2020-21 Academic Catalog

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

This is an archived copy of the 2020-21 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Department Head: Dr. Nicolas Younan
Major Advisor: Kylie Crosland
Office: 216 Simrall Engineering Building

Alumni, employers, faculty and students participate in a process used to develop educational objectives for the undergraduate programs in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Within a few years of graduation, program graduates completing the baccalaureate degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering will:

  • Be recognized by their peers as fundamentally sound in the application of mathematics, science, computing, and engineering.
  • Be engaged in the practice of Electrical or Computer Engineering as innovative problem solvers with a strong work ethic, by identifying and implementing solutions using the proper tools, practical approaches, and flexible thinking.
  • Be productive and demonstrate leadership in the practice of Electrical or Computer Engineering, both individually and within multidisciplinary teams, using effective oral and written communication skills when working with peers, supervisors, and the public.
  • Be responsible in the practice of Electrical or Computer Engineering, relying on sound engineering ethics, a commitment to lifelong learning and a genuine concern for society and the environment.

Computer Engineering Major (CPE)

Major Advisor: Ms. Kylie Crosland
Office: 216 Simrall Engineering Building

With the origin of the modern computer dating back to the late 1940’s and the growth of computer hardware fueled by the availability of digital integrated circuits starting in the late 1960’s, computer engineers have enjoyed a pivotal role in technology that now permeates our entire society. Whether the end product is an integrated circuit, a system of networked embedded computers, or any system that relies on digital hardware or computer software, its development requires the skills of a computer engineer. While computing systems include both hardware and software, it is the optimal combination of these components that is the unique realm of the computer engineer. Today, computer engineers are a driving force in the technological and economic development of the digital age.

The curriculum requirements for computer engineering are built around a substantial engineering core curriculum and required courses in electrical engineering and computer science. The requirements in mathematics, the basic sciences, and engineering sciences provide the breadth of exposure required for all engineering disciplines. Basic electrical engineering requirements include circuit theory, electronics and digital devices which are supplemented by upper-level courses in computer architecture, and computer aided design of digital systems. Basic computer science courses include a coordinated sequence providing fundamental knowledge in data structures, algorithms, object oriented programming, software engineering, real-time application and software development tools. These courses are developed across multiple platforms and are based on the Python and Java language. Upper-level courses in data communications and computer networks, algorithms and operating systems are also provided. Students wishing to gain depth of coverage in communications, parallel computing, VLSI, embedded systems or signal processing can achieve this with the availability of technical electives selected from an approved list or in consultation with a faculty advisor. Required courses in communications skills, social sciences and humanities provide studies in non-technical areas that are traditional in a broad-based education. A capstone senior design course requires students to apply newfound knowledge and explore entrepreneurship. Students research and identify a problem and work in teams applying a combination of hardware and software to develop a solution. Critical and Final Design Reviews enable students to develop their professional presentation skills.

Students expecting to graduate from Mississippi State University with a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering, in addition to satisfactorily completing the CPE curriculum requirements, must meet the following minimum GPA requirements for graduation:

  • make an overall C average on all hours scheduled and rescheduled at all institutions attended, including MSU (2.00 or better cumulative GPA)
  • make a C average on all hours scheduled and rescheduled at MSU (2.00 or better MSU GPA)
  • earn at least a 2.5/4.0 average on all hours with ECE or CSE course prefixes scheduled and rescheduled at all institutions attended, including MSU

The computer engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

This program is offered through joint efforts of faculty in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Electrical Engineering Major (EE)

Major Advisor: Ms. Kylie Crosland
Office: 216 Simrall Engineering Building

The electrical engineer is a principal contributor to the modern technological age in which we live today. Following in the footsteps of inventors such as Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, the electrical engineer is developing technology that improves the quality of life. Developments in microelectronics, telecommunications, and power systems have had a profound effect on each of us. Electrical engineers have affected all segments of our society such as transportation, medicine, and the entertainment industry, to name only a few. Indeed, the electrical engineer has principally been responsible for the advent of the computer age in which we live today as well as the computer’s miniaturization and rapid expansion in computational power.

The curriculum in electrical engineering has a foundation based on the principles of the electrical and physical sciences and uses mathematics as a common language to facilitate the solution of engineering problems. The core curriculum consists of a sequence of courses in digital devices, circuits and electronics, electromagnetic field theory, and modern energy conversion. In the senior year, students have the opportunity to take additional course work in one or more technical areas that include: telecommunications, electromagnetics, power systems, high voltage, feedback control systems, microelectronics, signal processing, and computer systems. Supporting course work outside electrical engineering consists of a strong background in mathematics, physical sciences, computer programming, social sciences, fine arts, humanities, and personal communication skills. Computers are used extensively throughout the curriculum, and students are expected to become proficient in higher-order programming languages and several application software tools. Although the concept of design is stressed throughout the program so as to emphasize the problem-solving skills of the engineer, the senior year includes a capstone design experience where much of the previous study is culminated. Through this two-semester design course sequence, students are required to integrate design and analytical problem-solving skills together with communication skills in a team environment.

Students expecting to graduate from Mississippi State University with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, in addition to satisfactorily completing the EE curriculum requirements, must meet the following minimum GPA requirements for graduation:

  • make an overall C average on all hours scheduled and rescheduled at all institutions attended, including MSU (2.00 or better cumulative GPA)
  • make a C average on all hours scheduled and rescheduled at MSU (2.00 or better MSU GPA)
  • earn at least a 2.5/4.0 average on all hours with ECE or CSE course prefixes scheduled and rescheduled at all institutions attended, including MSU

The electrical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.