At Iowa State University, you are admitted to the engineering program of your choice and begin taking courses in your major right away during your first year. Our electrical engineering program and computer engineering program are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) offers four Bachelor of Science degree programs. A bachelor’s degree in any of these areas could lead to careers in industries ranging from health care, renewable energy, and retail to security, gaming, and telecommunications. All of these areas also provide opportunities to work with teams of engineers and make a huge difference in the lives of people worldwide in your career.
CYBER SECURITY ENGINEERING
This degree program stems from our belief that cyber security can no longer be an afterthought or an added layer; it must be an integrated component throughout the four-year curriculum. The major is new, but Iowa State has been teaching and researching cyber security since 1995, making it one of the oldest programs in the country. Students will gain a strong foundation in computer engineering concepts while applying engineering methodology to solve complex cyber security problems. More info about cyber security engineering is accessible here.
COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Develop systems to protect many of the critical infrastructures that the United States relies on for our country’s day-to-day operations. Invent new technologies and make things such as smartphones, computers, robots, and medical equipment faster, smaller, cheaper, smarter, and safer. Plus, catch cyber criminals and help keep your personal computer and information secure. Learn more about computer engineering.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Impact the nation’s electric power systems, biomedical imaging equipment that doctors use, tiny chips that operate your smartphone and other electronics, wireless technologies that people use worldwide, and nanotechnologies that biologists use to conduct experiments. Enhance technology to test hidden flaws in car engines and medical equipment, and improve electronic car safety systems. Plus, help the environment by developing and incorporating wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources into the power grid. Learn more about electrical engineering.
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Expand the limits of what computers, cell phones, pacemakers, and other electronic devices can do by developing and improving software that runs those devices. Work on a team to design, implement, and maintain software systems that are reliable, efficient, and affordable. Apply your software knowledge to areas such as real-time systems, virtual reality, and gaming, as well as improve operation of medical equipment and hybrid-electric cars. This major is offered jointly with the Department of Computer Science. Learn more about software engineering on their program website.
Learn more about:
- Differences among the department’s undergraduate majors
- Courses
- Bachelor’s degree requirements
- Academic policies
Iowa State University offers five minors specifically for engineers:
CYBER SECURITY
The cyber security minor is intended for students studying computer engineering, computer science, software engineering or management information systems with the goal of enabling them to work in cyber security. The minor consists of a series of lab-based courses that are designed to provide students with both the technical background and the hands-on experiences, along with the theoretical background to allow them to compete to jobs in cyber security. Learn more.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
The biomedical engineering minor is a unique opportunity that gives you a multidisciplinary life sciences and engineering background along with a foundation that consists of core biology and engineering principles. Because biomedical engineering draws on multiple engineering disciplines, the minor also requires students take a broadening course in an engineering field other than that of their major. Learn more.
ENGINEERING SALES
About 15-percent of engineering jobs involve product sales, marketing or customer field support, so the engineering sales minor complements the technical training of an engineering major discipline by providing the tools and knowledge required for technical sales careers. Learn more.
NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION
Nondestructive evaluation uses a number of techniques to determine the health of an engineering component or structure without affecting its usefulness. Nondestructive evaluation professionals are active in all phases of engineering, from design and manufacturing to in-service use, and in all industry sectors including aviation, power generation, transportation, manufacturing and many others. The nondestructive evaluation minor is an interdisciplinary program. Learn more.
The ECpE department offers three concurrent degree programs that allow students to count up to 6 credits of coursework for both your bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The programs may reduce by one year the normal time period for completing both degrees separately. The following are the concurrent degree programs currently offered:
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE/MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM
This program is for students who want to pursue a traditional Master of Science degree (with thesis or creative component) on campus upon receiving their bachelor’s degree. Learn more.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE/MASTER OF ENGINEERING PROGRAM
This program requires coursework-only and is directed toward students who want to pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering, but who do not wish to pursue a research career. It also enables students to take a job immediately after completing their bachelor’s degree, but continue to finish a master’s degree through our online engineering programs at their own pace. Learn more.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE/MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM
This program provides engineers strong business management skills to complement their engineering bachelor’s degree, giving them a competitive edge for advancement or leading to accelerated opportunities for growth into management positions. Learn more.
Contact Us
Got questions about our programs? Check our answers to frequently asked undergraduate program questions, or contact our ECpE Student Services Office to talk with an academic advisor.