EGN 3433 - Modeling and Analysis of Engineering Systems  or MAP 2302 - Differential Equations  with a grade of B (not B-) or higher (best attempt).

Departmental Policies


In addition to the College’s graduation requirement, the department has the following policies:

  • Students must consult with an academic advisor for the development of their individual academic study plan, and selection and approval of their Electrical Engineering Technical Electives. 
  • To schedule an appointment with an EE undergraduate advisor, send an email to: ENG-EEAdvising@usf.edu
  • Students must complete Exit interviews as a graduation requirement.

State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites


Students wishing to transfer to USF should complete an A.A. degree at a Florida College System institution. Some courses required for the major may also meet General Education requirements thereby transferring maximum hours to the university.

If a student wishes to transfer without an A.A. degree and has fewer than 60 semester hours of acceptable credit, the student must meet the university’s entering freshman requirements including ACT or SAT test scores, GPA, and course requirements.

Transfer students are also required to comply with the immunization, foreign language, and continuous enrollment policies of the university.

Students should complete the following prerequisite courses at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted.

Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses.

Students qualify for direct entry to the department if they have completed the following courses at a Florida College System institution or University in the Florida State University System (SUS) and meet all other admissions requirements of the University and College.

Mathematics:
Courses at USF

Courses at a Florida College System Institution

  • MAC X311 or MAC X281 - 4 credit hours
  • MAC X312 or MAC X282 - 4 credit hours
  • MAC X313 or MAC X283 - 4 credit hours
  • MAP X302 or MAP X305 - 3 credit hours

Natural Sciences:
Courses at USF

Courses at a Florida College System Institution

  • (CHM X045 and CHM X045L) or CHM X045C  or  (CHS X440 and CHS X440L)* - 4 credit hours
  • (PHY X048 and PHY X048L) or PHY X048C or (PHY X041 and PHY X048L) - 4 credit hours
  • (PHY X049 and PHY X049L) or PHY X049C or (PHY X044 and PHY X049L) or (PHY X042 and PHY X049L) - 4 credit hours

*CHS X440 if 4 credit hours with included laboratory.

Total Major Hours: 116


Major Core (99 Hours)


Major Core (40 Credit Hours)


Elective Core (12 Credit Hours)

Students must choose four (4) out of the six (6) courses listed below. Each course serves as a “gateway” to the Technical Tracks (see technical tracks and technical electives lists below).

Major Specialization (14 Credit Hours)


Students must choose a minimum of two (2) technical tracks as areas of specialization and select at least two (2) 3-credit hour courses and one (1) 1-credit hour laboratory from courses listed under each track, except Track 6 in which the lab component is included in the Gateway course. Courses cannot be double counted across tracks.

See Track and Technical Electives lists below; graduate-level courses are also available under each track area.

Capstone Design Sequence (6 Credit Hours)


Technical Writing (3 Credit Hours)


Major Electives (17 Credit Hours)


Select 17 credit hours of course and laboratory work from any of the Electrical Engineering upper-level (3000- or 4000-level) courses listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students may choose more coursework under the two specialization tracks, or choose breadth over depth by choosing courses in other Electrical Engineering areas.

One 3-credit hour course may be taken outside of the Electrical Engineering department, with prior department approval.

GPA Requirements


Students must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 semester GPA, 2.0 Math and Science GPA, 2.0 Engineering GPA, 2.0 Specialization GPA, 2.0 USF GPA, and 2.0 overall GPA

Grading Requirement


Unless otherwise stated, the minimum acceptable grade in BSEE required math, science, engineering and specialization courses is a C or higher (C- is insufficient).

Residency Requirement


Transfer students must complete a minimum number of approved specialization courses in the major at USF. The minimum number of USF specialization credit hours required is established by the respective academic department. In no case will this be less than 18 hours. Basic engineering courses are not considered specialization courses. The University residency requirement must also be met.

A dual degree student must meet the requirements of each major and have a minimum of 18 approved specialization hours taken in the degree granting department beyond those specialization hours required for the first degree.

Research Opportunities


Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 4914  course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Undergraduate Research is able to assist with further inquiries.

Internship Opportunities


The College of Engineering and USF’s Career Services Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program provides services for students interested in experiential educational experiences. A wide variety of industries and government agencies offer internships and cooperative education employment opportunities for engineering students. Participants gain valuable expertise in practical applications and other aspects of operations and development in a professional engineering environment. Students normally apply for participation in this program during their first year in the engineering college and pursue actual internships during their sophomore, junior, and senior years. 

Students seeking to secure an internship, are strongly encouraged to sign up on Handshake (https://usf.joinhandshake.com/login) and complete their profile.  Internships cannot be used toward course credit.  Students who wish for this activity to appear on their official transcripts, they can sign up for a 0-credit internship course (EGN 3940 - Professional Engineering Internship ).

Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways


Students majoring in Electrical Engineering have the option to pursue one of the following Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways:

  • B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and M.S.E.E in Electrical Engineering
  • B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and M.S.E.M. in Engineering Management
  • B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and M.S.M.S.E. in Materials Science and Engineering

For more information, see the Graduate Catalog.

Accreditation Information


The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Advising Information


All incoming freshman and transfer students must meet with one of the college advisors in the Engineering Student Services (ESS).

Engineering Student Services
Office: Engineering Building III (ENC) 1302
Phone: (813) 974-2684
Email: ENG-EEAdvising@usf.edu
Website

Electrical Engineering students progressing into the upper division should meet with the EE Department Undergraduate Advisor with any questions.

Dr. Ferekides
UG, Program Director
ferekide@usf.edu
Engineering Building II (ENB) 256
(813) 974-2369

Ms. Gabriela Franco
Academic Services Administrator
gabriela4@usf.edu
Engineering Building II (ENB) 379E
(813) 974-2659

4 Year Plan of Study - Electrical Engineering B.S.E.E.


NOTES:

Potential Entry Level Job Titles:

  • Systems Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Hardware Engineer
  • Government Service Technical Service Representative

Potential Entry Level Salary Range:

$40,000 - $70,000

Year 1


Semester 1 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 14

Semester 2 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 14

Semester 3 (Summer)


Please consider pursing High Impact Practice opportunities this semester such as Education Abroad, Internship Opportunities, Community Engagement, or Research Opportunities.

Questions about opportunities? Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.

Year 2


Year 3


Semester 7 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 8 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 9 (Summer)


  • Internship/Co-op Participation

Total Credit Hours: 0

Year 4


Semester 10 (Fall)


  • EEL 4906 - EE Design 1  Credit(s): 3 
  • Upper-Level Department Elective Credit(s): 3
  • EE Track Elective Credit(s): 3
  • EE Track Elective Credit(s): 3
  • EE Track Elective Lab Credit(s): 1
  • Upper-Level Department Elective Credit(s): 3

Total Credit Hours: 16

Semester 11 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 16

2 Year Plan of Study - Electrical Engineering B.S.E.E.


NOTES:

Year 1


Semester 1 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 17

Semester 2 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 17

Semester 3 (Summer)


Total Credit Hours: 18

Year 2


Semester 4 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 17

Semester 5 (Spring)


  • EE Track Elective Credit(s): 3
  • EEL 4914 - EE Design 2  Credit(s): 3 
  • EE Track Elective Credit(s): 3
  • EE Track Lab Credit(s): 1
  • EE Technical Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Approved Technical Elective Credit(s): 3
  • NOTE: EEL 4914  meets Gen Ed TGEH

Total Credit Hours: 16

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