Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering Facts

What exactly does an electrical, computer, and software engineer do?

Engineers make a difference—they’re problem-solvers, leaders, team players, innovators, critical thinkers, and designers. Electrical and computer engineers develop technologies for many of the electronic devices we use today—mp3 players, cell phones, video game consoles, HDTVs, and computers. They also build systems to safely and efficiently transmit data across the Internet, and improve the nation’s electric and alternate energy sources. Electrical and computer engineers research new ideas; develop, design, and implement new products and equipment; and lead teams of engineers to manufacture new devices.


What industries and companies hire electrical, computer, and software engineers?

Electrical and computer engineers contribute to the automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, communications, construction, power, computer, and aerospace industries, just to name a few. Those engineers work for private, public, and governmental companies and agencies, such as Alliant Energy, Garmin, Google, IBM, Lockheed Martin, MidAmerican Energy, Micron Technologies, Motorola, National Instruments, Rockwell Collins, and Texas Instruments.

How much money do electrical, computer, and software engineers make?



Our graduates receive starting salaries between $55,000 and $58,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says electrical and computer engineers, on average, eventually can earn more than $100,000 per year, depending upon experience and specialty.

How can I make a difference as an electrical or computer eningeer?

Technology created by electrical and computer engineers is critical in the medical, energy, transportation, and security infrastructure in the United States. Engineers develop software to monitor systems that run your car, systems to secure America’s power grid, devices to improve the diagnosis of diseases, and circuits and chips to make your cell phone, mp3 player, and computer smaller, faster, and better.

Will jobs be available when I graduate?

Yes. Electrical, computer, and software engineering are some of the fastest growing occupations today. With our society’s ever-increasing reliability on high-tech devices, job growth in the United States is expected to continue in the industry over the next 10 years, despite international competition for jobs. American companies need highly-trained engineers in order to remain on the forefront of technology. We encourage our students to participate in internship and co-op programs to gain experience in the field and to help them land full-time jobs upon graduation.

First electronic digital computer


IBM BlueGene Supercomputer

Why should I study electrical, computer, and software engineering at Iowa State?

Iowa State has a long history of excellence in electrical and computer engineering. In fact, the first electronic digital computer was invented at Iowa State, as well as the encoding process essential to the development of the fax machine. Plus, students receive personal attention from professors and have many opportunities to participate in research as undergraduates. The department recently purchased the IBM BlueGene L/Supercomputer, among the nation’s top 100 most powerful computers at the time it was acquired. Our department is dedicated to the success of our students, and to making innovations that contribute to the quality of life we all enjoy.