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Electrical Engineering Program

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2022-23 Electrical Engineering Major Program

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

Degree Requirements

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

Math and Science Requirements

Minimum 40 units combined; 9 courses

It is a School of Engineering requirement that all courses counting toward the major must be taken for a letter grade if the instructor offers that option. Students with multiple degrees should be aware that math, science, and fundamentals courses can be used to fulfill breadth requirements for more than one degree program, but a depth course can be counted toward only one major or minor program; any course can be double-counted in a secondary major.

Math (minimum 28 units)

Course

Title

Units

MATH 19/20/21

Calculus  (or 10 units AP/IB Calculus credit)

10

Select one 2-course sequence:

CME 100 and CME 102 can be substituted for MATH 51 and MATH 53. MATH 52 can be substituted for MATH 51. MATH 51 and MATH 53 are recommended, in part, for providing substantial early exposure to linear algebra

  CME 100/ENGR 154

  and

  CME 102/ENGR 155A

Vector Calculus for Engineers

and

Ordinary Differential Equations for Engineers

5

 

5

  MATH 51 (or 52)

  and

  MATH 53

Linear Algebra and Differential Calculus of Several Variables

and

Ordinary Differential Equations with Linear Algebra

5

 

5

EE Math: One additional 100-level Math course:

CS 103 Mathematical Foundations of Computing 5

 ENGR 108

Introduction to Matrix Methods (Preferred)(Formerly EE 103/CME 103)

5

  MATH 113

Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory

3

Statistics/Probability:

  EE 178*

Probabilistic Systems Analysis (may petition to use CS 109 instead)

4

Science (minimum 12 units, 3 courses)

Select one sequence:

Course

Title

Units

  PHYSICS 41

   and

  EE 65*

Mechanics

and

Modern Physics for Engineers

4

 

4

or

 

 

  PHYSICS 61

   and

  EE 65*

Mechanics

and

Modern Physics for Engineers

4

 

4

*Students may petition to have either PHYSICS 71 or the combination of PHYSICS 45 and PHYSICS 70 count as an alternative to EE 65.

Science Elective: One additional 4-5 unit science course from Approved List in UGHB, Figure 4-2

Technology in Society (1 course, minimum 3-5 units)
See the Approved Courses page for courses that fulfill the Technology in Society requirement. To fulfill the requirement, the TiS course must be on the SoE-Approved Courses list the year it is taken.

Engineering Topics

Minimum 57 units comprised of:

  • Engineering Fundamentals (minimum 8 units),
  • Core EE Courses (minimum 18 units)
  • Disciplinary Area (minimum 15 units)
  • Electives (minimum 16 units, restrictions apply)

Engineering Fundamentals (2 courses required; minimum 8 units)

  • CS 106B Programming Abstractions; required, 5 units
  • Choose one or more Fundamentals course from the Approved List; Recommended: ENGR 40A/B (not offered 2019-20) or ENGR 40M (recommended before taking EE 101A). Choose from table on Approved Courses page. (Taking CS 106A or a second ENGR 40-series course not allowed for the Fundamentals elective.)

Core* EE Courses

Course Title Units
EE 42** Introduction to Electromagnetics and Its Applications (ENGR 42) 5
EE 100*** The Electrical Engineering Profession 1
EE 101A Circuits 4
EE 102A Signal Processing and Linear Systems I 4
EE 108 Digital Systems Design 5

*Students preparing for advanced graduate study or wanting additional depth in the core are encouraged to take some of the disciplinary area requirements (EE101B, EE102B, CS107E or CS107, EE180) beyond those required for their chosen disciplinary area. These may be counted toward Electives.

**Many students take Physics 43 or Physics 63 before declaring the EE major. Students (except those specializing in Physical Technology and Science) may petition to use either Physics 43 or Physics 63 (81 in 22-23) in place of EE 42. Nevertheless, students are strongly encouraged to take EE 42 or EE 142 to learn key EE topics, including transmission lines, waveguides, and antennas. Students specializing in Physical Technology and Science must take EE 42 or EE 142.

***For upper-division students, a 200-level seminar in their disciplinary area will be accepted, on petition

Capstone and Writing in the Major (WIM)*: One course, 3-5 units

Course

Title

Units

EE 109

Digital Systems Design Lab

4

EE 133

Analog Communications Design Laboratory

4

EE 134

Introduction to Photonics

4

EE 153

Power Electronics

4

EE 155

Green Electronics

4

EE 168

Introduction to Digital Image Processing

4

EE 191W

Special Studies and Reports in Electrical Engineering (WIM; Departmental approval required)

May satisfy WIM only if taken as a follow-up to an REU or independent study project or as part of an Honors thesis project where a faculty member agrees to provide supervision of writing a technical paper and with suitable support from the Writing Center.

3-4

 

EE 264W

Digital Signal Processing

5

EE 267W Virtual Reality 5

CS 194W

Software Project

3

* A single course can concurrently meet the Capstone, WIM and Design Requirements.

Design Course*: One Course, 3-5 units

EE 109

Digital Systems Design Lab

4

EE 133

Analog Communications Design Laboratory

4

EE 134

Introduction to Photonics

4

EE 153

Power Electronics

4

EE 155

Green Electronics

4

EE 168

Introduction to Digital Image Processing

3-4

EE 185C Engineering a Smart Object - Adding connectivity and Putting it ALL together 3

EE 262

Three-Dimensional Imaging (GEOPHYS 264)

3

EE 264**

Digital Signal Processing

3-4

EE 264W

Digital Signal Processing

5

EE 267**

Virtual Reality

3-4

EE 267W Virtual Reality 5

CS 194

Software Project

3

CS 194W

Software Project

3

*Students may select their Design course from any Disciplinary Area.

** To satisfy Design, must take EE 264 or EE 267 for 4 units and complete the laboratory project.

Disciplinary Area (minimum 15 units, 4 courses: 1 WIM/Design, 1-2 Required, and 2 disciplinary area electives)

Hardware and Software

Required Courses

EE 180 Digital Systems Architecture 4

CS 107E 

or

CS 107

Computer Systems from the Ground Up (preferred prerequisite for EE 180)

Computer Organization and Systems (prerequisite for EE 180)

5

Design Course

EE 109

Digital Systems Design Lab (WIM/Design)

4

EE 155

Green Electronics (Design)

4

EE 184 Internet Principles and Protocols 3
EE 185C Engineering a Smart Object - Adding Connectivity and Putting it ALL Together (Design) 3

EE 264

Digital Signal Processing (Design)

3-4

EE 264W

Digital Signal Processing (WIM/Design)

5

EE 267 Virtual Reality (Design) 4
EE 267W Virtual Reality (WIM/Design) 5

CS 194W

Software Project (WIM/Design)

3

Electives (choose two):

EE 104 Introduction to Machine Learning 5

EE 107

Embedded Networked Systems

3

EE 118

Introduction to Mechatronics

4

EE 156 Board Level Design (EE 256) 4

EE 192T

Project Lab: Video and Audio Technology for Live Theater in the Age of COVID (Same as CS 349T)

3

EE 271

Introduction to VLSI Systems

3

EE 272

Design Projects in VLSI Systems I

3-4

EE 372 Design Projects in VLSI Systems II 3-5

EE 273

Digital Systems Engineering

3

EE 277 Reinforcement Learning: Behaviors and Applications (MS&E 237) 3

EE 282

Computer Systems Architecture

3

EE 285

Embedded Systems Workshop

2

CS 108

Object-Oriented Systems Design

3-4

CS 110

Principles of Computer Systems

3-5

CS 131

Computer Vision: Foundations and Applications

3-4

CS 140

Operating Systems and Systems Programming

3-4

CS 143

Compilers

3-4

CS 144

Introduction to Computer Networking

3-4

CS 145

Introduction to Databases

3-4

CS 148

Introduction to Computer Graphics and Imaging

3-4

CS 149

Parallel Computing

3-4

CS 155

Computer and Network Security

3

CS 221

Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques

3-4

CS 223A

Introduction to Robotics

3

CS 224N

Natural Language Processing with Deep Learning

3-4

CS 225A

Experimental Robotics

3

CS 229

Machine Learning

3-4

CS 231A

Computer Vision: From 3D Reconstruction to Recognition

3-4

CS 231N

Convolutional Neural Networks for Visual Recognition

3-4

CS 241

Embedded Systems Workshop

3

CS 244

Advanced Topics in Networking

3-4

Information Systems and Science

Required Course:

EE 102B

Signal Processing and Linear Systems II

4

Design Course:

EE 133

Analog Communications Design Laboratory (WIM/Design)

3-4

EE 155

Green Electronics (WIM/Design)

4

EE 168

Introduction to Digital Image Processing (WIM/Design)

3-4

EE 262

Three-Dimensional Imaging (Design)(GEOPHYS 264)

3

EE 264

Digital Signal Processing (Design)

3-4

EE 264W

Digital Signal Processing

5

EE 267

Virtual Reality (Design)

3-4

EE 267W Virtual Reality (WIM/Design) 5

Electives (choose two):

EE 104 Introduction to Machine Learning 5

EE 107

Embedded Networked Systems

3

EE 118

Introduction to Mechatronics

4

EE 124

Introduction to Neuroelectrical Engineering

3

EE 169

Introduction to Bioimaging

3

EE 179

Analog and Digital Communication Systems

3

EE 192T Project Lab: Video and Audio Technology for Live Theater in the Age of COVID (Same as CS 349T) 3
EE 259 Principles of Sensing for Autonomy  3
EE 260A Principles of Robot Autonomy I (EE 160A, AA 174A, AA 274A, CS 237A) 3-5
EE 260B Principles of Robot Autonomy II (AA 174B, AA 274B, CS 237B) 3-4

EE 261

The Fourier Transform and Its Applications

3

EE 263

Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems

3

EE 266

Introduction to Stochastic Control with Applications

3

EE 269 Signal Processing for Machine Learning 3
EE 276 Information Theory 3
EE 277 Reinforcement Learning: Behaviors and Applications (MS&E 237) 3

EE 278

Introduction to Statistical Signal Processing

3

EE 279

Introduction to Digital Communication

3

CS 107

Computer Organization and Systems

3-5

CS 107E Computer Systems from the Ground Up 3-5

CS 229

Machine Learning

3-4

ENGR 105

Feedback Control Design

3

ENGR 205

Introduction to Control Design Techniques

3

Physical Technology and Science

Required Course:

EE 101B

Circuits II 

4

Design Course:

EE 133

Analog Communications Design Laboratory (WIM/Design)

3-4

EE 134

Introduction to Photonics (WIM/Design)

4

EE 153

Power Electronics (WIM/Design)

3-4

EE 155

Green Electronics (WIM/Design)

4

EE 267

Virtual Reality (Design)

3-4

EE 267W Virtual Reality (WIM/Design) 5

Electives (choose two):

EE 107

Embedded Networked Systems

3

EE 114

Fundamentals of Analog Integrated Circuit Design

3-4

EE 116

Semiconductor Devices for Energy and Electronics

3

EE 118

Introduction to Mechatronics

4

EE 124

Introduction to Neuroelectrical Engineering

3

EE 142

Engineering Electromagnetics

3

EE 156 Board Level Design (EE 256) 3-4
EE 157 Electric Motors for Renewable Energy, Robotics, and Electric Vehicles 3

EE 212

Integrated Circuit Fabrication Processes

3

EE 213

Digital MOS Integrated Circuits

3

EE 214B

Advanced Analog Integrated Circuit Design

3

EE 216

Principles and Models of Semiconductor Devices

3

EE 222

Applied Quantum Mechanics I

3

EE 223

Applied Quantum Mechanics II

3

EE 228*

Basic Physics for Solid State Electronics

3

EE 236A

Modern Optics

3

EE 236B

Guided Waves

3

EE 242

Electromagnetic Waves

3

EE 247

Introduction to Optical Fiber Communications

3

EE 259 Principles of Sensing for Autonomy 3

EE 271

Introduction to VLSI Systems

3

EE 272

Design Projects in VLSI Systems I

3-4

EE 372 Design Projects in VLSI Systems II 3-4

EE 273

Digital Systems Engineering

3

EE 282

Computer Systems Architecture

3

ENGR 105 Feedback Control Design 3
ENGR 205 Introduction to Control Design Techniques 3

CS 107

Computer Organization and Systems

3-5

CS 107E Computer Systems from the Ground Up 3-5

*EE 228 is no longer offered starting AY20-21.

 

Electives (3 courses; minimum 16 units)

Students may select electives from the disciplinary areas; from the multidisciplinary elective areas; or any combination of disciplinary and multidisciplinary areas. Electives may include up to two additional Engineering Fundamentals, and any letter graded EE courses. Freshman and Sophomore seminars, EE 191 and CS 106A do not count toward the 57 units. Students may have fewer elective units if they have more units in their disciplinary area.

Bio-Electronics and Bio-Imaging

EE 101B

Circuits II 

4

EE 102B

Signal Processing and Linear Systems II

4

EE 107

Embedded Networked Systems

3

EE 124

Introduction to Neuroelectrical Engineering

3

EE 134

Introduction to Photonics (WIM/Design)

4

EE 168

Introduction to Digital Image Processing (WIM/Design)

3-4

EE 169

Introduction to Bioimaging

3

EE 225

Biochips and Medical Imaging

3

EE 235A Analytical Methods in Biotechnology (BIOS 212, RAD 236)(formerly EE 235) 3
EE 235B Analytical Methods in Biotechnology II 3

BIOE 131

Ethics in Bioengineering

3

BIOE 248

Neuroengineering Laboratory

3

MED 275B

Biodesign: Medical Technology Innovation

4

Energy and Environment

EE 101B 

Circuits II

4

EE 116

Semiconductor Devices for Energy and Electronics

3

EE 134

Introduction to Photonics (WIM/Design)

4

EE 151

Sustainable Energy Systems (no longer offered, starting 20-21)

3

EE 153

Power Electronics (WIM/Design)

3-4

EE 155

Green Electronics (WIM/Design)

4

EE 157 Electric Motors for Renewable Energy, Robotics, and Electric Vehicles 3

EE 168

Introduction to Digital Image Processing (WIM/Design)

3-4

EE 180

Digital Systems Architecture

4

EE 263

Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems

3

EE 293/ENERGY 293

Fundamentals of Energy Processes (ENERGY 293B)

3

EE 293B

Fundamentals of Energy Processes

3

CEE 107A

Understanding Energy (Formerly CEE 173A)

3-5

CEE 155

Introduction to Sensing Networks for CEE

3-4

CEE 176A

Energy Efficient Buildings

3-4

CEE 176B

Electric Power: Renewables and Efficiency

3-4

ENGR 105

Feedback Control Design

3

ENGR 205

Introduction to Control Design Techniques

3

MATSCI 142

Quantum Mechanics of Nanoscale Materials (Formerly MATSCI 157)

4

MATSCI 152

Electronic Materials Engineering

4

MATSCI 156

Solar Cells, Fuel Cells, and Batteries: Materials for the Energy Solution

3-4

MATSCI 164 Electronic and Photonic Materials and Devices Laboratory 4

ME 227

Vehicle Dynamics and Control

3

ME 271E

Aerial Robot Design

3

Music

EE 102B

Signal Processing and Linear Systems II

4

EE 109

Digital Systems Design Lab (WIM/Design)

4

EE 264

Digital Signal Processing (Design)

4

EE 264W

Digital Signal Processing (WIM/Design)

5

MUSIC 250A

Physical Interaction Design for Music

3-4

MUSIC 250B

Interactive Sound Art

1-4

MUSIC 256A

Music, Computing, Design I: Art of Design for Computer Music

3-4

MUSIC 256B

Music, Computing, Design II: Virtual & Augmented Reality for Music (no longer offered)

3-4

MUSIC 257

Neuroplasticity and Musical Gaming

3-5

MUSIC 320

Introduction to Audio Signal Processing (no longer offered starting 20-21)

2-4

MUSIC 320A

Introduction to Audio Signal Processing Part I: Spectrum Analysis

3

MUSIC 320B

Introduction to Audio Signal Processing Part II: Digital Filters

3-4

MUSIC 420A*

Signal Processing Models in Musical Acoustics

3-4

MUSIC 421A*

Audio Applications of the Fast Fourier Transform

3-4

MUSIC 422*

Perceptual Audio Coding

3

MUSIC 424*

Signal Processing Techniques for Digital Audio Effects

3-4

* Best taken as a coterm student.

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

The Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford University invites undergraduates majoring in EE to participate in its REU Summer Program from June through August. The program is designed to give undergraduates an opportunity to work with members of the EE Faculty and their research groups on advanced research topics.

Program Structure: The program is designed to give both an in-depth research experience on a particular topic, as well as a broad hands-on exposure to various areas within EE. Bi-weekly seminars are offered to cover a wide range of topics. The seminar series lecturers are comprised of EE faculty and industry guests. Discussions will include topics such as graduate education, internships and career opportunities. Each student receives a summer stipend. Students must secure their own housing for the summer and they have the option to live on or off campus.
Presentations: The last week of the summer program will be devoted to preparing a final presentation and creating a poster on the research project. The students will have an oral presentation and a poster session, to which the EE community will be invited.

Application Procedure: For information about our application process, please go to the REU website.

REU Requirements: Available to enrolled Stanford undergraduate students only. Students must be declared EE majors by the start of the program. With the exception of coterm students, students may not be seniors when they apply. In the event the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, preference is given to first time participants. All REU program inquiries can be directed to reu@ee.stanford.edu.

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 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:

  1. Submit an application, including the thesis proposal, by 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).
  2. Declare the EE Honors major in Axess before the end of Autumn quarter of senior year.
  3. Maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5 in Electrical Engineering courses.
  4. 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.
  5. Submit one final copy of the honors thesis approved by the adviser and second reader to the EE Degree Progress Officer by May 15.
  6. Attend poster and oral presentation held at the end of Spring quarter or present in another suitable forum approved by the faculty advisor.

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Communications Skills: Develop the ability to organize and present information, and to write and speak effective English.

  4. Preparation for Further Study: Provide sufficient breadth and depth for successful subsequent graduate study, post-graduate study, or lifelong learning programs.

  5. 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 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.