Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Overview
The components of the Information Age—global communication systems, computers and computer chips, and the software that runs them, as well as pacemakers, magnetic resonance imaging, and interplanetary space missions—are possible because of the efforts of electrical engineers. Today, electrical engineers are developing concepts and working to translate these ideas into the next generation of products, from computers and safe, energy-efficient vehicles, to radar that can detect unexploded land mines from the air, to microrobots that diagnose disease from inside the body.
Innovative Curriculum
Electrical engineering students at Northeastern study microelectronics, signal processing, power electronics and electromagnetics, fundamental elements of today’s information age that provide the tools that make these advances possible. As an electrical engineering student, you will build the strong foundation in science and mathematics necessary to succeed as an engineer.
Many electrical engineers work in the traditional areas of communications, computation, and control, and components required to realize such systems. They are involved in design and product development, testing and quality control, sales and marketing, and manufacturing. Others use their problem-solving skills in diverse areas such as bioengineering, healthcare, electronic music, meteorology, and experimental psychology. Some graduates draw on their electrical engineering backgrounds to launch successful careers as physicians, financial analysts, attorneys, and entrepreneurs.
Electrical engineers are developing the next generation of microprocessors, signal processing algorithms for DNA-matching, and ground-penetrating radars for detecting hazardous wastes.
Students with an electrical engineering degree are aggressively recruited by employers across the country. Whether you want to work in chip fabrication, telecommunications, or radar system development, you can expect to find a wide range of employment opportunities throughout your career.
Students have the option of selecting from several minors to complement their degree and personalize their path. Students can select from minors in the department, in other engineering departments, or from across the university.
The PlusOne Accelerated Master’s Program allows current undergraduate students to accelerate the attainment of the master’s degree by applying graduate credits taken as an undergraduate toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Current students apply to enroll in the PlusOne program. Students attain their bachelor’s degree followed by a PlusOne year to complete the master’s degree.
Students currently earning a BS in Electrical Engineering can select from the below MS degree PlusOne pathways.
The Bachelor of Science Program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is the heart of a Northeastern education, combining rigorous coursework with hands-on experience in the classroom, in the lab, and in the field—locally and abroad. With our signature cooperative education (co-op) program, students typically gain six months of work experience integrated as part of the educational program. Both five-year, three-co-op and four-year, two-co-op program options are available.
Academic Advising
For support with academic questions, contact the academic advisor assigned to this program.
Admissions & Aid
Ready to take the next step? Review Degree Requirements to see courses needed to complete this degree. Then, explore ways to pay for your education. Finally, review Admissions Information to see our deadlines and gather the materials you need to Apply.
Student News
Stephen Lynch, E’89, Credits Northeastern for Success in Energy Industry
During his address at the College of Engineering undergraduate commencement ceremony, Stephen Lynch, E’89, electrical engineering, shared how his co-op experiences at General Motors and a nuclear power plant prepared him professionally and gave him the confidence that drove his success.
Spring 2025 AJC Merit Research Scholars
Several engineering and science students mentored by COE faculty are recipients of Northeastern’s AJC Merit Research Scholarship, which will fund a co-op in the laboratory of a Northeastern University STEM faculty member.
Inventing Innovative Solutions for Neurodivergent Children To Develop Motor Skills
Students in Northeastern’s Enabling Engineering class developed a musical ball as a tool for a sixth-grade autistic child with a genetic disorder and neurological differences to help develop gross motor skills in an engaging and exciting way.
Co-ops Lay Foundation for Accomplished Raytheon Career
Co-op enabled James Sweeney, E’66, electrical engineering, to earn as he pursued a degree with work relevant to his chosen field and taught him important people skills that helped him navigate professional relationships during his over 40-year career at Raytheon.
Professional Licensure: If looking for information on obtaining Professional Licensure, visit the Professional Licensure Disclosure Page or contact the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Susan Freeman, at s.freeman@northeastern.edu.