The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University offers two undergraduate degree programs. The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE) degree program is comprehensive and covers fundamental and emerging hardware and software topics. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program offers a basic technical foundation in electrical and computer engineering and is often pursued by student as a component of a double major or dual degree program.
Degrees are organized around a core of required courses and a selection of elective courses from four Specialization Areas:
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science & Systems
- Neuroengineering
- Photonics, Electronics, And Nano-Devices
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Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE) Degree*
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Electrical and Computer Engineering
* The program leading to the BSEE degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Program Criteria. The BSEE was renamed the BSECE degree in academic year 2022-2023. Learn more about enrollments and degrees awarded for programs in the George R. Brown School of Engineering.
Related Minors
By the Numbers
- Top 25 Best Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Program, U.S. News & World Report
- Rated highest in student satisfaction within Rice Engineering Departments
- 2 faculty members of the National Academy of Engineers
FAQ
- Why should I study Electrical & Computer Engineering?
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Electrical & Computer Engineering is at the forefront of modern technology and is fundamental to essentially all engineered products. With a major in ECE, you can develop cutting-edge products in almost any field.
- What do students do when they graduate with a BSEE?
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Industry (photonics, ICs, data science, hardware, software, biomedical, quantum engineering, neuro-engineering,…), MECE, PhD programs, other grad programs.
- If I am considering this major, what classes do I have to take this year?
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PHYS 101/102 (*); MATH 101/102 (*); COMP 140 (+); ELEC 220 (+)
* or honors versions, or you can skip these if you have AP/transfer credit
+ strongly recommended but technically not required in first year - If I have AP credit, should I use it or are there classes I should consider retaking anyway?
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There is no single right answer. Talk to your divisional advisor and/or to an ECE major advisor.
- How should I decide whether or not to use my AP credit?
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Talk to your divisional advisor.
- Can I study abroad? If so, when is the best time?
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Study abroad usually happens in spring of junior year. It requires some planning but anyone can do it if they make it a priority.
- What kind of research opportunities are available to your students?
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See the ECE Research Guide for a list of faculty and their research interests. Some faculty members manage Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) that are designed to accommodate a large number of undergraduates. If the faculty member agrees to take you, then register for ELEC 490 (research) or ELEC 491 (VIP research).
- What extracurricular activities or projects do students in your program normally participate in?
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Engineering extracurricular groups include IEEE, ShELECs, SWE, SHPE, & NSBE. ELECs participate in every type of extracurricular activity available at Rice.
- What do classes in ECE normally look like?
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Most ELEC courses are centered on lectures + homework + exams. Many of these courses include team projects, lab components, or communication deliverables. Some classes (1-2 per year) are fully devoted to labs.
- Is the curriculum flexible enough for students to pursue other interests? i.e. Can I complete a minor, take classes outside the major or specialize further within the major?
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Yes. Probably 20% of our students obtain minors or a second major, the most common being COMP, MATH, STAT, BUSI, DSCI, & PHYS.
- Are there any other things I should know about ECE?
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We have an amazing sense of camaraderie. Don’t take our word for it, go ask upper-level students in ECE or any other engineering major.
Student Experience