Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
University of Alabama at Birmingham Rank #706Program Overview
The program is housed within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. It focuses on the mathematical and physical principles used to design and build systems that generate, transmit, and process electricity and information. Students can tailor their degree through technical electives in areas such as digital systems, control systems, and communications.
The BSEE program provides a strong foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, and electrical engineering fundamentals. It is designed to prepare students for diverse technical careers or advanced graduate studies.
- Core Focus: Students study analog and digital electronics, microprocessor applications, electric power systems, and signal processing.
- Professional Development: The curriculum emphasizes an "engineering mindset" toward problem-solving and ethical responsibility.
- Dual Certification Option: Students can earn a teaching certification in mathematics through the UABTeach program alongside their engineering degree.
Key Program Features
- Capstone Design Experience: In the senior year, students complete a two-semester team project (EE 498/499) where they design, develop, and test real-world engineering solutions.
- Flexible Specialization: Beyond core requirements, students select advanced electives to focus on specific interests such as robotics, biomedical instrumentation, or wireless networks.
- Interdisciplinary Exposure: The curriculum includes coursework from other engineering disciplines and requires a minor, which can be in another engineering field or an approved outside program.
Career Opportunities
- Career Paths: Graduates work in telecommunications, power utilities, aerospace, biomedical instrumentation, and automotive electronics.
- Key Employers: Southern Company, Alabama Power, NASA, Mercedes-Benz, and Northrop Grumman.
- Key Features: Students have access to the Professional Development Program, which helps secure co-ops and internships starting as early as the sophomore year.
Program Curriculum
- Total Credits: Minimum of 128 semester hours.
- Core Engineering Topics: Circuits, signal processing, electromagnetics, microprocessors, and power systems.
- Specialized Electives: Digital communications, fiber optics, wireless networks, and renewable energy systems.
- Senior Design: A two-semester capstone project where students design, build, and test a functional prototype for a real-world engineering problem.
Admission Requirements
- High School Preparation: Completion of 4 units of English, 3 units of Social Science, and 3 units of Natural Science.
- Mathematics Prerequisite: Applicants must be "Calculus Ready." Typically, this requires an ACT Math subscore of 28 (or SAT 670). Students not meeting this may start in pre-calculus.
- GPA: A minimum high school GPA of 3.0 is required for direct admission to the School of Engineering.
- Test-Optional: UAB remains test-optional for admission through Fall 2026, though scores are highly recommended for math placement and merit scholarships.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
Vary
- Tuition (Estimated 2026):
- In-State: ~$11,640/year.
- Out-of-State: ~$28,980/year.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Students should apply via the BSMART portal by March 1, for departmental scholarships. Engineering students are also eligible for the National Alumni Society scholarships.
About University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States
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University ProfileApplication Information
- Application Deadline November for Spring Session, May for Fall Session
- Language English
- Duration 2 years