Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Class of 2021
Explore the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that make our lives better.
Engineers have completely changed the way we live; the work they do is the link between scientific breakthroughs and the commercial applications that make our lives better. From creating better ways to communicate to using new discoveries to treat disease, it’s an exciting field that presents you with the opportunity to solve real-world problems.
National University’s BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree program is designed to prepare you for a cutting-edge profession in inventing, designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing new devices, like smart homes, cell phones, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more. You’ll study the design and development of both digital hardware systems and the software that enables that hardware — and how both users and other hardware interact with those systems.
If you’re ready to build a solid foundation of mathematics and engineering and use your knowledge to create new and exciting things, earning your BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering is an excellent place to start.
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Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program, you will be able to:
- 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 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
Electrical engineering programs focus on the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. The curriculum usually encompasses a broad spectrum of specialties, including circuits, microelectronics, communication systems, computer hardware, control, signal processing, electromagnetics, robotics, power and energy, optics, nanotechnology, and more. An electrical engineer works with anything from electrical circuits in electronic devices to electrical installation in buildings or power plants.
Computer engineering focuses more on computer hardware and software, and embedded systems. A computer engineer is usually involved in the many hardware and software aspects of computing, from the design of individual microcontrollers, microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers to circuit design.
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at National University is designed to establish analytical thinking and design skills in both electrical engineering and computer engineering. The program’s curriculum focuses on the theories, principles, and practices of traditional electrical engineering and mathematics and applies them to the design of computers and computer-based devices. Students study hardware, software, communication, and the interaction between them.
The program covers a wide range of topics from traditional electrical engineering courses, such as Circuit Analysis, Microelectronics, Linear Systems and Signals, and Digital Signal Processing, to computer engineering courses like Programming, Object-Oriented Design, Discrete Structure and Logic, Digital Logic Design, Computer Architecture, Computer Communication Networks, Embedded Systems, VLSI Design, and more. Upon graduation, students are well prepared to begin either a professional career or a graduate program. Graduates of this program are prepared for a larger breadth of job opportunities than a traditional electrical engineering program.
Our Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program is offered entirely online, so you can complete classwork on your own time and still balance your professional and personal life. You can study wherever it works for you: in between shifts, in the comfort of your home, or in your favorite coffee shop. Plus, our unique four-week course format allows you to focus on one subject at a time and master that subject before moving on to the next. This helps you to truly understand and absorb the material.
In this program, you have opportunities for hands-on, real-world application of your learning to prepare you for life as an engineer post-graduation. You’ll attend lab courses, which run side-by-side with lecture courses, for eight weeks.
You’ll also complete a capstone project, which involves working with a local company on a project for three months to apply what you’ve learned. This hands-on approach to learning is an excellent way to connect the class material to the work you will be doing in your career, giving you a competitive edge and setting you up for success.
A Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering covers both hardware and software to prepare you for an innovative profession in inventing, designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing new devices, like smart homes, cell phones, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more.
Computer engineers have a higher median annual wage than electrical engineers, potentially leading to more financially rewarding careers than someone who only has a degree in electrical engineering. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer hardware engineers was $128,170* in May 2021, while the median annual wage for electrical engineers was $100,420 and the median annual wage for electronics engineers, except computer engineers, was $104,820 in the same year.**
Electrical engineering and computer engineering are some of the fastest-growing career fields in the United States and around the world. Career paths in electrical or computer engineering provide opportunities to work with teams of engineers and make a huge difference in the lives of people worldwide. The devices and tech market is rapidly expanding for professionals who have a strong understanding of both hardware and software, which is the focus of NU’s program. You can use your Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree to pursue careers* such as:
- Electrical Engineers
- Back-End Engineers
- Systems Engineers
- Embedded Software Engineers
- Firmware Engineers
- Controls Engineers
- Principals
- Test Engineers
- Network Engineers
- Hardware Engineers
- Electrical Design Engineers
- Information Security Engineers
- DevOps Engineers
- Electrical Power Engineers
- Engineers
- Project Managers
- Salesforce Developers
*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 19, 2022. DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
To receive a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, students must complete at least 180 quarter units to earn a minimum of 70.5 units of the University General Education requirements; 76.5 quarter units must be completed at the upper division level, and 45, including the senior project courses (CEE 498, CEE 499A, and CEE 499B), must be taken in residence at National University.
In the absence of transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation.
(8 courses; 33 quarter units)
| Course | Description | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| MTH 215* | College Algebra & Trigonometry | Accuplacer test placement evaluation or MTH 12A and MTH 12B |
| PHS 104* | Introductory Physics | 2 years of high school algebra and MTH 204, MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B |
| PHS 130A | Physics Lab for Engineering (1.5 quarter units) | N/A |
| CSC 208* | Calculus for Comp. Science I | MTH 215 |
| CSC 209 | Calculus for Comp. Science II | CSC 208 |
| CSC 220 | Applied Probability & Stats. | MTH 215 |
| CSC 242* | Intro to Programming Concepts | MTH 215 |
| CSC 252* | Programming in C++ | CSC 242 |
*May be used to meet a general education requirement.
Introducing the Opportunity Scholarship
In honor of our students, and in celebration of our 50th anniversary, National University is investing $30 million in new student scholarships. To learn more about the Opportunity Scholarship, how you can apply, and how much you can save, inquire today.
Peilin Fu, Ph.D.
Program Director, Electrical and Computer Engineering
“We’re going to teach you how to protect the intellectual property you develop using patents, trade secrets, and cybersecurity. We’re going to teach you property management skills that are used throughout our whole process of new project development.”
Marc Lessard
Class of 2022
“My favorite part of the program would be all the lab classes. I am more of a kinesthetic learner, and doing things “hands-on” or practical application really helps me learn. I enjoyed being able to write code in C++, MATLAB, and HDL, along with building real circuits with components at home and on MultiSIM digitally.”
Contact Us
Take the first step by starting your application online today.
To speak to an enrollment advisor about this program, please email [email protected].
Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree FAQs
Yes. If you are interested in a well-paying career in a rapidly growing field, this is a good major for you.
Electrical and computer engineers invent, design, and build technologies that make the world a better place. You will work with other like-minded, intelligent individuals to develop innovative solutions that work.
Yes, National University offers the Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering online.
You will need to complete all 126 credits to earn your degree. If you remain diligent on National University’s one-course-per-month format, you can complete the degree in four to six years.
Electrical engineers are typically proficient in math and science and have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Yes, electrical engineering is a high-paying career choice with a lot of opportunities for upward movement and leadership roles. Demand for electrical engineers is on the rise.
You will likely be responsible for one or more projects at a time, both on your own and in collaboration with a team. You will spend most of your time on a computer designing or in the lab, testing or building equipment.
Why Choose National University?
We’re a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 185,000+ alumni worldwide.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements in a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific rrequirements. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.
