Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical Engineering
Earn Your Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a dynamic and continually evolving field. Prepare to be an innovator on the forefront of emerging technologies with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree at Grand Canyon University. Developed with industry guidance, this BS degree gives students broad foundational knowledge in specializations such as electrical design, electronics engineering and signal processing.
The BS in Electrical Engineering is offered by the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. It is a multidisciplinary program, combining key facets of mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology. The courses blend instructional knowledge with real-world applications and practical project management. Students will acquire expertise in circuits, signals and systems. They demonstrate their mastery of the field through hands-on capstone projects.
What Are the Branches of Electrical Engineering?
This intensive Bachelor of Science degree program prepares students to succeed across all branches of electrical engineering, including power, electronic, signal processing and telecommunications engineering. Students will polish their problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the hands-on labs, integrated seamlessly with classroom lectures.
Students will work in collaborative groups to develop key project management skills they will need for the 21st century job market. The curriculum encourages students to develop the professionalism, innovative spirit, interpersonal skills and communication skills necessary to succeed. As a private Christian university, GCU asks students to reflect upon their coursework in light of the Christian worldview.
Study Advanced Science and Engineering Courses in the Electrical Engineering BS Degree
The Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering guides students through a rigorous curriculum. Students will develop a solid framework of knowledge in chemistry, biology and mathematics before diving into degree-specific courses. In classes such as Circuits, Science of Solid Materials and Engineering Project Management, students will develop the following core competencies:
- Understand AC and DC circuits, circuit analysis, filters, impedance and power transfer
- Explore the concepts of bonding and the structure of solids, as well as the thermal, acoustic, electronic and optic properties of materials
- Examine best practices in engineering project management, including the principles, tools and techniques across major methodologies
- Consider the fundamentals of static electric and magnetic fields, and explore the properties of light in terms of electromagnetic waves
In addition, students will complete two capstone projects, during which they explore real-world applied research and design projects in their area of interest.
Explore Careers in Electrical Engineering
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for electrical engineers is expected to grow by seven percent from 2016 through 2026. Graduates may pursue opportunities across a diverse range of settings, such as the following:
- Governmental agencies
- Private engineering firms
- Power generation
- Telecommunications utility agencies
- Semiconductor industry
- Research facilities
A qualified electrical engineer may pursue a number of different roles within these organizations. Electrical can focus on research and developmental design, test engineering and project management. Specialty areas may include digital and analog devices, radar and navigation systems, nuclear power or materials science.
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree program at GCU effectively prepares students to pursue a master’s degree in the field, which can further enhance career opportunities.
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General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Required General Education Courses
Course Description
This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels of organization. Cell components and their duties are investigated, as well as the locations of cellular functions within the cell. The importance of the membrane is studied, particularly its roles in controlling movement of ions and molecules and in energy production. The effect of genetic information on the cell is followed through the pathway from DNA to RNA to protein. Co-requisite: BIO-181L.
Course Description
This lab course is designed to reinforce principles learned in BIO-181 through experiments and activities which complement and enhance understanding of macromolecules, cell membrane properties, cellular components, and their contribution to cell structure and function. Assignments are designed to relate cellular processes such as metabolism, cell division, and the flow of genetic information to cell structure. Co-requisite: BIO-181.
Course Description
This course presents the fundamentals of algebra and trigonometry with an applied emphasis; it provides the background and introduction for the study of calculus. Topics include review of linear equations and inequalities in one and multiple variables; functions and their graphs; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; vectors and complex numbers. Slope and rate of change are introduced to set up the concepts of limits and derivatives. There is an emphasis on both an understanding of the mathematical concepts involved as well as their application to the principles and real-world problems encountered in science and engineering. Software is utilized to facilitate problem analysis and graphing. Prerequisite: MAT-134 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This is the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for undergraduates pursuing careers in the health professions and others desiring a firm foundation in chemistry. The course assumes no prior knowledge of chemistry and begins with basic concepts. Topics include an introduction to the scientific method, dimensional analysis, atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry and chemical reactions, the gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical bonding, and properties of solutions. Co-Requisite: CHM-113L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of CHM-113 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Experiments include determination of density, classification of chemical reactions, the gas laws, determination of enthalpy change using calorimetry, and determination of empirical formula. Co-Requisite: CHM-113.
Course Description
This course will enhance student skills in working with others, communication, project management, self-discipline, and creativity. The TIE is an inquiry-based learning course and lab that integrates multiple academic disciplines to develop and demonstrate a student's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will have the opportunity to examine and work on real world problems. The team project selected will be managed like a business and/or research project; objectives will be set and teams will develop strategies and action plans. Training modules will be conducted for understanding of hypothesis-based research, business and work processes, team effectiveness skills, team diversity, learning style differences, and effective oral and written communications. Co-requisite: STG-110L
Course Description
This lab course is designed to reinforce principles learned in STG-110. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on teamwork and cross-disciplinary problem solving. Co-requisite: STG-110.
Course Description
This course provides an insight into professional communications and conduct associated with careers in science, engineering and technology. Students learn about the changing modes of communication in these disciplines recognizing the advances in digital communications. They gain practical experience in developing and supporting a thesis or position in written, oral and visual presentations. Students will explore concepts and issues in professional ethics and conduct such as privacy, discrimination, workplace etiquette, cyber-ethics, network and data security, identity theft, ownership rights and intellectual property. This is a writing intensive course.
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of elementary calculus and its application to real-world problems. Topics include differentiation, optimization, and integration. Software is utilized to facilitate problem analysis and graphing. Prerequisite: MAT-261.
Course Description
This course provides a foundation for programming and problem solving using computer programming, as well as an introduction to the academic discipline of IT. Topics include variables, expressions, functions, control structures, and pervasive IT themes: IT history, organizational issues, and relationship of IT to other computing disciplines. The course prepares students for advanced concepts and techniques in programming and information technology, including object-oriented design, data structures, computer systems, and networks. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common operating systems, enterprise architectures, and tools commonly used by IT professionals. Prerequisite: MAT-154 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of integral, multivariable, and vector calculus and its application to real-world problems. Prerequisite: MAT-262.
Course Description
This course is a calculus-based study of basic concepts of physics, including motion; forces; energy; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and heat and thermodynamics. The mathematics used includes algebra, trigonometry, and vector analysis. A primary course goal is to build a functional knowledge that allows students to more fully understand the physical world and to apply that understanding to other areas of the natural and mathematical sciences. Conceptual, visual, graphical, and mathematical models of physical phenomena are stressed. Students build critical thinking skills by engaging in individual and group problem-solving sessions. Prerequisite: MAT-262. Co-Requisite: PHY-121L.
Course Description
This calculus-based course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY-121 lecture course. Students are able to perform the proper analysis and calculations to arrive at the correct quantifiable result when confronted with equations involving gravity, sound, energy, and motion. Prerequisite: MAT-262. Co-Requisite: PHY-121.
Course Description
This course provides an in-depth coverage of object-oriented programming using most current application programming methods, languages, and tools. Students will design, create, run, and debug applications. The course emphasizes the development of correct, well-documented programs using object-oriented programming concepts. Prerequisite: CST-110 or CST-111 or CST-105.
Course Description
This calculus-based course is the second in a 1-year introductory physics sequence. In this course, the basics of three areas in physics are covered, including electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The sequence of topics includes an introduction to electric and magnetic fields. This is followed by the nature of light as an electromagnetic wave and topics associated with geometric optics. The final topic discussed in the course is quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: MAT-264, PHY-121, and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122L.
Course Description
This course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY-122 lecture course. Some of the topics students understand and analyze involve the relationship between electric charges and insulators/conductors, magnetism in physics, energy transformations in electric circuits, the relationship between magnetism and electricity, and how they relate to the medical industry. Prerequisites: MAT-264, PHY-121, and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122.
Course Description
This course provides students with a strong foundation in core areas of electrical engineering. Students will learn the main ideas of circuits and their enabling role in electrical engineering components, devices, and systems. The course offers in-depth coverage of AC & DC circuits, circuit analysis, filters, impedance, power transfer, applications of Laplace transforms, and op-amps. Prerequisites: MAT-262, PHY-121 and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122, PHY-122L, EEE-202L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of EEE-202 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities focus problem solving using scientific computation tools, simulations, and various programming languages. Prerequisites: MAT-262, PHY-121 and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122, PHY-122L, EEE-202.
Course Description
This course is intended primarily for mathematics, science, and engineering students. The goal of the course is to impart the concepts and techniques of modern linear algebra (over the real scalar field) with a significant level of rigor. Students write clearly about the concepts of linear algebra (definitions, counterexamples, simple proofs), and apply theory to examples. The course emphasizes the practical nature of solutions to linear algebra problems. Students implement some of these solutions, where appropriate, as computer programs. Prerequisite: MAT-264 or MAT-253
Course Description
This in an introductory course in discrete mathematics with digital logic. Topics covered include Boolean algebra, circuits, number theory, sequences, recursion, sets, functions, and counting. An emphasis will be placed on writing computer programs that address key concepts discussed in lecture. Prerequisite: CST-110 or CST-111 or CST-105.
Course Description
This course focuses on solutions and qualitative study of linear systems of ordinary differential equations, and on the analysis of classical partial differential equations. Topics include first- and second-order equations; series solutions; Laplace transform solutions; higher order equations; Fourier series; second-order partial differential equations. Boundary value problems, electrostatics, and quantum mechanics provide the main context in this course. Prerequisite: MAT-253 or MAT-264.
Course Description
This course provides a general background on the field of materials science. The course builds upon prior study of general chemistry and develops the concepts of bonding and the structure of solids. Building on prior study of physics, the course introduces topics in solid state physics and devices. Additional topics may include electronic properties of materials as well as their thermal, mechanical, acoustic, and optical properties. Prerequisites: PHY-122, PHY-122L, CHM-113, and CHM-113L. Co-Requisite: STG-242L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of STG-242 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities include applying numerical solutions for properties and characteristics of given materials using data on their properties, and characterization of materials properties for given engineering applications. Prerequisites: PHY-122, PHY-122L, CHM-113, and CHM-113L. Co-Requisite: STG-242.
Course Description
This course bridges theoretical mathematical foundations and practical implementation of circuits and computer algorithms. The course presents applications in engineering, physics, feedback and control, communications, and signal processing. Topics covered include: CT and DT signals and systems, linearity, time-invariant systems, causality, transient and steady state responses, Fourier transforms, Laplace transforms, Z transforms, sampling, state variables, and feedback systems. Prerequisites: MAT-264, EEE-202 and EEE-202L. Co-Requisite: EEE-213L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of EEE-213 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities focus problem solving using scientific computation tools, and various programming languages. In particular, students work on system simulation and real-time signal processing. Prerequisites: MAT-264, EEE-202 and EEE-202L. Co-Requisite: EEE-213.
Course Description
This course covers the role of statistics in engineering, probability, discrete random variables and probability distributions, continuous random variables and probability distributions, joint probability distributions, random sampling and data description, point estimation of parameters, statistical intervals for a single sample, and tests of hypotheses for a single sample. Prerequisite: MAT-253 or MAT-264.
Course Description
This course focuses on the analysis and design of filters, circuits, converter modeling, and signal transfer functions. Additional topics covered include non-ideal active devices, Cauer design, and an introduction to digital circuits. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities engage students in projects such as the design, analysis, simulation, and construction of a switched-mode power supply; solve complex design problems, or the use of modern analog circuits. Prerequisites: MAT-364, EEE-202 and EEE-202L.
Course Description
This course develops the fundamentals of static electric and magnetic fields, physical optics, and describes the properties of light in terms of electromagnetic waves. Prerequisites: MAT-364, PHY-122 and PHY-122L. Co-Requisite: STG-350L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of STG-350 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities focus on the use of analytical techniques to solve problems and interpret results physically, Smith Chart and its applications to transmission lines, and general solutions of Faraday's Law and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: MAT-364, PHY-122 and PHY-122L. Co-Requisite: STG-350.
Course Description
This course covers aspects of project management including principles, best practices, and tools and techniques across major methodologies. Prerequisites: STG-110 and STG-110L,.
Course Description
The first capstone course provides students the opportunity to work in teams to tackle real world applied research and design projects in their chosen area of interest. Students develop a project proposal, conduct a feasibility study, learn to protect intellectual property, develop teamwork skills, budgets, and a schedule for completing the project. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revisions. Students use this course to further develop technical writing and business presentation skills. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: STG-430.
Course Description
This course introduces current trends in computer architecture with a focus on performance measurement, instruction sets, computer arithmetic, design and control of a data path, pipelining, memory hierarchies, input and output, and a brief introduction to multiprocessors. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities focus on writing assembly language code that implements concepts discussed in the lecture course, focusing on registers, processes, threads, and I/O management. Prerequisites: MAT-252 or MAT-262, and CST-110 or CST-111 or CST-105.
Course Description
This course builds on knowledge acquired in previous courses on advanced circuits to expand the coverage of the design and analysis of integrated circuit amplifiers and the design and analysis of feedback amplifiers. Specific topics covered in this course may include: electronics and manufacturing of integrated circuits, microwave/RF amplifiers, linear amplifiers, mixers, and advanced digital and analog circuits. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities focus on the design, assembly, and testing electronic circuits that use diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. Prerequisites: EEE-302, STG-242, and STG-242L.
Course Description
The second capstone course provides students the opportunity to implement and present the applied research project designed, planned, and started in the first capstone course. The capstone project is a culmination of the learning experiences in an engineering program. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revision. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: ESG-451.
Course Description
This course develops the foundations of electrical communications and differences between analog and digital modulation. Main topics covered include: analog signal transmission and reception, effects of noise in analog communications, sampling, digital information sources, entropy, source coding, waveform coding, and PCM Digital transmission through AWGN through band-limited channels. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities include channel coding, wireless and mobile networks, and signal processing using Matlab. Prerequisites: EEE-213 and EEE-213L, EEE-302, MAT-374.
Course Description
This course presents basic principles, technical details, and recent advances in power and sustainable energy systems. The course focuses on the generation of electrical power using a variety of energy sources such as solar, fossil, nuclear and renewable, including solar, geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, biomass and ocean. The course introduces students to power plant thermal cycle analysis. Prerequisites: PHY-122, PHY-122L, MAT-364, and either EEE-202 and EEE-202L or ESG-202 and ESG-202L. Co-Requisite: ESG-441L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of ESG-441 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities include research projects aimed at suggesting solutions to problems in the areas of electrical power generation using a variety of energy sources such as solar, fossil, nuclear and renewable, including solar, geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, biomass and ocean. Prerequisites: PHY-122, and PHY-122L, MAT-364, and either EEE-202 or ESG-202. Co-Requisite: ESG-441.
Course Description
This course synthesizes applications of linear algebra to modal analysis of dynamical systems, controllability-observability, pole-placement design, separation principle, design of model-based compensators, frequency domain multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) singular value analysis, linear quadratic regulator (LQR), Kalman filter, state estimation, and linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control system design. The course also presents an introduction to H-infinity/H-2 control system design, with applications to real-world control system design problems, robot dynamics, and robot control. The laboratory is designed to reinforce principles learned in the lecture and to apply these principles and theories to the design, assembly and control of a robot. All computational aspects of this project will be performed in Matlab. Prerequisite: EEE-213 or ESG-455.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.