Bachelor of Science
in Electrical and
Computer Engineering
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Explore the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that make our lives better.
Engineers have completely changed the way we live; the work they do is the link between scientific breakthroughs and the commercial applications that make our lives better. From creating better ways to communicate to using new discoveries to treat disease, it’s an exciting field that presents you with the opportunity to solve real-world problems.
National University’s BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree program is designed to prepare you for a cutting-edge profession in inventing, designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing new devices, like smart homes, cell phones, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more. You’ll study the design and development of both digital hardware systems and the software that enables that hardware — and how both users and other hardware interact with those systems.
If you’re ready to build a solid foundation of mathematics and engineering and use your knowledge to create new and exciting things, earning your BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering is an excellent place to start.
ABET-accredited program
National University’s Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree program is accredited by the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission, http://www.abet.org.
ABET is a respected worldwide accreditor of college and university applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology programs. Accreditation assures prospective students, employers, graduate schools, and certification and registration boards that the program meets rigorous quality standards and produces graduates who are prepared to be successful in critical technical fields.
NU’s program, faculty, and administration completed an intensive 18-month, five-step review process before being awarded this highly regarded designation.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
Course Listing
Prerequisites for the Major
- 8 courses; 33 quarter units
Course Name
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation
Examines higher degree polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry and matrix algebra needed for more specialized study in mathematics, computer science, engineering and other related fields. Computer and/or graphing calculator use is highly recommended.
Prerequisite: 2 years of high school algebra and MTH 204, or MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B
Non-calculus based general physics course for earth and life science majors. Study of force, laws of motion, heat, fluid mechanics, electricity, magnetism, light (optics) and modern physics.
Prerequisite: PHS 104, or PHS 171 for science majors
Non-calculus based general physics lab course for earth and life science majors. Laboratory experiments and exercises will include data analysis and evaluations of measurement. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: force, gravity, laws of motion, fluid mechanics, electricity, and light (optics).
Non-calculus based general physics lab course for Master of Science in Environmental Engineering online program. The course includes interactive illustrations, explorations, and problems in major parts of General Physics: Kinematics, Dynamics, Electric current and Optics.
Prerequisite: MTH 215
(Cross-listed and equivalent to MTH220) Focus on differential and integral calculus with applications. Topics include limits and continuity, derivatives, standard rules of differentiation including chain rule, exponential and logarithmic forms, curve sketching, definition of anti-derivatives; integration rules including substitution and by parts, coverage of Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and a brief exposure to numeric integration. Students may not receive credit for both CSC 208 and MTH 220.
Prerequisite: CSC 208
Continuation of Calculus I with emphasis on understanding of concepts and developing problem solving techniques and strategies. Topics include integration of trigonometric functions, functions of several variables, convergence of series and sequences. Applications in the areas of series approximation, continuous probability distributions, random variables, and modeling are discussed and examined.
Prerequisite: CSC 208, or MTH 220; EGR 220
Introduction to the theory and applications of probability and statistics. Topics include data and numerical summary measures, fundamental concepts of probability, conditional probability, random variables, common distributions, quality and reliability and statistical inference (estimation, hypothesis testing, and regression). The emphasis is on developing problem solving skills and application to business, social sciences and engineering.
Prerequisite: MTH 215
This course introduces modern programming design techniques using C++. A study of fundamental control structures in C++ as well as syntax and semantics of the constructs in the language. The coverage includes data types, looping and decision statements, functions, and arrays. The course examines problem analysis, decomposition and modern programming paradigms and methodologies with introduction to object-oriented programming.
Prerequisite: CSC 242
The course introduces the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming in C++ including class definition and object instantiation, inheritance and polymorphism. Detailed coverage of pointers, operator overloading, I/O and file streams, templates, and exception handling. Exposure to Data Structures and basic algorithms for sorting and searching.
*This course is required for students in an onsite cohort.
Requirements for the Major
- 24 Courses; 93 quarter units
Course Name
Prerequisite: PHS 104 and MTH 220, or CSC 208 and MTH 221, or CSC 209
Calculus-based physics course. Intended for Science majors and Engineering students. Study of one, two and three-dimensional kinematics including integral calculus, graphical analysis, numerical integration and vector kinematic, dynamics, uniform and non-uniform circular motion, gravitation, and Newton’s synthesis, work and energy with vector algebra principles, linear momentum, rotational motion, statics including elasticity and fracture.
Prerequisite: PHS 104 PHS 231, MTH 220 or CSC 208, and MTH 221 or CSC 209
Calculus-based physics course. Intended for Science majors and Engineering students. Study of different types of oscillations and wave motion, electrostatics with electric field calculations for continuous charge distribution, Gauss’s law, electric potential due to any charge distribution, electric energy storage with applications, electric currents and resistance, magnetism and magnetic field, electromagnetic induction and transmission of power, DC and AC circuits, Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves
Prerequisite: CSC 252, or CSC 272
Covers the key concepts and methodologies required for object-oriented design, evaluation and development with focus on practical techniques such as use-case, and scenario based analysis. Coverage of Unified Modeling Language (UML) and domain analysis design. Exposure to software development process models and software management and security.
Analysis of the values, ethics and ideologies in computing and their applications to current issues in computer industry within the contemporary sociocultural setting. Focuses on ethical decision-making in computing matters. Students develop an ethical outlook on a wide variety of workplace issues in computing through case study, debate and readings.
Prerequisite: CSC 252, or CSC 272
The course includes the study of vectors in the plane and space, systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vectors, vector spaces, linear transformations, inner products, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The course will approach the study of linear algebra through computer-based exercises. Technology will be an integral part of this course. Students will also develop experience applying abstract concepts to concrete problems drawn from engineering and computer science.
Prerequisite: CSC 209 and CSC 310;
This course introduces the mathematical fundamentals and numerical methods for engineering practice. Emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling using differential equations and associated numerical methods for solutions. The topics include complex numbers, differential equations, systems of linear differential equations, Laplace transform and their applications in engineering. MATLAB is introduced as a tool for solving mathematical problems that require numerical solutions.
Prerequisite: CSC 252, or CSC 272
(Cross-listed and equivalent to MTH 325) A theoretical foundation for computer science. Introduction to topics such as sets, propositional logic, Boolean algebra, counting techniques, recursive equations and solution techniques, graph algorithms with application to trees. Introduction to mathematical proofs. Students may not receive credit for both CSC 331 and MTH 325.
Prerequisite: CEE 300; Corequisite: CEE 310L
An overview of basic circuit design and analysis. Introductory topics include: Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, the mesh-current method, and Thévenin and Norton Equivalent circuits. Students will apply these topics to RL, RC, and RLC circuit analysis. Advanced topics include the understanding and application of operational amplifiers.
Corequisite: CEE 310
Centers on experiments covering the theoretical material in CEE310. Students will design, implement and analyze basic circuits. Experiments include: Ohm’s law; Kirchhoff’s laws; series and parallel resistors; voltage and current dividers; delta-wye configurations; mesh-current and node-voltage analysis; superposition and Thevenin equivalents; inverting and non-inverting amplifier circuits; series RC and RL circuits.
Prerequisite: CSC 331; Corequisite: CSC 340L
Foundation in design and analysis of the operation of digital gates. Design and implementation of combinational and sequential logic circuits. Concepts of Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, flip-flops, registers, and counters along with various logic families and comparison of their behavior and characteristics.
Prerequisite: CSC 331; Corequisite: CSC 340
A study of basic digital logic circuit design and implementation. Circuit schematic development and computer modeling and simulation of digital systems. Experiments explore designs with combinational and sequential logic. Students work through design activities, which include testing, troubleshooting and documentation.
Prerequisite: CSC 340 and CSC 340L
An examination of advanced hardware design, analysis and low-level programming with emphasis on the structure of the machine. In addition, the machine cycles and instructions, pipelining, addressing modes, memory hierarchy, cache levels and virtual memory and architecture concepts are covered. A discussion of I/O architectures and data transmission modes, disk technologies, tapes and RAID concepts. Comparison of alternative architectures like RISC and parallel processing are presented.
Prerequisite: CEE 310; Corequisite: CEE 420L
Describes the fundamentals of semiconductor devices and microelectronic circuits. Students will explore the terminal characteristics of p-n junction and Zener diodes, diode circuits, and transistors and transistor circuits. Specifically, discussion includes principles of MOSFET and BJT operations, biasing technology, and their application in transistor circuit analysis.
Corequisite: CEE 420
This lab course is designed to supplement the material of CEE420, to assist students in obtaining a better understanding of the operation of microelectronic circuits. Laboratory activities include the design, construction, computer simulation, and analysis of transistor circuits, multi-stage amplifiers, operational amplifiers, current drivers and other semiconductor circuits.
Prerequisite: CSC 331
An in-depth study of fundamental concepts in the design and implementation of computer communication networks. Coverage of core problems such as framing, error recovery, multiple-access, flow control, congestion control, routing and end-to-end reliability. Topics include basics of switched communication networks, packet switch architecture, TCP/IP networking, routing algorithms, Quality-of-Service networks. Network tools are applied in quantitative modeling and analysis of networks.
Prerequisite: CEE 310; Corequisite: CEE 324L
Introduction to fundamental concepts, analysis and applications of continuous-time and discrete-time signals and linear systems. Course contents include time-domain and frequency-domain characterization of signals and systems, Fourier Series and Fourier Transform, basic sampling and filtering concepts, the Laplace Transform, and the Z Transform etc. The course will be supplemented with MATLAB based exercises.
Corequisite: CEE 324
This lab course provides a collection of hands-on experiments for supporting the lectures of CEE 324. The experiments are designed to enable students to understand the theory behind signals and systems as well as validate the theory with real-world examples. The lab will cover time-domain and frequency-domain characterization of signals and systems, transforms, filtering and sampling.
Prerequisite: CEE 324
Describes all the necessary tools and techniques required to understand and design digital signal processing systems. Topics include: transformations of discrete time signals, the fast Fourier transform, and the z-transform. Advanced topics include: A/D and D/A converters and digital signal filtering.
Prerequisite: CSC 208 and CSC 252, or CSC 262; Corequisite: CEE 340L
Exploration of design and interfacing of microcontroller based embedded systems. It covers various aspects of 8051 C and assembly language programming and interfacing. The course examines the architecture of the 8051 microcontroller along with a study of the I/O ports, addressing modes, interrupt routines, timings and the serial data communication in 8051.
Corequisite: CEE 340
This lab course provides a collection of experiments for supporting the lectures in CEE 340. The labs are designed to familiarize students with various aspects of hardware and software for microcontroller applications such as interfacing with various devices, programming I/O ports and interrupts and working with sensors.
Prerequisite: CEE 420
VLSI design introduces students to fabrication and layout techniques necessary to design large scale systems. Specific topics include: CMOS logic, MOSFET theory, layout design rules including all the factors required for an effective circuit design. Advanced topics include: capacitance requirements, clocking, and power consumption, circuit simulation and performance estimation.
Prerequisite: Complete all core courses except CEE499 capstone courses OR permission by the program lead.
Students apply the knowledge and skills that they gained from Electrical and Computer Engineering courses to solve a real-world engineering problem. Students start work on their project after it is approved by the faculty teaching the course. During this course students complete different phases of project. Students deal with a set of realistic constraints during the design and implementation of the project such as economic, social, political, ethical, and social impacts. Grading is S/U only. Eligible for In Progress (IP) grading.
Prerequisite: CEE 498
A second course of a three-course sequence in which students continue to develop their products/systems, refine their specifications, then assemble and debug their products/systems. At the end of the course each group of students demonstrates a product prototype. The students grading is H/S/U only. Course is eligible for In Progress (IP) grade.
Prerequisite: CEE 499A
A third course of a three-course sequence in which students finalize their designs and product specifications, and complete the design project. With the mentoring of the faculty, each group of the students completes the written report, presents and demos their capstone design project. Grading is H/S/U only. Course is eligible for In Progress (IP) grade.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, students must complete at least 180 quarter units to earn a minimum of 70.5 units of the University General Education requirements; 76.5 quarter units must be completed at the upper division level, and 45, including the senior project courses (CEE 498, CEE 499A, and CEE 499B), must be taken in residence at National University.
In the absence of transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation.
Electrical engineering programs focus on the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. The curriculum usually encompasses a broad spectrum of specialties, including circuits, microelectronics, communication systems, computer hardware, control, signal processing, electromagnetics, robotics, power and energy, optics, nanotechnology, and more. An electrical engineer works with anything from electrical circuits in electronic devices to electrical installation in buildings or power plants.
Computer engineering focuses more on computer hardware and software, and embedded systems. A computer engineer is usually involved in the many hardware and software aspects of computing, from the design of individual microcontrollers, microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers to circuit design.
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at National University is designed to establish analytical thinking and design skills in both electrical engineering and computer engineering. The program’s curriculum focuses on the theories, principles, and practices of traditional electrical engineering and mathematics and applies them to the design of computers and computer-based devices. Students study hardware, software, communication, and the interaction between them.
The program covers a wide range of topics from traditional electrical engineering courses, such as Circuit Analysis, Microelectronics, Linear Systems and Signals, and Digital Signal Processing, to computer engineering courses like Programming, Object-Oriented Design, Discrete Structure and Logic, Digital Logic Design, Computer Architecture, Computer Communication Networks, Embedded Systems, VLSI Design, and more. Upon graduation, students are well prepared to begin either a professional career or a graduate program. Graduates of this program are prepared for a larger breadth of job opportunities than a traditional electrical engineering program.
Our Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program is offered entirely online, so you can complete classwork on your own time and still balance your professional and personal life. You can study wherever it works for you: in between shifts, in the comfort of your home, or in your favorite coffee shop. Plus, our unique four-week course format allows you to focus on one subject at a time and master that subject before moving on to the next. This helps you to truly understand and absorb the material.
In this program, you have opportunities for hands-on, real-world application of your learning to prepare you for life as an engineer post-graduation. You’ll attend lab courses, which run side-by-side with lecture courses, for eight weeks.
You’ll also complete a capstone project, which involves working with a local company on a project for three months to apply what you’ve learned. This hands-on approach to learning is an excellent way to connect the class material to the work you will be doing in your career, giving you a competitive edge and setting you up for success.
A Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering covers both hardware and software to prepare you for an innovative profession in inventing, designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing new devices, like smart homes, cell phones, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more.
Computer engineers have a higher median annual wage than electrical engineers, potentially leading to more financially rewarding careers than someone who only has a degree in electrical engineering. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer hardware engineers was $128,170* in May 2021, while the median annual wage for electrical engineers was $100,420 and the median annual wage for electronics engineers, except computer engineers, was $104,820 in the same year.**
Electrical engineering and computer engineering are some of the fastest-growing career fields in the United States and around the world. Career paths in electrical or computer engineering provide opportunities to work with teams of engineers and make a huge difference in the lives of people worldwide. The devices and tech market is rapidly expanding for professionals who have a strong understanding of both hardware and software, which is the focus of NU’s program. You can use your Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree to pursue careers* such as:
- Electrical Engineers
- Back-End Engineers
- Systems Engineers
- Embedded Software Engineers
- Firmware Engineers
- Controls Engineers
- Principals
- Test Engineers
- Network Engineers
- Hardware Engineers
- Electrical Design Engineers
- Information Security Engineers
- DevOps Engineers
- Electrical Power Engineers
- Engineers
- Project Managers
- Salesforce Developers
*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 19, 2022. DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
Program Educational Objectives
In support of the mission of National University, the educational objective of the Electrical and Computer Engineering is to prepare graduates to achieve success in one or more of the following within a few years after graduation.
- Succeed in pursuing a chosen career path and demonstrate technical competence in utilizing electrical and computer engineering principles and skills in industry, academia or the public sector.
- Engage in sustained learning through graduate education, professional development and self-study in engineering and other professionally related fields.
- Function well on a diverse and multidisciplinary team with effective communication skills.
- Exhibit leadership, high standards of ethical conduct and societal responsibility in the practice of engineering.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program, you will be able to:
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- 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
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- 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
- Function effectively on a team whose members provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Hear From Our Faculty
Watch our video to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering program from Dr. Ronald Uhlig, Program Chair, Department of Engineering & Computing.
“We’re going to teach you how to protect the intellectual property you develop using patents, trade secrets, and cybersecurity. We’re going to teach you property management skills that are used throughout our whole process of new project development.”
-Peilin Fu, Ph.D., Program Director, Electrical and Computer Engineering
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
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We’re proud to be a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 220,000 alumni worldwide.
“My favorite part of the program would be all the lab classes. I am more of a kinesthetic learner, and doing things “hands-on” or practical application really helps me learn. I enjoyed being able to write code in C++, MATLAB, and HDL, along with building real circuits with components at home and on MultiSIM digitally.”
-Marc Lessard., Class of 2022
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Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree FAQs
Yes. If you are interested in a well-paying career in a rapidly growing field, this is a good major for you.
Electrical and computer engineers invent, design, and build technologies that make the world a better place. You will work with other like-minded, intelligent individuals to develop innovative solutions that work.
Yes, National University offers the Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering online.
You will need to complete all 126 credits to earn your degree. If you remain diligent on National University’s one-course-per-month format, you can complete the degree in four to six years.
Electrical engineers are typically proficient in math and science and have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Yes, electrical engineering is a high-paying career choice with a lot of opportunities for upward movement and leadership roles. Demand for electrical engineers is on the rise.
You will likely be responsible for one or more projects at a time, both on your own and in collaboration with a team. You will spend most of your time on a computer designing or in the lab, testing or building equipment.
The Key Grant Scholarship
Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements in a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific requirements. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.