Frequently Asked Questions
You're expected to have questions – and we like questions here so ask away. To make it easier for you, we've created a special section for students interested in graduate studies in electrical and computer engineering. Feel free to browse through them, and if you don't find the answer to your question, contact us.
- I am a senior in high school. Can you tell me about your electrical engineering program?
- How is this different from computer engineering and that may be a fit to my interests?
- What is unique about studying computer or electrical engineering in the Watson School?
- What kind of job can I get when I graduate?
- What if I want to visit the Watson School?
- How do I apply for undergraduate studies?
- How do I apply for graduate school?
I am a senior in high school. Can you tell me about your electrical engineering program?
Electrical engineering is one of the broadest and largest engineering disciplines. Many electrical engineers work in the areas of design, analysis and application of electrical/electronic components, circuits and systems. Many electrical engineers work in areas focused on the analysis, design and application of information processing systems such as communication systems, medical imaging, military sensors, etc. The areas in which electrical engineers work span the spectrum from those focused on the atomic-level operation of micro-electronic devices to those focused on the design of integrated circuits using these micro-electronic devices, to those focused on the design of electronic circuits that use these integrated circuits, to those focused on the design of systems that use these electronic circuits, to process signals and information.
How is this different from computer engineering and that may be a fit to my interests?
Historically, the field of computer engineering encompassed primarily the design of computers, emerging as a bridge between electrical engineering and computer science. Driven by technological advancements that have made computing technology inexpensive and small enough to incorporate into a wide range of products and systems, computer engineering has become one of the core engineering disciplines. The scope of products and systems containing computer technology is ever-expanding, ranging from small embedded computers in consumer electronics, appliances and automobiles to complex computer-based systems controlling power generation, manufacturing and telecommunications systems. The role of the computer engineer includes the design, analysis and implementation of computing technology as well as its integration into devices and systems that use computers as components or tools. As a result, computer engineers work in many industries, including aerospace, automobile, computer, defense, electronics, information technology, networking and telecommunications. A computer engineer must draw from knowledge of electrical engineering, computer science and basic mathematics and sciences.
What is unique about studying computer or electrical engineering in the Watson School?
Our curriculum builds upon the base of the one-year core provided by the Engineering Design Division of the Watson School. The one-year core, required of all engineering students in the school, provides students with a broad foundation in engineering fundamentals, natural sciences, mathematics, communication skills and laboratory experience. The second year of the program covers basic electrical and computer engineering topics. Depth in computer or electrical engineering is obtained by a series of required courses and technical electives in the final two years of the program.
In addition to the four-year bachelor's degree in EE or CE, two combined-degree programs are available for undergraduate students. Qualified students can earn a BS in computer or electrical engineering and a master's degree in five years: either a BS in computer or electrical engineering and a MBA or a BS and MS. At the graduate level, students can earn a master's or PhD degree in computer or electrical engineering within the Watson School.
What kind of job can I get when I graduate?
Get copy from department contact or chair for this.
What if I want to visit the Watson School?
You're encouraged to visit the campus if you are interested in attending the Watson School. You are welcome to join group information sessions and student-guided tours of the campus held on most weekdays and selected Saturdays during the academic year. These sessions cover general information about admissions, academic and campus life, housing and the surrounding community. We encourage you to phone 607-777-2171 at least one week in advance of to be sure that a session will be scheduled for the day that you choose to visit.
Each fall the Admissions Office and individual Binghamton University schools host an open house for all interested potential applicants and their families. Each spring open houses are offered for all admitted freshmen and their families. These events provide general campus information as well as focused sessions on the Watson School, with the opportunity to meet faculty and staff representing your intended major. Check out the visiting campus section of the University's website for more information about visiting our campus.
Students interested in master's or doctoral studies at the Watson School should view our video on what makes a graduate education at Binghamton University so outstanding.
How do I apply for undergraduate studies?
For everything that you ever wanted to know about undergraduate admission, visit our Undergraduate Admissions website.
How do I apply for graduate school?
For more information on how to apply for graduate studies, visit the Graduate School's website. Students interested in graduate studies in electrical and computer engineering are encouraged to check the special Graduate FAQ section of this website below.
