Electrical Engineering
Room 101
Electrical Engineering
is located on the corner of Albrecht Boulevard and Centennial Boulevard
(Campus Map)
Optical Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
College of Engineering and Architecture
The demand for engineers with a background in electro-optics and photonics has grown as result of the increased use of optics in the field of engineering. These engineers design optoelectronic circuits, signal sources, detectors and transmission media. The optical engineering option in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering prepares the engineer for various career opportunities.
The Program
The optical engineering option was developed jointly with the Department of Physics. Many technical disciplines now use optics. Medicine uses laser surgery and optical diagnostics. Communications is expanding optical fiber communication. Image processing is using optical techniques. The optical engineering option prepares future engineers for such areas as quantum theory; coherent/incoherent, polarized/non-polarized light; geometric, physical and Fourier optics; holography; and image processing and acquisition.
Cooperative Education Program
The Cooperative Education Program allows students to alternate classroom study with a series of paid professional work experiences related to optical engineering. These experiences increase in complexity as the student's background increases. The program provides opportunity for pre-graduation experience in the profession, exploration of several career opportunities, money for education, an enriched degree and enhanced opportunities for employment following graduation.
High School Preparation
High school students should attempt to complete one unit of physics, four units of mathematics and one unit of chemistry. Students without these courses may take them in special programs at North Dakota State University.
The Facilities
The Electrical Engineering Building is part of the engineering and architecture complex. The building contains specialized laboratories and equipment. Numerous grants and donations from the National Science Foundation and private industry have provided valuable equipment. Laboratories along with department and University computer capabilities support education and research. The ECE department shares the Undergraduate Optics Teaching Laboratory in South Engineering, with the physics department.
Career Opportunities
NDSU electrical engineering graduates are working all over the world in a variety of exciting jobs. They work in research, design, sales, manufacturing, testing, installation, development and teaching. Many graduates find that an engineering education provides excellent training for fields other than engineering such as business, medicine or law. Those interested in research and teaching usually go on to graduate school for further study.
Research and Graduate Study
Graduate study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering is offered in the department. Further details are available in the Graduate Bulletin.
Financial Aid
The NDSU Office of Student Financial Services will make every effort to provide adequate financial assistance to all students demonstrating financial need.
- Chem. 121, 121L - General Chemistry I 4 -
- ECE 111 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering 3 -
- ECE 173 - Introduction to Computing - 3
- ECE 275 - Digital Systems I 3 -
- Engl. 110, 120 - College Composition I, II 3 3
- Math. 129 - Basic Linear Algebra - 2
- Math. 165, 166 - Calculus I, II 4 4
- Phys. 251 - University Physics I - 4
- Univ. 189 - Skills for Academic Success 1 -
- Totals18 16
- Comm. 110 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking - 3
- EE 206 - Circuit Analysis I 4 -
- Math. 265 - Calculus III 4 -
- Math. 266 - Differential Equations - 3
- Phys. 252 - University Physics II 4 -
- Engineering Science Electives 3 3
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective - 3
- Totals15 16
- ECE 321 - Electronics I 5 -
- ECE 341 - Random Processes - 3
- ECE 343 - Signals and Systems 4 -
- ECE 351 - Applied Electromagnetics - 4
- ECE 401 - Design I 1 -
- ECE Electronics Elective 3 -
- EE Core Elective - 4
- Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective 3 -
- Math and Science Elective - 3
- Wellness Elective - 2
- Totals16 16
- ECE 403 - Design II 2 -
- ECE 405 - Design III - 3
- Engr. 402 - Engineering Ethics and Social Responsibilities 1 -
- ECE or Engineering Sciences Electives 6 3
- EE Core Electives 4 4
- Humanities and Fine Arts Elective - 3
- Social and Behavioral Science Elective 3 -
- Totals16 13
- Curriculum Totals 127
This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.
Electives: The sample curriculum contains student choices (electives) of the following type:
- humanities/social sciences
- math/science
- engineering science
- EE core
- ECE electronics electives
- ECE electives
The following are recommended electives for students interested in the control engineering technical specialty of electrical engineering:
- Phys. 350 - Introduction to Modern Physics 3
- Phys. 401 - Fundamental Properties of Solids 3
- Any from the EE approved Math/Science list
- Phys. 415 is strongly recommended
- Phys. 415 - Elements of Photonics 3
- Other 300 or 400 level courses from EE approved list
- Must include:
- ECE 443 - Communications I 4
- Eight other credits from:
- ECE 331 - Energy Conversion 4
- ECE 376 - Embedded Systems 4
- ECE 461 - Control Systems 4
- ECE 421 - Communication Circuits 3
- ECE 425 - Introduction to Semiconductor Devices 3
- ECE 411 and 411L are required for this option
- ECE 411 - Optics for Scientists and Engineers 3
- ECE 411L - Optics for Scientists and Engineers Lab 1
- ECE 417 - Optical Signal Transmission 3
- ECE 496 - Image Processing 3
- Other 400 level course from EE approved list
There also are fact sheets covering other available areas of specialty in electrical and computer engineering.
Contact Information
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
North Dakota State University
Electrical Engineering 101
Fargo, ND 58105
Tel: (701) 231-7019
Fax: (701) 231-8677
Email:info@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu
Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/prospective_students/
(02/10)