Electrical Engineering, B.S.

Program of Study

Engineering is broadly described as the creative application of scientific and mathematical principles used to design, develop, improve, and analyze structures, machines, devices, components, systems, and industrial processes useful to society.  Electrical engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the application and study of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It originated as a branch of physics and has dramatically changed society.  Inventions associated with electrical engineering include the telephone, light bulb, radio, television, electric motor, power plant, as well as modern computers, phones, cameras, and robots.

The curriculum for electrical engineering begins with the necessary preparatory courses in mathematics, physics, and computer science. Core courses and electives cover a wide range of topics including digital and analog electronic circuits and systems, solid-state devices, instrumentation, control systems, electromagnetics, and signal processing.  Students will take courses that include laboratory activities. Students are also required to do a senior research project, which involves planning, design, implementation, documentation, and presentation.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Technical knowledge
   1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, physics, and engineering
   2. Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
2. Laboratory and Design
   1. Conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data
   2. Design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints (economic, environmental, social)
3. Communication and Collaboration
   1. Develop skills necessary to function effectively on teams
   2. Communicate effectively in both written and oral form
4. Further study
   1. Recognize the need for, and be able to engage in, life-long learning
   2. Acquire a broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a broad societal context
5. Professionalism
   1. Demonstrate professional and ethical responsibility
   2. Maintain currency in pertinent contemporary issues
   3. Use the techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for engineering practice

Career Opportunities

Due to the large demand, degree holders have multiple paths to reach their career goals.  Electrical engineers find jobs in many businesses and industries. Their job skills are used in electrical design, simulation, electrical systems, schematic diagrams, validation, power distribution, test equipment, circuit design, systems engineering, computer aided drafting, and logic controller programming. Electrical engineers in the industry have a wide range of job titles which includes:  Design Engineer, Product Engineer, Applications Engineer, Systems Engineer, Test Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Communications Engineer, Network Engineer, Sales Engineer, Field Engineer, Process Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Device Engineer. The degree in electrical engineering also prepares students for graduate study in electrical engineering and related fields.  

Preparation

High school students are encouraged to take four (4) years of English, four (4) years of mathematics including trigonometry and pre-calculus, one year of biological science, and one year of physical science.  Courses in calculus, physics, and computer programming are recommended.  Experience in clear, concise, and careful writing is valuable for success in all courses.

Transfer Credits

A maximum of thirty-seven (37) lower-division units including courses in computer science, mathematics, and physics may be applied toward the preparation for the major requirements.  Of the thirty-seven (37) units, ten(10) units must appropriately match the description for EE 280 , CS 111 , and EE 100  (depending on the articulation agreement between Cal State San Marcos and other institutions; transfer students are also advised to consult with their articulation officer to determine if they need to take EE 280 , CS 111 , and EE 100 ; twelve (12) units must appropriately match the description for MATH 160 *, MATH 162 , and MATH 260 ; and eight (8) units must appropriately match the description for PHYS 201 * and PHYS 202  (or 12 units if PHYS 203  is also included).

*Six (6) units of the above-transferred courses, MATH 160  and PHYS 201 , will count toward the lower-division General Education  requirements in Area B .  Students are encouraged to consult their faculty advisor to learn about courses that fulfill the General Education requirements.

Special Conditions for the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

All courses counted toward the major, including Preparation for the Major courses, must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better. A minimum of fifteen (15) upper-division units counted toward the major must be completed at Cal State San Marcos.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

General Education Requirements (48 Units)

General Education Requirements  

Preparation for the Major (37 Units)

Major Requirements (47 Units)

Minimum Total (120 Units)

Students must take a sufficient number of elective units to bring the total number of units to a minimum of 120