Welcome to Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Tech!
Hello, and welcome from the stunning Keweenaw Peninsula, home to Michigan Technological University and, more specifically, to our dynamic Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)! Michigan Technological University has been continuously accredited since 1928, a testament to our enduring commitment to academic excellence. Furthermore, our status as an R1 research university, designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, highlights our position among the top doctoral universities recognized for "very high research activity." I'm thrilled you're exploring what makes our ECE department a truly exceptional place to learn, innovate, and launch an impactful career. Whether you're a prospective student dreaming of designing the next generation of technology, a parent seeking the best educational investment for your child, an industry leader looking for top talent and research collaboration, or a government representative interested in cutting-edge advancements, you've come to the right place.
Here in the ECE department at Michigan Tech, we don't just teach engineering; we build engineers. We are a community of passionate problem solvers, relentless innovators, and dedicated educators committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our world runs on the ingenuity of electrical and computer engineers – from the smartphones in our pockets and the vast communication networks that connect us, to the sophisticated control systems in autonomous vehicles, the smart grids powering our cities, and the life-saving medical devices in our hospitals. The work done here directly shapes the future, and we cultivate engineers who are not just ready to participate but to lead that charge through practical skills and creative innovation.
Why Choose Michigan Tech ECE?
We believe the most effective way to learn engineering is by doing. Our philosophy centers on providing an education that is both rigorously academic and intensely practical. We offer a full spectrum of degree options to meet your goals:
- Our ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) programs are meticulously designed to give you a deep understanding of fundamental principles while immersing you in constant hands-on applications in:
- For those seeking advanced specialization or leadership roles, our Master of Science (MS) degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering (available through coursework or thesis options) allow you to deepen your expertise in specific ECE fields.
- For individuals driven to push the frontiers of knowledge through original research, our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering offer the opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty on groundbreaking discoveries.
Regardless of the degree path, forget learning primarily from dusty textbooks; here, you'll spend significant time rolling up your sleeves in our state-of-the-art labs, working with the same tools, technologies, and challenges found in industry. From the moment you arrive in our undergraduate programs, you'll be designing circuits, programming microcontrollers, building communication systems, and tackling complex power system problems. We emphasize practical implementation – transforming theoretical knowledge into tangible, working solutions, a principle that extends through our graduate studies as well.
This hands-on focus culminates in signature experiences for our undergraduates. Our Senior Design program serves as a capstone experience, where teams of students synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their BS program. You'll tackle a complex, open-ended engineering problem, often sourced from industry partners, taking it from initial concept through design, prototyping, testing, and final delivery. It’s a demanding, comprehensive project that demonstrates your readiness for professional practice, proving your ability to innovate and deliver a complete engineering solution.
Complementing Senior Design is Michigan Tech's unique Enterprise Program, a truly distinctive opportunity. Enterprises are student-run companies, composed of interdisciplinary teams (sophomores through seniors from various majors), working on long-term projects sponsored and funded by real industry clients. As an Enterprise student, you don't just solve technical problems; you function like a real engineering firm, managing budgets, timelines, client communication, and project deliverables over multiple semesters. Imagine contributing significantly to a significant project for a leading corporation, gaining invaluable experience in teamwork, project management, and business practices alongside deep technical work. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to gain substantial, multi-year practical experience, build a compelling resume, and often, secure job offers before graduation. Many ECE students choose the Enterprise path as an exciting, business-focused alternative or complement to the traditional Senior Design capstone. Graduate students, particularly at the MS and PhD levels, also engage deeply in research or advanced project work, contributing significantly to the department's innovative output.
Our faculty embodies this blend of practical expertise and forward-thinking research. They are dedicated teachers across all degree levels and world-class researchers at the forefront of ECE innovation. Their expertise spans a wide range of critical areas, including:
- Power and Energy Systems: Developing smarter grids, renewable energy integration, and advanced power electronics.
- Communications and Signal Processing: Designing next-generation wireless systems (like 6G), radar technologies, and sophisticated signal analysis techniques.
- Embedded Systems and Internet of Things (IoT): Creating the intelligent devices and networks that make our world more connected and efficient.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Applying AI/ML to solve complex engineering challenges like robotics, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting critical infrastructure and data in an increasingly interconnected world.
- Photonics and Nanotechnology: Exploring the frontiers of light-based technologies and nanoscale devices.
- Robotics and Control Systems: Building intelligent machines and autonomous systems.
This vibrant research environment doesn't just lead to groundbreaking discoveries; it infuses our classrooms with excitement and relevance, ensuring our practical education is also cutting-edge. Undergraduates have numerous opportunities to participate directly in this research alongside faculty and graduate students, contributing to projects funded by major agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Defense (DOD), as well as leading industry partners. This means you can be involved in innovation that matters, applying your skills to real-world advancements, often paving the way for seamless transitions into our MS or PhD programs.
A Launchpad for Practical Innovators
Choosing a university and degree path is a significant decision for prospective students and their parents. Michigan Tech's ECE department provides a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters student success through hands-on learning, whether pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD degree. Our class sizes allow for personalized attention, and our faculty are genuinely invested in helping you master engineering theory and practice at every level. We foster a strong sense of community through active student organizations, including IEEE, Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), Society of Women Engineers, Tau Beta Pi (TBP), and National Society of Black Engineers, just to name a few, which provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and, yes, even fun! Our graduates, regardless of degree level, are highly sought after precisely because they are known for their practical skills, strong work ethic, and innovative mindset – honed through experiences like Senior Design and Enterprise. They hit the ground running, commanding competitive salaries and embarking on fulfilling careers at leading technology companies, research institutions, and government agencies. The combination of rigorous academics, intensive hands-on skills, and professional development provides an outstanding return on your educational investment.
Partnering for Applied Innovation
To our potential research sponsors and government partners, Michigan Tech's ECE department offers a unique combination of deep expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, a pipeline of talented students from the BS to PhD levels, and a focus on practical, deployable solutions. We are eager to collaborate on projects that address critical technological challenges and drive economic development. Our faculty's diverse research portfolio and our university's strong emphasis on translational research and technology transfer make us an ideal partner for turning innovative ideas into reality. We understand the importance of delivering tangible results and contributing to national and global priorities. Our location in Michigan's Upper Peninsula also provides unique opportunities for research related to rural broadband, resilient power systems in harsh environments, and remote sensing – areas that demand robust, practical engineering solutions.
Join Our Hands-On Adventure!
The electrical and computer engineering field is constantly evolving, presenting endless
opportunities for creativity and impact. It's an exciting time to be an engineer who
can build and innovate. Whether you are starting your academic journey with a BS, seeking advanced knowledge
with an MS, or aiming to conduct pioneering research with a PhD, there's no better
place to develop these crucial skills, particularly through unique programs like Senior
Design and Enterprise, or partner for applied innovation than Michigan Tech ECE.
I encourage you to explore our website further. Discover our specialized BS, MS, and PhD degree programs, learn more about our faculty's groundbreaking research, explore our impressive hands-on facilities, and see the incredible projects our students develop at all levels. Better yet,
schedule a visit! Experience the energy, practicality, and innovation of our department,
as well as the unique beauty of the Keweenaw, firsthand.
We are incredibly proud of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni – engineers known for getting things done – and we are excited about the future we are building together. Thank you for your interest in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Technological University. We look forward to connecting with you!
Sincerely,
Interim Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Michigan Technological University