What makes this program special?
Our Electrical Engineering program is offered jointly by Western Carolina University and UNC-Charlotte. In addition to the fundamental courses in Electrical Engineering, this program is focused on optoelectronics and optical communications. The combination of technical and communications skills inherent in this program ensure that EE graduates are well-rounded and able to fit into many different work environments. Students in the program are provided a personal educational experience by the faculty and staff to help attain personal goals and objectives.

Are there any additional admission requirements?
Yes. Prospective students need to have four years of high school math, high school chemistry, a math SAT score greater than 520, and a combined SAT score greater than 1000. During orientation, incoming freshmen must take a math placement test.

What scholarship monies are available?
All students are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. Additional scholarships are available based on FAFSA information. Once accepted into the Electrical Engineering program, students may apply for scholarships ranging from $100 to $1,000 per year.

What will I be able to do with this degree when I graduate?
An Electrical Engineering degree provides ample employment opportunities in design, modeling and prototyping; fabrication; testing; sales; or analysis of electrical and photonic products and systems. In addition, students can continue their education to get a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or Optical Science.

What are the professors like?
WCU’s Electrical Engineering faculty has many years of practical industrial experience as well as a passion for teaching. Faculty members are active in many industry-related organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Society of Engineering Educators and Optical Society of America. EE professors make it a point to learn their students’ names and provide excellent academic advising every semester.

What are the students in the program doing?
Students in the Electrical Engineering program use the engineering design method to solve real-world problems in class and/or during lab time. The students have a wide array of educational and extracurricular activities available to them, for example, attending and providing presentations at Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) functions.

Will I be able to participate in internships, clubs and other extracurricular opportunities?

Electrical Engineering students may join WCU’s student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This student group has activities throughout the year, including monthly meetings, exciting field trips and fundraisers. Base Camp Cullowhee also provides equipment for outdoor activities.

Contact

Dr. Ken Burbank
E-mail: kburbank@wcu.edu
phone: 828-227-2181
Visit the Electrical Engineering Program Website

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