Program Details
Electrical Engineeering, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The profession of electrical engineering touches all aspects of our lives in that electrical engineers design and fabricate devices and systems critical in applications such as computing, communications, health care, manufacturing and automation, power generation and utilization, transportation, and entertainment. An element very important to these and many other applications is the microelectronic device or system. In the sub-area of microelectronics, electrical engineers design and fabricate electronic materials such as semiconductors, conductors and superconductors used in the manufacture of electronic devices. As a natural progression, electrical engineers design and fabricate electronic devices such as transistors, which control or modulate the flow of energy; sensors of light, mechanical force, chemicals, etc.; electromagnetic radiation sources such as lasers, light emitting diodes and microwave power sources. Following this progression, we find electrical engineers designing and fabricating integrated circuits such as microprocessors and memory elements; flat-panel displays, etc., which are found in applications ranging from supercomputers to watches, clocks and toys. Further in this progression we find electrical engineers designing and fabricating today’s and tomorrow’s computers. Computer systems and application-specific integrated circuits are the elements that enable the existence of today’s communication systems, such as the Internet, satellite systems, telemedicine, wired and wireless (cellular) telephones, along with standard and high definition television. Additionally, along with sensors, microwave power sources and actuators, they permit our present and future automated manufacturing lines, air and traffic control systems, and automotive safety and traffic control through collision avoidance radar systems, antilocking brake systems, air bag actuators, automatic traffic routing and the “smart highway” of the future. Electrical engineers play an ever increasing role in the design and building of major facets of today’s and tomorrow’s health care systems and medical research through the application of microelectronic instrumentation and diagnostic tools such as MRI and CAT scan systems. The field of electrical engineering truly permeates every facet of our lives and thus provides excellent employment opportunities to the general practitioner or specialist in more than 35 different subspecialties.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics 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 Communicate effectively with a range of audiences 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 Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Students with an interest in one or more of the following should consider electrical/computer engineering, a top choice of major. Electrical engineering and computer engineering are professions concerned with systems that generate, transmit, process and measure information. Electrical engineers design, develop and implement electrical hardware and software that are used in electrical devices, control systems, electrical machines and communications systems. Computer engineers design, develop and implement computer technologies for a variety of industrial consumer, commercial, military and medical applications. Students should expect to be involved in hands-on learning each semester, with core labs associated with their major courses. Students are also required to complete an intensive senior design project and choose from a list of high-level STEM courses in order to satisfy the technical/engineering elective requirements. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Program D grade policy: Students must receive a minimum grade of C in all engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics and all technical electives to graduate. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Transfer students planning on majoring in electrical/computer engineering must complete Calculus I, General Chemistry I with lab, University Physics I and preferably University Physics II, with grades of A or B and a minimum GPA of 2.5 for immediate admission. Students can also take a combination of the following (Calculus II, Differential Equations, VCCS EGR 206, EGR 124, 125, 251/255), and students who complete an AS degree and/or an AS degree with an electrical/computer engineering specialization can expect to receive credit for most courses for earned grades of C or above.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Students applying to programs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering will choose between a degree in electrical or computer engineering. EE students can expect to work in industries that design, develop and implement electrical hardware and software that are used in electrical devices, control systems, electrical machines and communications systems. CE students can expect to design, develop and implement computer technologies for a variety of industrial consumer, commercial, military and medical applications. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Students who complete their electrical/computer engineering degree can find successful careers in industry areas such as electrical devices, control systems, electrical machines, communications systems and/or industrial consumer, commercial, military and medical applications with companies such as Dominion Energy, TORC Robotics, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Texas Instruments, BAE Systems, Ford, GM, and many more. Students who excel academically, complete an internship or Co-op, get involved in undergraduate research, and join an engineering-based student organization can expect to be hired at or before their graduation or soon thereafter. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Engineering is recommended for this major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Engineering is recommended for this major. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germanna Community College | Associate in Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering - Electrical/Computer Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Not Specified |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Engineering, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Engineering Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Major in Electrical Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Electrical Engineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering - (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Electrical Engineering-BSEE | Bachelor | BS in Electrical Eng. | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-2011.00 | Aerospace Engineers | Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 11-9041.00 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9041.01 | Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential. | Management Occupations |
| 17-2061.00 | Computer Hardware Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2071.00 | Electrical Engineers | Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2072.00 | Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 25-1032.00 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 17-2072.01 | Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists | Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
Cost To Complete