UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · UNITED STATES
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Bachelor's
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The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department at UC San Diego offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on the core principles and cutting-edge advancements in the field. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both hardware and software aspects of engineering, preparing them for a wide range of careers in technology and research. Students will engage with fundamental concepts through lectures and hands-on laboratory assignments, developing essential skills in areas such as circuit theory, computation, digital and analog design, and electromagnetism. The department encourages exploration of current research topics, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
Curriculum
The ECE curriculum is structured with lower-division courses providing foundational knowledge and upper-division courses delving into specialized areas. Students are advised to check the Schedule of Classes and the department website for the most current course offerings and schedules.
- Lower Division
- Introduction to Electrical and Computer EngineeringECE 5
- Engineering Computation: Introduction to Programming in CECE 15
- Rapid Hardware and Software Design for Interfacing with the WorldECE 16
- Object-Oriented Programming: Design and Development with C++ECE 17
- Programming in Python and Object-Oriented PrinciplesECE 18
- Introduction to Digital DesignECE 25
- Introduction to Computer EngineeringECE 30
- Introduction to Analog DesignECE 35
- Circuits and SystemsECE 45
- Components and Circuits LaboratoryECE 65
- iTunes 101: A Survey of Information TechnologyECE 85
- First-year Student SeminarECE 87
- Undergraduate SeminarECE 90
- Upper Division
- Linear Electronic SystemsECE 100
- Linear Systems FundamentalsECE 101
- Introduction to Active Circuit DesignECE 102
- Fundamentals of Devices and MaterialsECE 103
- ElectromagnetismECE 107
- Digital CircuitsECE 108
- Engineering Probability and StatisticsECE 109
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition and living costs for international students in the Electrical and Computer Engineering bachelor's program?
- Specific tuition amounts for the undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering program are not detailed in the provided information. Estimated living expenses for graduate students are $31,056 for those without dependents and $31,548 for those with dependents for the 2026-2027 academic year, which includes food and housing.
- What are the key courses in the first year of the Electrical and Computer Engineering bachelor's program?
- The lower-division curriculum includes foundational courses such as 'Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering' (ECE 5), 'Engineering Computation: Introduction to Programming in C' (ECE 15), and 'Introduction to Digital Design' (ECE 25).
- What are the academic prerequisites for Electrical and Computer Engineering courses?
- Specific courses have prerequisites, often including mathematics and physics. For example, ECE 30 requires ECE 15 and ECE 25 with grades of C– or better. ECE 107 requires MATH 20D-E, PHYS 2A–C or 4A–C, and ECE 45.
- How do I apply to the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at UC San Diego?
- Prospective students should choose their program (undergraduate or graduate), review the specific admissions requirements on the Admissions and Financial Aid website, prepare application materials like transcripts and essays, and submit the online application by the deadlines.
- What career opportunities are available for graduates of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, industry, and research, with opportunities in various technological sectors due to their strong foundation in engineering principles and practical skills.
Entry requirements
PrerequisitesSpecific courses have prerequisites listed, typically including mathematics and physics courses. For example, ECE 30 requires ECE 15 and ECE 25 with grades of C– or better. ECE 107 requires MATH 20D-E, PHYS 2A–C or 4A–C, and ECE 45. Familiarity with basic mathematics like trigonometry is recommended for ECE 15.
Students are strongly advised to check the Schedule of Classes or the department before relying on any listed schedule. Course descriptions not found in the UC San Diego General Catalog should be confirmed with the department.
Fees
Tuition (international)The provided information outlines the Cost of Attendance for graduate programs at the Rady School of Management. Specific tuition amounts for the Electrical and Computer Engineering undergraduate program are not detailed. For graduate programs, the Full-Time MBA (2-Year State Supported Program) for non-California residents has an estimated total cost of attendance of $114,095 (On Campus) to $114,587 (Off Campus) for the 2026-2027 academic year, including supplemental tuition. Tuition and fees remain the same regardless of the method of instruction (remote or in-person).
Tuition (home)The provided information outlines the Cost of Attendance for graduate programs at the Rady School of Management. Specific tuition amounts for the Electrical and Computer Engineering undergraduate program are not detailed. For graduate programs, the Full-Time MBA (2-Year State Supported Program) for California residents has an estimated total cost of attendance of $101,850 (On Campus) to $102,342 (Off Campus) for the 2026-2027 academic year. Tuition and fees remain the same regardless of the method of instruction (remote or in-person).
LivingEstimated living expenses for graduate students at UC San Diego for the 2026-2027 academic year are $31,056 for students without dependents (On Campus) and $31,548 for students with dependents (Off Campus). This includes food and housing.
Tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California. Actual tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented. The UC San Diego Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) is a mandatory fee but may be waived if covered by comparable private insurance.
How to apply
1. Choose Your ProgramDecide whether you are interested in undergraduate or graduate admission. UC San Diego offers a wide range of top-ranked programs.
2. Review Admissions RequirementsVisit the Admissions and Financial Aid website for detailed information specific to undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs. Pay close attention to academic and any program-specific prerequisites.
3. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, test scores (if required), and personal essays. For graduate programs, specific departmental requirements may apply.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application by the specified deadlines. Ensure all required information and documents are included.
5. Financial Aid and ScholarshipsExplore financial aid and scholarship opportunities. UC San Diego has a generous financial aid program. Information can be found on the Financial Aid and Scholarships website.
Accreditation
UC San Diego is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition and living costs for international students in the Electrical and Computer Engineering bachelor's program?
+
Specific tuition amounts for the undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering program are not detailed in the provided information. Estimated living expenses for graduate students are $31,056 for those without dependents and $31,548 for those with dependents for the 2026-2027 academic year, which includes food and housing.
What are the key courses in the first year of the Electrical and Computer Engineering bachelor's program?
+
The lower-division curriculum includes foundational courses such as 'Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering' (ECE 5), 'Engineering Computation: Introduction to Programming in C' (ECE 15), and 'Introduction to Digital Design' (ECE 25).
What are the academic prerequisites for Electrical and Computer Engineering courses?
+
Specific courses have prerequisites, often including mathematics and physics. For example, ECE 30 requires ECE 15 and ECE 25 with grades of C– or better. ECE 107 requires MATH 20D-E, PHYS 2A–C or 4A–C, and ECE 45.
How do I apply to the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at UC San Diego?
+
Prospective students should choose their program (undergraduate or graduate), review the specific admissions requirements on the Admissions and Financial Aid website, prepare application materials like transcripts and essays, and submit the online application by the deadlines.
What career opportunities are available for graduates of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, industry, and research, with opportunities in various technological sectors due to their strong foundation in engineering principles and practical skills.