Electrical and Computer Engineering

College of Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering students design and build hardware and software for a variety of electronic devices with a wide range of applications ranging from nanoscale computer chips to multinational power grids. Academic pathways within ECE include sustainable energy systems, sensing and communication, neurotechnology, control systems, VLSI design / digital systems design, computing, photonics, computer architecture, embedded systems, machine learning, microelectronics and nanotechnology.

Major category: Capacity-constrained

Topic: Engineering, Computing

Applicant type

Freshman

Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).


Transfer

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission. Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree

Department admission information

  • Departmental application deadline: April 5
  • Please contact the department for details about the application process.

This major is capacity-constrained. Completion of prerequisites does not guarantee admission.
  • For the autumn 2024 application cycle, Electrical & Computer Engineering degree will be the only undergraduate option available.
  • Transfer students must submit two separate applications: one to the Office of Admissions and one to Electrical Engineering.
  • To be eligible to apply, you must have a 2.0 (“C” grade) minimum GPA in each prerequisite course and a 2.5 cumulative GPA in all the prerequisites. These are minimums; the actual GPA of those admitted is much higher.
  • To plan your transfer, be sure to utilize the engineering transfer admission website and contact the department if you have additional questions.

Courses required for the major:

  • CSE 122 NSc RSN Introduction to Computer Programming II or CSE 142 NSc RSN Computer Programming I 1
  • MATH 124 NSc RSN – Calculus Analytic Geometry I 1
  • MATH 125 NSc – Calculus Analytic Geometry II 1
  • MATH 126 NSc – Calculus Analytic Geometry III 1
  • PHYS 121 NSc RSN – Mechanics 1
  • PHYS 122 NSc – Electromagnetism 1
  • 5 Credits English composition C 1

Additional course requirements:

  • CSE 123 NSc RSN Introduction to Computer Programming III or CSE 143 NSc RSN Computer Programming II 2
  • MATH 207 NSc – Introduction to Differential Equations 2
  • Two courses from the following 2: BIOL 180 NSc – Introductory Biology, BIOL 220 NSc – Introductory Biology, CHEM 142 NSc RSN – General Chemistry, MATH 208 NSc – Matrix Algebra with Applications, MATH 224 NSc – Advanced Multivariable Calculus, PHYS 123 NSc – Waves, Light, and Heat

Notes:

1 Application requirements (completed by application deadline)
2 Enrollment requirements (completed by the start of your first quarter in the major)

 

 

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 394
Total from Washington community colleges: 71

Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):

3.75 – 4.00: 12
3.50 – 3.74: 19
3.25 – 3.49: 16
3.00 – 3.24: 6
2.75 – 2.99: 6
2.50 – 2.74: 6
2.49 and below: 6



Career outcomes