Electrical Engineering Program

2024-25 Electrical Engineering Major Program

EE program requirements are now updated only in the Stanford Bulletin. You may also reference the requirements in your MAP (once declared), or the program sheets from the year you are declared or later.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to augment the liberal education expected of all Stanford undergraduates, to impart a basic understanding of electrical engineering, and to develop skills in the design and building of systems that directly impact societal needs.

The program includes a balanced foundation in the physical sciences, mathematics and computing; presents core courses in electronics, information systems and digital systems; and develops specific skills in the analysis and design of systems. Students in the major have broad flexibility to select from disciplinary areas beyond the core, including hardware and software, information systems and science, and physical technology and science, as well as electives in multidisciplinary areas, including bio-electronics and bio-imaging, energy and environment, and music.

The program prepares students for a broad range of careers—both industrial and governmental — as well as for professional and academic graduate education. The educational objectives and student outcomes for the Department of Electrical Engineering are shown below in the Objectives section.

EE Program Sheet (Excel)

EE 4-Year & Flex Quarter Plans

EE Flowchart

Current requirements for this and all other School of Engineering major programs may be found at Explore Degrees

EE Bachelor of Science with Honors

The Electrical Engineering Department offers a program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with Honors. This program offers a unique opportunity for qualified undergraduate majors to conduct independent study and research at an advanced level with a faculty mentor, graduate students, and fellow undergraduates.

Admission to the honors program is by application. Declared EE majors with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 in Electrical Engineering are eligible to submit an application. Applications must be submitted by the beginning of Autumn quarter of the senior year, be signed by the thesis adviser and second reader (at least one must be a member of the EE Faculty), and include an honors proposal. Students need to declare honors on Axess.

In order to receive departmental honors, students admitted to the honors program must:

Submit an application, including the thesis proposal, by the beginning of Autumn quarter of senior year signed by the thesis adviser and second reader (at least one must be a member of the Electrical Engineering faculty).
Declare the EE Honors major in Axess before the end of Autumn quarter of senior year.
Maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5 in Electrical Engineering courses.
Complete at least 10 units of EE 191 or EE 191W with thesis advisor for a letter grade. EE 191 units do not count toward the required 57 units, with the exception of EE 191W if approved to satisfy WIM.
Submit one final copy of the honors thesis approved by the adviser and second reader to the EE Degree Progress Officer by May 15.
Attend poster and/or oral presentation held by May 15 of Spring quarter senior year or present in another suitable forum approved by the faculty advisor. If no forums are available to present the paper, organize an oral presentation with the primary advisor, second reader, and the EE Associate Chair of Undergraduate Education, to be held prior to May 15 to fulfill this requirement.

The EE department is participating in the Bing Honors College (BHC) in Summer Quarter. If students would like to participate in this program, please sign up on the BHC site

Study Abroad Program

Stanford’s Overseas Studies Program is a great opportunity for students to build their language and cultural skills abroad. Some of the most popular programs with Electrical Engineering students are in China, Japan and Germany. In many cases there are summer job opportunities as well. Each program has different and specific language requirement that may require early and careful planning. For example, the core classes may be offered during quarters that conflict with the study abroad. For more information, see the the BOSP Overseas website and Global Engineering Programs.

Objectives and Outcomes For Electrical Engineering

Objectives:

Technical Knowledge: Provide a basic knowledge of electrical engineering principles along with the required supporting knowledge of mathematics, science, computing, and engineering fundamentals. The program must include depth in at least one specialty area, currently including Bio-electronics and Bio-imaging; Circuits and Devices; Computer Hardware; Computer Software; Energy and Environment; Music; Photonics, Solid State, and Electromagnetics; and Signal Processing, Communications and Control.
Laboratory and Design Skills: Develop the basic skills needed to perform and design experimental projects. Develop the ability to formulate problems and projects and to plan a process for solutions taking advantage of diverse technical knowledge and skills.
Communications Skills: Develop the ability to organize and present information, and to write and speak effective English.
Preparation for Further Study: Provide sufficient breadth and depth for successful subsequent graduate study, post-graduate study, or lifelong learning programs.
Preparation for the Profession: Provide an appreciation for the broad spectrum of issues arising in professional practice, including teamwork, leadership, safety, ethics, service, economics, and professional organizations.

Outcomes:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(g) An ability to communicate effectively
(h) The broad education necessary to understand he impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
(l) Background for admission to engineering or other professional graduate programs

Coterm Deadlines and Contact

Go to the EE Admission page for deadlines and information

How to Declare a Major in Electrical Engineering

1. Log into Axess and choose the EE major to declare. Do not choose the Honors option in Axess unless you have already submitted an Honors application and Honors thesis proposal to the department.
2. Fill out a copy of the Undergraduate Declaring a Major in EE form, which can be found on the EE Academics page. The "Area(s) of Interest" is particularly important to assist in the choice of a faculty advisor. It can always be changed.
3. Meet with the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Education: Please send an email to Professor John Pauly, pauly@stanford.edu, to make an appointment. Make sure to scan your Undergraduate Sign-up Sheet, unofficial transcript, and academic file (if available from your previous advisor) to him prior to the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to go over the basics of getting a BS in EE, and to assign an EE faculty member to be your major advisor.
4. After the meeting, scan your Declaring a Major in EE form to the EE Degree Progress Officer, who will approve your major declaration and enter your advisor’s name in Axess. The Degree Progress Officer will also add your email to the EE undergraduate email list (also part of the department-wide student email list. These lists are used for announcements about academic requirements, seminars, research opportunities and other events).