Electrical Engineering, B.S.
Why pursue an Electrical Engineering, B.S. degree at North Central College?
Electrical engineers design, develop, test and supervise electrical equipment. They work on computer circuits and architecture, FPGA design, censors, actuators, embedded processors, power electronics and motors. Our Electrical Engineering B.S. degree program is the only ABET-accredited program in west suburban Chicago, and it is rooted in hands-on learning using the engineering method, the latest engineering design and simulation software, making parts on 3D printers and programming in Python. You will also learn the communication skills necessary to be successful in the profession. At North Central, our focus is on automation and robotics, with emphasis on sustainability, access and enhancing quality of life. A career in electrical engineering is one of tinkering and testing. By practicing problem-solving, team projects and reporting your findings, you’ll be ready to take on the technology industry. And with a degree accredited by ABET, the preeminent accrediting body in the U.S. for STEM disciplines, you’ll be prepared for career success when it comes to innovation, emerging technology, and public welfare and safety.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Operating electrical and electronic systems
- Designing circuits from cell phone chips to the nation’s power grid
- Developing electrical power solutions
then a degree in ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING might be for you.
Why study electrical engineering at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Analog and digital signals
- Applied statistics
- Basic electronics
- Calculus
- Circuit analysis
- Classical physics
- Computer science
- Computer systems
- Differential equations & linear algebra
- Digital logic
- Electrical simulations
- Electromechanics
- Electronic controls
- Engineering design
- Engineering finance
- Embedded processors
- Failure analysis
- FPGA design
- Independent projects
- Modern physics
- Motors and actuators
- Professional ethics
- Python
- Power electronics
- Solid state physics
- Technical writing
Wentz Science Center
Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Science Center, home to the Molex Advanced Electronics Lab and faculty offices.
Virtual Tour
Beyond the Classroom
As an electrical engineer major, you can:
- Complete internships at nearby research labs such as Argonne National Laboratory or Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
- Study in state-of-the-art facilities equipped to accommodate the most sophisticated hardware, software and other sustainable technology.
- Pursue your research interests anywhere in the world by applying for a Richter Grant.
- Present your original research findings at local, regional and national conferences such as the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research or North Central’s own Rall Symposium.
Program Educational Objectives
Program educational objectives as defined by ABET are “broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies.” The Program Educational Objectives of the North Central College Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree aims to support our graduates’ ability to:
- Program Education Objective 1: Demonstrate competence and creativity in applying engineering knowledge to improve living conditions for humanity.
- Program Education Objective 2: Driven by ethical decision making, and integrating professional communication, and teamwork, develop solutions to provide opportunities for diverse individuals and groups worldwide.
- Program Education Objective 3: Motivate students to engage in lifelong learning to enhance their quality of life and professional success as well as better serving society.
Student Outcomes
Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. The Student Outcomes of the North Central College Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree describe the abilities of our graduates:
- Student Outcome 1: an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- Student Outcome 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.
- Student Outcome 3: an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Student Outcome 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.
- Student Outcome 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.
- Student Outcome 6: an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze, and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- Student Outcome 7: an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Program Enrollment and Graduation Data
Academic Year | Enrollment Year - 1st | EY 2nd | EY 3rd | EY 4th | Total Enrollment | Degrees Awarded |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023/2024 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 28 | |
2022/2023 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 26 | 7 |
2021/2022 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 6 | 23 | 6 |
2020/2021 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 20 | ||
2019/2020 | 7 | 9 | 16 |
What careers can I have as an electrical engineering major?
Our engineering program offers a mix of circuit design, software development, communication systems and power electronics course. We offer a multitude of various courses that allow electrical engineering students to specialize in an area that lines up most with their career interests. Our graduates are well prepared for employment in a wide range of companies and research labs. Some common careers include civil engineering, computer engineering and mechanical engineering.
Electrical Engineering, B.S.
Electrical Engineering offers a mix of circuit design, software development, communication systems and power electronics. Our graduates are well prepared for employment in a wide range of companies and research labs.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
A minimum of 45 credit hours of Engineering coursework to include:
Core Courses
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CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
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CSCE 220 - Computer Organization and Design
CSCE 220 - Computer Organization and Design
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ELEC 150 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering
ELEC 150 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering
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ELEC 200 - Digital Logic I
ELEC 200 - Digital Logic I
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ELEC 250 - Circuit Analysis I
ELEC 250 - Circuit Analysis I
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ELEC 351 - Circuit Analysis II
ELEC 351 - Circuit Analysis II
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ELEC 280 - Microcontrollers
ELEC 280 - Microcontrollers
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ELEC 310 - Analog and Digital Signals
ELEC 310 - Analog and Digital Signals
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ELEC 330 - Motors and Actuators
ELEC 330 - Motors and Actuators
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ELEC 460 - Electronic Controls
ELEC 460 - Electronic Controls
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ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
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ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
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ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
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ENGR 400 - Independent Project I
ENGR 400 - Independent Project I
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ENGR 450 - Capstone I
ENGR 450 - Capstone I
A minimum of 30 credit hours of Mathematics and Science coursework to include:
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MATH 151 - Calculus I
MATH 151 - Calculus I
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MATH 152 - Calculus II
MATH 152 - Calculus II
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MATH 253 - Calculus III
MATH 253 - Calculus III
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MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
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ENGR 431 - Industrial Metrology and Statistics
ENGR 431 - Industrial Metrology and Statistics
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PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
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PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
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PHYS 266 - Physics III: Quantum Physics
PHYS 266 - Physics III: Quantum Physics
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PHYS 320 - Physics of Solids
PHYS 320 - Physics of Solids
Notes:
If students do not meet the minimum Mathematics and Science requirements, additional coursework may need to be taken.
Courses below
* Students who do not place into
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Interested in earning your undergraduate electrical engineering degree? Check out our college today and discover all of the bachelor's degree programs and student organizations available to help you on your journey through higher education. The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying to our education program by selecting the group you belong to below.
Electrical Engineering Student Profile
Emmanuel Boadi Agyekum '26
Step into the world of groundbreaking research with Emmanuel Boadi Agyekum, a budding electrical engineer with a passion for innovation. Hailing from Ghana, Agyekum embarked on his academic journey at North Central College, where he wasted no time diving into cutting-edge projects. In just his first year, he seized an incredible opportunity to collaborate on Fermilab's Muon g-2 experiment, tackling complex challenges head-on. FInd out how North Central College provides great opportunities for undergraduate research and international collaboration through Agyekum's inspiring story.