Electrical engineers design, develop, and improve the efficiency and reliability of the power infrastructure, communications systems, and electronic devices that support modern society. As such, electrical engineers are in high demand for a diverse set of career opportunities as we seek advancements in consumer electronics, solar power, semiconductors, communication, and other technologies.
Our bachelor of arts in electrical engineering program distinguishes itself from others by emphasizing small class sizes and close interactions between, and among, students and faculty—a learning environment that is rare in undergraduate electrical engineering programs. Our goal is to educate students in the fundamentals and applications of electrical engineering through a curriculum that allows sufficient flexibility for students to pursue their individual interests.
Northwestern students who are interested in exploring the electrical engineering major, or simply sampling the field of electrical engineering, can take an individual introductory course.
The basics at-a-glance
Accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the curriculum includes courses in electronic circuits, solid-state electronics, electromagnetics, optics, lasers, controls, digital signal processing, communications, and networks.
Students must complete 48 courses, including required courses in mathematics, engineering, and science; and core electrical engineering major courses. 10 technical electives and 5 unrestricted electives allow students to tailor the program to their area of interest.
Comprised of two integrated course sequences, Engineering Analysis and Design Thinking and Communication (DTC), our innovative first-year curriculum provides students with the fundamentals of a successful engineering education, and lets them experience real engineering early in their undergraduate careers.
Students have the opportunity to conduct research in labs alongside graduate students and faculty members, including the possibility of becoming a named author on a paper.
Students are required to take technical electives, which they can use to tailor the program to a particular area of specialization, choosing from the following tracks:
McCormick’s Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program allows undergraduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) and master’s degree (MS) simultaneously, shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree.
Beyond the classroom
Enhance your education even further through our many opportunities to network and broaden your worldview.
Students choose from numerous student groups centered around various interests as well as the Eta Kappa Nu Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society.
Northwestern encourages students in all of its undergraduate schools to study abroad. Study Abroad Office staff and advisers will work closely with you to help you connect your academic and personal goals to an international credit-bearing experience.
The Cooperative Engineering Education Program allows you to receive up to 18 months of engineering experience in industry while you pursue a degree in a highly-ranked program. Participation in the Engineering Internship Program gives students the opportunity to gain practical work experience with an employer in industry, commerce, or government.
“Over the years, I came to appreciate the intellectual environment, the dedicated and engaging instructors, and the opportunities for undergraduate research at Northwestern.”
Andrew blends his dual passions for engineering and design to advance Nike Virtual Studios, which offers the brand’s well-known products, innovation, and storytelling in the ever-expanding virtual product and gaming world.
“Over the years, I came to appreciate the intellectual environment, the dedicated and engaging instructors, and the opportunities for undergraduate research at Northwestern.”
Andrew blends his dual passions for engineering and design to advance Nike Virtual Studios, which offers the brand’s well-known products, innovation, and storytelling in the ever-expanding virtual product and gaming world.
Where do we go from here?
Our students graduate with skills that are broadly applicable to many career paths, including jobs in system design and specification, university teaching and research, management, cost analysis, sales, consulting, production, and quality control.
While at Northwestern, our students benefit from professional development opportunities that prepare them for the next step in their careers. They have access to internships and extensive career placement resources via both Northwestern Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement.
Where our alumni work in industry
Where our alumni attend graduate school
We encourage you to visit our campus and learn about the Northwestern Engineering first hand.
