Electrical and computer engineers are responsible for inventions that have revolutionized our society, such as the electrical grid, telecommunications, and automated computing and control. The profession continues to make vital contributions in many domains, such as the infusion of information technology into all aspects of daily life. To further these ends, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering fosters a dynamic academic environment that is committed to a tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and service. It has state-of-the-art research programs and facilities in a variety of fields. Departmental faculty members are engaged in research efforts across several disciplines in order to serve the needs of industry, government, society, and the scientific community. Interactions with other disciplines are strong. Faculty members regularly conduct collaborative research projects with colleagues in the Geffen School of Medicine; School of Education and Information Studies; School of Theater, Film, and Television; and College of Letters and Science.
The program grants two undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering) and two graduate degrees (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering). The graduate program provides students with an opportunity to pursue advanced coursework, in-depth training, and research investigations in several fields.
The primary areas in the department are circuits and embedded systems, computer engineering, physical and wave electronics, and signals and systems. These areas cover a broad spectrum of specializations in, for example, communications and telecommunications, computer vision, control systems, cybersecurity, electromagnetics, embedded computer networking, embedded computing systems, engineering optimization, integrated circuits and systems, machine learning, micromechanical systems (MEMS), nanotechnology, photonics and optoelectronics, plasma electronics, signal processing, and solid-state electronics.
The education and research activities in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department are aligned with its mission statement. In partnership with its constituents, consisting of students, alumni, industry, and faculty members, the mission of the department is to (1) produce highly qualified, well-rounded, and motivated students with fundamental knowledge of electrical engineering who can provide leadership and service to California, the nation, and the world; (2) pursue creative research and new technologies in electrical engineering and across disciplines in order to serve the needs of industry, government, society, and the scientific community; (3) develop partnerships with industrial and government agencies; (4) achieve visibility by active participation in conferences and technical and community activities; and (5) publish enduring scientific articles and books.