Search form
What is ECE at Georgia Tech?
The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Georgia Tech is the largest of its kind in the country and known as a leader in both academics and research.
Students studying electrical or computer engineering are well set up for the future because electrical and computer engineering are at the core of just about every technology. Harnessing the power of electricity to advance the modern world, electrical engineering involves the design of devices and systems, from nanoscale computer chips to multinational communications systems. Spanning across the fields of electrical engineering and computer science, computer engineering combines the advanced intelligence of computer systems with the fundamental aspects of electrical engineering to deliver intricate and expansive solutions.
The following are some frequently asked questions about our offerings.
ACADEMICS
Customization and flexibility are key tenets of our programs. As a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in either Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Engineering (CmpE), you can enhance your degree with a Cooperative Education, International Plan, or Research Option designation. Our curriculum offers 40 hours of free and technical electives in 11 different specializations. You may also pursue a combined B.S./M.S. five-year program. Plus, we want you to be able to “get your hands dirty” your very first year, which is why our courses feature hands-on activities on ECE topics starting in the freshman year. Learn about the ECE Undergraduate Program.
Yes. Georgia Tech offers over 50 undergraduate minors in other disciplines that can be combined with a bachelor's degree in either EE or CmpE. Some popular choices include minors in biomedical engineering, music technology, and engineering and business. CmpE students can count computer science courses towards their ECE electives. In addition, there are many opportunities to work across multiple disciplines, such as biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering, on research and design projects. Learn about minors.
Electrical engineers harness electrical energy for building devices and systems, from nanoscale implanted devices to multinational power and communication systems, including designing electrical components, software, and mathematical algorithms to make the systems work. Computer engineers design hardware and software that are used in standalone computers and in embedded computer systems, where the computer's role is to connect and control other devices. Like electrical engineers, computer engineers have a fundamental training in engineering complete with problem-solving skills and an understanding of physical phenomena, but computer engineers specialize in the design of computing devices. Computer engineering spans across the disciplines of electrical engineering and computer science. Computer scientists often focus on software systems like computer engineers do, but computer engineering has a larger emphasis on the interaction between a computer and the devices attached to it, and on the speed and energy efficiency of the overall system.
ACTIVITIES
Yes. ECE students can participate in undergraduate research and student competitions, join ECE student organizations, gain work experience at sought-after companies, learn how to start their own company, and study abroad.
Our students have the opportunity to study abroad in over 80 different places, or work abroad to gain international experience. Some programs, such as the Georgia Tech Lorraine program in France, even offer core ECE courses taught in English by Georgia Tech faculty. Visit the Office of International Education website to learn more.
What are you into? We’ve got it all. First, metro Atlanta offers a plethora of things to do, from a robust culinary scene to cultural experiences at its many museums, concert venues, and sporting events. Additionally, there are 300-plus student organizations, including IEEE, Women in ECE, Energy Club, RoboJackets, and Solar Jackets. Explore student organizations.
CAREERS
ECE graduates are well prepared for high-tech corporate environments as well as graduate studies in engineering and professional programs in business, law, or medicine. And if you would like to explore a paid work experience, such as a co-op or an internship, before graduating, a dedicated career office offers support to current students (and also to alumni). Plus, Georgia Tech offers several career fairs each year with hundreds of companies participating and providing positions for both before and after graduation. Visit the Center for Career Discovery and Development.
Starting salaries are around $65,000/year. Eighty-five to 90 percent of students report having received a job offer by graduation, and the majority of the other 10 to 15 percent pursue other options, such as advanced degrees.
EEs and CmpEs will continue to play a prominent role in the technological trends of the future, such as the Internet of things, robotics, medical labs on a chip, self-driving cars, and more. Check out what’s happening in ECE research.
EEs and CmpEs design and develop technologies that impact everyday life, such as laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi, smart phones, cameras, TVs, video games, toys, medical diagnostic equipment, robots, Internet communications, airplane electronics, environmental controls, alternative energy, hybrid cars, and much more!
If you don't see the answer to your question here or on our website, feel free to contact us at undergraduate@ece.gatech.edu.
Last revised October 8, 2021
Georgia Institute of Technology
North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332
Phone: 404-894-2000