Stanford University

The mission of the undergraduate program of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to augment the liberal education expected of all Stanford undergraduates, to impart basic understanding of electrical engineering and to develop skills in the design and building of systems that directly impact societal needs.

The program includes a balanced foundation in the physical sciences, mathematics and computing; core courses in electronics, information systems and digital systems; and develops specific skills in the analysis and design of systems. Students in the major have broad flexibility to select from disciplinary areas beyond the core, including hardware and software, information systems and science, and physical technology and science, as well as electives in multidisciplinary areas, including bio-electronics and bio-imaging, energy and environment, and music.

The program prepares students for a broad range of careers—both industrial and government—as well as for professional and academic graduate education.

The Department expects undergraduate majors in the program to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used in evaluating students and the Department's undergraduate program. The educational objectives of the program are:

1. Technical knowledge: provide a knowledge of electrical engineering principles along with the required supporting knowledge of computing, engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and science. The program must include depth in at least one disciplinary area, currently including hardware and software, information systems and science, and physical technology and science, bio-electronics and bio-imaging, energy and environment, or music (signal processing and transducers).

2. Laboratory and design skills: develop the basic skills needed to perform and design experimental projects. Develop the ability to formulate problems and projects and to plan a process for formulating solutions, taking advantage of diverse technical knowledge and skills.

3. Communications skills: develop the ability to organize and present information and to write and speak effective English.

4. Preparation for further study: provide sufficient breadth and depth for successful subsequent graduate study, postgraduate study, or lifelong learning programs.

5. Preparation for the profession: provide an appreciation for the broad spectrum of issues arising in professional practice, including economics, ethics, leadership, professional organizations, safety, service, and teamwork.