The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) requires a minimum of 128 s.h. Students must be enrolled in the UI College of Engineering for the last 30 s.h. of work toward the degree, or 45 of the last 60 s.h., or a total of 90 s.h. They must have a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 on all college work used to satisfy degree requirements as well as on all work undertaken at the University of Iowa.

Engineering students earn the B.S.E. degree in one of eight undergraduate programs of study (majors): biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial engineering, or mechanical engineering. Each program's curriculum is divided into four major components: the common core, engineering topics, an elective focus area, and the general education component.

Electrical engineers develop technologies and systems for a wide variety of applications ranging from telecommunications to medical imaging. They play a central role in the design and implementation of any technology that is powered by electricity as well as the generation and distribution of electric power. Topics covered in the electrical engineering curriculum include: design of electronic circuits, communication systems, control systems, and semiconductor devices. Students may opt to specialize in any of these areas as well as others including: electrical power generation and distribution, medical image processing, computer systems, or design of micro- and nano-scale optical and electronic devices.

Electrical engineers work in research, design, development, manufacturing, sales, market analysis, consulting, field service, and management. They are employed in computer, semiconductor, software, aerospace, telecommunication, medical, radio, television, and power industries.

Graduates of the program will:

• exhibit leadership and vision in contributing to the technical and policy decisions of industry, government, and research enterprises;
• demonstrate problem-solving abilities that permit them to contribute in a variety of technical, business, and academic careers;
• thrive in diverse, global, and multidisciplinary environments;
• possess the ability to communicate effectively and participate collaboratively in interactions with engineers and other professionals; and
• participate in lifelong learning activities that enhance their professional and personal development.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in electrical engineering requires a minimum of 128 s.h. The major in electrical engineering provides technical depth and breadth as well as flexibility and the opportunity for students to customize their programs according to their own goals. Students choose one of several elective focus areas according to the type of job or research they plan to pursue. They also choose one of two tracks to support their elective focus area.

Career Advancement

The engineering profession is a foundation for a variety of careers in industry, medicine, law, government, and consulting. Engineering majors hold eight of the top ten spots on the list of top-paid majors for bachelor's degree graduates, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Electrical engineers find employment everywhere smart technology is employed. They consistently rank among the most sought after and highest-paid technology professionals. On average, 93-98 percent of graduates are employed in their field of study or pursuing advanced education within seven months of graduation.