2020-21 Electrical Engineering Major Program
Student Services: Rachel Pham, 177 Packard rcpham@stanford.edu
Assoc Chair, UG Education: John Pauly pauly@stanford.edu Student Advisor: Chris Vassos 110 Packard, undergradta@ee.stanford.edu, 725-3799
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 government—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
Degree Requirements
Temporary: Requirements and courses offered may change with little notice; updates posted as they become available. Find current requirements for this and all other School of Engineering major programs 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 26-27 units, 6-7 courses)
Course |
Title |
Units |
MATH 19/20/21 |
Calculus (or 10 units AP/IB Calculus credit) |
10 |
Select one 2-course sequence. The MATH courses are more theoretical, while the CME courses are applied and build on programming and use of tools like MATLAB. |
||
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) |
3 |
MATH 113 |
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory |
3 |
Statistics/Probability: Select one. Choosing a statistics options depends upon your interest and preferences. The EE option below has a theoretical perspective; the CS option is more application-oriented. |
||
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 65 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 60 units comprised of:
- Engineering Fundamentals (minimum 10 units),
- Core EE Courses (minimum 16 units)
- Disciplinary Area (minimum 17 units)
- Electives (minimum 17 units, restrictions apply)
Engineering Fundamentals (2 courses required; minimum 10 units)
- CS 106B or X (106X is not offered 20-21); may take CS 106M (1-unit, Aut) with 106B to equal 106X. 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); taking CS 106A or a second ENGR 40-series course not allowed for the Fundamentals elective. Choose from table on Approved Courses page.
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 | 4 |
*Students may petition to use PHYSICS 43 and PHYSICS 63 in place of EE 42. The EE introductory class ENGR 40A and ENGR 40B or ENGR 40M may be taken concurrently with either EE 42 or PHYSICS 43. There are no prerequisites for ENGR 40A and ENGR 40B or ENGR 40M.
**For upper-division students, a 200-level seminar in their disciplinary area will be accepted via petition.
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 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 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 17 units, 5 courses: 1 WIM/Design, 1-2 Required, and 2-3 disciplinary area electives)
Hardware and Software
Required Courses |
||
CS 107 or CS 107E |
Computer Organization and Systems (prerequisite for EE 180)
Computer Systems from the Ground Up (preferred) |
5 |
EE 180 |
Digital Systems Architecture |
4 |
Design Course |
||
EE 109 |
Digital Systems Design Lab (WIM/Design) |
4 |
EE 155 |
Green Electronics (Design) |
4 |
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) |
3-4 |
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 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 272A |
Design Projects in VLSI Systems I |
4 |
EE 272B | Design Projects in VLSI Systems II | 4 |
EE 273 |
Digital Systems Engineering |
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 three): |
||
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 260A | Principles of Robot Autonomy I | 3-5 |
EE 260B | Principles of Robot Autonomy II | 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 278 |
Introduction to Statistical Signal Processing |
3 |
EE 279 |
Introduction to Digital Communication |
3 |
CS 107 |
Computer Organization and Systems |
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 three): |
||
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 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 271 |
Introduction to VLSI Systems |
3 |
EE 272A |
Design Projects in VLSI Systems I |
3-4 |
EE 272B | 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 |
*EE 228 is no longer offered starting AY20-21.
Electives (3-4 courses; minimum 17 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 60 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 235 | Analytical Methods in Biotechnology | 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 |
Solar Cells, Fuel Cells, and Batteries: Materials for the Energy Solution |
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 |
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 |
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.
Study Abroad Program (suspended 20-21)
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.
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 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.