FAQs

What is Electrical Engineering?

Electrical engineering is arguably the largest discipline of engineering. It focuses on the application of the principles of electricity and its use with electrical devices and systems. In this energy conscious world, a thorough understanding of energy and its uses is essential to the success of an electrical engineer.

What can I do with this degree when I graduate?

Nearly every industry utilizes electrical engineers. Graduates have the qualifications to enter careers in areas such as, but not limited to, telecommunications, computer engineering, manufacturing, aerospace industry, power generation and distribution, alternative energy, robotics, and automation. Typical job titles for graduates may include electrical engineer, electronics engineer, telecommunications engineer, project engineer, planner, project supervisor, consulting engineer, and design engineer.

Is it hard?

Electrical Engineering requires rigorous training in basic engineering principles along with the development of skills in the areas of planning and management of design projects and the associated systems and resources. Graduates in the area of Electrical Engineering will be required to master technical elements and to demonstrate particular competence in the areas of communication, fiscal management, and project control. The broad-based background is tailored to develop professionals who will be able to move between the technical and managerial aspects of electrical engineering projects and to serve in key leadership positions within the engineering profession.

What is the curriculum like?

The Electrical Engineering curriculum offers a balance of coursework in engineering analysis and engineering design as well as, engineering practice and management. Here's the outcomes which our curriculum strives to achieve. Graduates of this program will be able:

1. To recognize careers in the electrical engineering field and appreciate the importance of life-long learning, participation in professional societies, and continued professional development.

2. To communicate effectively in written, oral, mathematical, and graphical formats as appropriate to electrical engineering projects.

3. To function as productive team leaders and team members in defining and solving electrical engineering problems.

4. To conduct design of a electrical engineering system, process, or component using standard design methods, practice, and procedures; synthesize an engineering process or system by integrating solution components; and critically evaluate alternative solutions and designs.

5. To apply and interpret appropriate software to improve accuracy and efficiency in developing electrical engineering solutions.

6. To identify, formulate and solve electrical engineering problems and designs and correctly apply science, mathematics, statistical analysis, and suitable engineering principals in these solutions.

7. To recognize and analyze ethical, legal, safety, environmental, global and contemporary social issues in developing and applying engineering decisions.

8. To design and conduct experiments and collect, analyze, and interpret data (from experiments or other processes) for application in electrical engineering designs and solutions.

9. To conduct economic and cost analyses of electrical designs, processes, systems, or components.

10. To apply modern business, accounting and management practices in conducting and analyzing electrical designs, processes, and systems.

11. To evaluate ethical, societal, and environmental issues as they affect electrical engineering decisions and designs.

12. To effectively apply engineering principles to create, design, analyze, or improve electrical processes, devices, or systems.

The complete list of courses is available in online.

Is this an engineering degree or an engineering technology degree?

It is an engineering degree designed according to the accreditation requirements of the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, the accreditation agency for engineering programs in the United States.

Is this degree accredited now?

Not yet. ABET doesn't accredit programs until it has graduates.

Does that mean it's not accredited at all?

Definitely not. SPSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and all degrees must adhere to their accreditation requirements. In addition, application will be made for accreditation of the electrical Engineering program by ABET as early as possible. ABET will not accept the application for accreditation of a new program until the program has some graduates.

How does that affect Professional Licensing in Georgia?

Georgia like other states requires applicants to graduate from an ABET accredited program or equivalent. Until ABET accreditation is received, this program should be viewed as the equivalent. Also, the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BPELS) has already reviewed the engineering curricula at SPSU and voted to accept them as satisfying the requirement. The Board’s decision allows SPSU engineering students to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, which is the first step towards professional licensure as an engineer.

So, does that mean that when I graduate from the Electrical Engineering program I should only have to wait 4 years to take the PE exam?

Assuming your experience satisfies the licensing board and you've met all other licensing criteria in place at the time you apply, then yes.

I'm already enrolled as a student at SPSU. How do I change majors?

To change your major you may go to the SPSU Internet site and follow the instructions or you can stop by Building M and pick up a change of major form in the office. Fill it out and leave it for us to process. However, the program will be phased in over 4 years with freshman courses offered in 2009-2010, sophomore courses offered in 2010-2011, and so on.

What if I already have an ET degree from SPSU and want an engineering degree?

Former students can return and take the prescribed requisite courses to satisfy the degree. Please consult with the EE program director. (See previous question as well.)

More questions? Who do I contact?

Contact the Electrical & Mechatronics Engineering Dept. Chair or the School of Engineering

What if I've graduated from SPSU with a ECET degree and want to come back and get the Electrical Engineering degree?

Former students can return and take the requisite courses to satisfy the degree. If you graduated from SPSU's ECET program AND have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (E.I.T.) then you only have to take those courses which are unique to the degree. That's about 32 semester hours of courses.

What if I have more questions; who do I contact?

Contact Ms. Jessi Jones, Email: jjones32@spsu.edu Phone : 678-915-7381.