Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical engineers design, develop, and produce the electrical and electronic systems upon which modern society has come to depend: basic infrastructure, such as the electric power grid and fiber optic communication lines; public conveniences, such as mag lev transporters and LED signs; consumer products, such as smart appliances; personal communication devices, such as smart phones; military systems, such as rail guns and laser weapons; instruments that can image the ocean floor or analyze the Earth's atmosphere from satellites; and medical diagnostic machines like CAT and MRI scanners. Almost every facet of modern life is touched by the work of electrical engineers. Students electing this major gain knowledge of advanced electronic circuit and system design through the use of computer-aided design tools, hardware circuit prototyping, and hands-on laboratory testing.

Computers have become embedded in virtually every engineering system, including everyday items ranging from smart watches to electric vehicles. Computer engineering, is a rapidly growing field that emphasizes the design, interfacing, hardware/software tradeoffs, real-time applications of embedded computers, and IOT devices. Students who elect this major will gain a knowledge of both hardware and software concepts, and will learn to design, build, and test systems containing digital computers.

Embedded in both the electrical engineering and computer engineering programs is the biomedical engineering option.  The option provides core knowledge expected of a computer and/or electrical engineer to provide engineering services in the biomedical field. Electrical and/or computer engineers with this option combine engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software applications used in the healthcare field.

At UNH, the cornerstone of the electrical and computer engineering programs are the involvement of students in the solution of real-world problems.

ECE Department Mission

The mission of the department is to foster and advance knowledge in electrical and computer engineering.

The mission involves:

• teaching courses in electrical and computer engineering and related fields at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels;
• advancing knowledge through research and scholarship;
• serving the state and nation by making the department's intellectual resources available to industry and government agencies. The undergraduate EE and CE programs shall provide a firm foundation in electrical and computer engineering theory and practice, with a mix of laboratory and design experiences. The programs also shall foster teamwork and project management skills.

The graduate ECE program shall lead to the degrees of master of science in electrical and computer engineering and the doctor of philosophy in electrical and computer engineering. Research and scholarship are core components of the department's mission and they directly impact undergraduate and graduate education. Success in obtaining funds to procure equipment and support research efforts is therefore an essential objective for the department.

The department recognizes the need to conduct periodic reviews and adjustments to meet the current and projected needs of the state and nation according to its mission objectives.  

Program Educational Objectives

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has adopted a set of program educational objectives that consists of statements describing the expected accomplishments of graduates during the first several years following graduation from either programs:

Electrical Engineering:

Depth: To be effective in applying electrical engineering principles in engineering practice or for advanced study.

Breadth: To have a productive career in the many diverse fields of electrical engineering such as analog engineering, biomedical engineering, communications, and electromagnetics and waves, or in the pursuit of graduate education in disciplines such as electrical engineering, medicine, law or business.

Professionalism: To function effectively in the complex modern work environment with the ability to assume professional leadership roles.

Electrical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Option:

Depth: To be effective in applying electrical engineering principles in engineering practice or for advanced study.

Breadth: To have a productive career in the many diverse fields of electrical engineering such as analog engineering, biomedical engineering, communications, and electromagnetics and waves, or in the pursuit of graduate education in disciplines such as electrical engineering, medicine, law or business.

Professionalism: To function effectively in the complex modern work environment with the ability to assume professional leadership roles.

Computer Engineering:

Depth: To be effective in applying computer engineering principles in engineering practice or for advanced study.

Breadth: To have a productive career in the many diverse fields of computer engineering such as digital engineering, biomedical engineering, security, communications, and embedded systems, or in the pursuit of graduate education in disciplines such as computer engineering, medicine, law or business.

Professionalism: To function effectively in the complex modern work environment with the ability to assume professional leadership roles.

Computer Engineering Biomedical Engineering Option:

Depth: To be effective in applying computer engineering principles in engineering practice or for advanced study.

Breadth: To have a productive career in the many diverse fields of computer engineering such as digital engineering, biomedical engineering, security, communications, and embedded systems, or in the pursuit of graduate education in disciplines such as computer engineering, medicine, law or business.

Professionalism: To function effectively in the complex modern work environment with the ability to assume professional leadership roles.

Student Outcomes

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has adopted a set of student outcomes that consists of statements describing what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation, the achievement of which indicates that the student is equipped to achieve the program objectives. The current student outcomes are:

1.  An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to 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.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to 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.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Electrical Computer Engineering (ECE)

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty