The department offers three BS degrees in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering. It also offers a Computer Science Minor. The computer and electrical engineering programs are ABET accredited. The computer science program will receive ABET accreditation in the next ABET accreditation cycle, which will occur in a couple of years.

A common dilemma for many prospective EECS students is choosing between computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. In order to help you in your decisions, consider the following: If you think you want to focus on understanding the software side of things, then you probably want to be a computer scientist. Typically, you'd enjoy programming and be interested in algorithms, data structures, their implementation, and their interaction with hardware, as well as their use in real world applications. If you think you will be comfortable with programming, but also want to get more involved with the computer hardware, or design something that uses computer hardware, or design the computer hardware itself, then you probably want to be a computer engineer. If you think you want to use a computer to do an engineering task, but you are more interested in the task that is being done than how the computer controls it, then you probably want to be an electrical engineer. Typically, you will be interested in knowing more about other areas of electrical engineering. If you're still not sure, the following sections on each of the degree programs will provide more details about each of these three degrees.

Regardless of which degree you choose to pursue, each of the department's B.S. degree programs seeks to accomplish the following goals: a) prepare students for entry into the profession; b) instill in students the capabilities required by the discipline, the recognition of the need to enhance the discipline, and the desire for life-long learning; and c) equip students with a general knowledge of technical and non-technical disciplines so that they are prepared for further study in other fields including professional and graduate education.

Computer Engineering deals with the electronic hardware side of electrical engineering and the programming side of computer science. Typically, a computer engineering curriculum provides a background in three broad areas-hardware, software and hardware-software integration. Students will also have the opportunity to explore fundamental topics such as microprocessors, computer architecture, digital signal processing, operating systems, data communications and other related material. In addition, the program includes core engineering subjects that are common to all engineering disciplines. The program educational objectives of the computer engineering program include:

• An understanding of the engineering sciences necessary to analyze and design complex devices and systems containing hardware and software components
• A progression of design projects and tasks throughout the program
• An understanding of probability and statistics, including applications and discrete math
• An understanding of mathematics through differential and integral calculus
• An understanding of the basic sciences including chemistry and physics
• An understanding of advanced mathematics in the areas of differential equations, numerical analysis, linear algebra, and advanced calculus
• Achievement of the objectives of the 13 ABET outcomes. The Computer Engineering program is fully accredited by the ABET Engineering Accreditation Program.

Computer hardware engineers are expected to have favorable job opportunities. Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2010, reflecting rapid employment growth in the computer and office equipment industry, which employs the greatest number of computer engineers. Consulting opportunities for computer hardware engineers should grow as businesses need help managing, upgrading and customizing increasingly complex systems. Growth in embedded systems, a technology that uses computers to control other devices such as appliances or cell phones, also will increase the demand for computer hardware engineers.

In the field of computer engineering, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's 2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual earnings of computer hardware engineers were $88,400 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $69,500 and $111,030. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $135,260. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer hardware engineers in 2007 were:

• Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing-$99,800
• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing-$99,360
• Computer systems designs and related services-$91,040

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, starting salary offers in 2007 for bachelor's degree candidates in computer engineering averaged $56,201 a year; master's degree candidates averaged $68,000.

Core academic subjects required for admission:

• 4 units of English
• 2 units of algebra
• 1 unit of geometry, trigonometry, advanced math or calculus
• 2 units of natural science, including at least 1 unit of biology, chemistry or physics
• 1 unit of American history
• 1 unit of European history, world history or world geography
• 2 units of a single foreign language
• 1 unit of visual or performing arts

Computer courses prior to the freshman year in engineering are also highly recommended. Prospective students who want to enter the engineering program are also required to meet the criteria of the 'Success Prediction Index' (SPI). The SPI is calculated by adding an individual's ACT mathematics score to 10 times their core high school GPA (based on a 4.0 scale). For information on what constitutes core high school courses, please consult admission website http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/requirements.shtml. The college is gradually increasing the required SPI score. Check the UT Admissions or College of Engineering web sites to determine the current SPE required. Students who are unable to meet this requirement may register as 'university undecided' students and complete appropriate mathematics, science and other courses before applying for admission to the COE.

Students applying to the university should specify computer engineering as their chosen major when completing the admission form. Students transferring from other departments within UT or from other educational institutions should contact the department for more information regarding the appropriate entry level and any additional required courses. For more information on the admissions process, visit http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate.

The EECS department currently does not have any special requirements for admission to the computer engineering program, other than the general admission requirements for the university and the college. College of Engineering students at the sophomore level and above are required to own laptop or desktop computers for class work. For more information, please visit http://www.engr.utk.edu/futurestudents/computers.html.

The suggested curriculum for the computer engineering degree can be found in the Curriculum section.

Electrical Engineering deals with the application of the physical laws governing charged particles. From miniature integrated circuits that contain millions of microelectronic devices, to high-speed fiber-optic communication systems that span international boundaries, electrical engineering impacts every aspect of modern-day living. Electrical engineering is unique among the engineering disciplines because of its wide range of applications. Subject areas within electrical engineering are so diverse that it is not always apparent that here is an underlying connection. The range of subjects is not only broad but is also expanding. The program educational objectives of the electrical engineering program include:

• Will apply the knowledge of the fundamentals of engineering, science and mathematics in the practice of electrical engineering or in advanced professional studies; will identify, formulate and solve electrical engineering problems.
• Will analyze and design complex devices and systems containing hardware and software components with consideration of economic, ethical, safety, environmental, and social issues; will be able to use modern engineering techniques skills and tools.
• Will communicate effectively, function on multi-disciplinary teams, and engage in lifelong learning.

The growth trends for employment of electrical engineering graduates are expected to increase through 2010. Projected job growth stems largely from increased demand for electrical and electronic goods, including advanced communications equipment, computer communications, biomedical instrumentation, defense-related electronic equipment, and consumer electronics products. The need for electronics manufacturers to invest heavily in research and development to remain competitive and gain a scientific edge will provide openings for graduates who have learned the latest technologies.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual earnings of electrical engineers were $75,930 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $60,640 and $95,050. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,120, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $115,240. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of electrical engineers in 2007 were:

• Scientific research and development services-$91,680
• Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing-$89,010
• Electric power generation, transmission and distribution-$81,280
• Navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing-$84,040
• Architectural engineering and related services-$82,830

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual earnings of electronics engineers, except computer, were $81,050 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $64,440 and $99,630. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $52,056, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $119,900. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of electronics engineers in 2007 were:

• Federal government-$92,090
• Architectural engineering, and related services-$83,650
• Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing-$83,050
• Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing-$86,800
• Wired telecommunications carriers-$77,080

According to a 2007 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in electrical/electronics and communications engineering received starting offers averaging $55,292 a year; master's degree candidates averaged $66,309; and Ph.D. candidates averaged $75,982.

Core academic subjects required for admission:

• 4 units of English
• 2 units of algebra
• 1 unit of geometry, trigonometry, advanced math or calculus
• 2 units of natural science, including at least 1 unit of biology, chemistry or physics
• 1 unit of American history
• 1 unit of European history, world history or world geography
• 2 units of a single foreign language
• 1 unit of visual or performing arts Computer courses prior to the freshman year in engineering are also highly recommended.

Prospective students who want to enter the engineering program are also required to meet the criteria of the 'Success Prediction Index' (SPI). The SPI is calculated by adding an individual's ACT mathematics score to 10 times their core high school GPA (based on a 4.0 scale). For information on what constitutes core high school courses, please consult admission website http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/requirements.shtml. The college is gradually increasing the required SPI score. Check the UT Admissions or College of Engineering web sites to determine the current SPE required. Students who are unable to meet this requirement may register as 'university undecided' students and complete appropriate mathematics, science and other courses before applying for admission to the COE.

Students applying to the university should specify electrical engineering as their chosen major when completing the admission form. Students transferring from other departments within UT or from other educational institutions should contact the department for more information regarding the appropriate entry level and any additional required courses. For more information on the admissions process, visit http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate.

The EECS department currently does not have any special requirements for admission to the electrical or computer engineering program, other than the general admission requirements for the university and the college. College of Engineering students at the sophomore level and above are required to own laptop or desktop computers for class work. For more information, please visit http://www.engr.utk.edu/futurestudents/computers.html.

The suggested curriculum for the electrical engineering degree can be found in the Curriculum section.

Computer Science is the systematic study and development of procedures that can be used to automate the solution of problems. It includes the theory, analysis, design, efficiency, implementation, and application of these procedures. The fundamental question underlying all of computing is: What can be efficiently automated? Computer Science is far more than programming. It incorporates elements of math, experimentation, and design within many topic areas, including:

• algorithms, data structures
• architecture
• artificial intelligence (AI) & robotics
• bioinformatics and systems biology
• computer systems
• computational science
• databases and data mining
• high-performance computing
• human-computer interaction
• programming languages
• software engineering

Career opportunities exist in many fields for our graduates. These include, for example, financial systems, communication, scientific research facilities, transportation systems, medical information systems, computer system administration, national security, and electronic commerce.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's 2006 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual earnings of computer programmers were $65,510 and the median annual earnings of computer scientists and database administrators were $93,950. The median annual earnings of software engineers were $79,780 and the median annual earnings of computer system analysts were $69,760.

Core academic subjects required for admission:

• 4 units of English
• 2 units of algebra
• 1 unit of geometry, trigonometry, advanced math or calculus
• 2 units of natural science, including at least 1 unit of biology, chemistry or physics
• 1 unit of American history
• 1 unit of European history, world history or world geography
• 2 units of a single foreign language
• 1 unit of visual or performing arts

Physics and four years of mathematics are strongly recommended. It is not necessary to have high school computer science courses.

Prospective students who want to major in computer science in the College of Engineering are also required to meet the criteria of the 'Success Prediction Index' (SPI). The SPI is calculated by adding an individual's ACT mathematics score to 10 times their core high school GPA (based on a 4.0 scale).

For information on what constitutes core high school courses, please consult the admission website http://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate/apply/requirements.shtml. The college is gradually increasing the required SPI score. Check the UT Admissions or College of Engineering web sites to determine the current SPE required. Students who are unable to meet this requirement may register as 'university undecided' students and complete appropriate mathematics, science and other courses before applying for admission to the COE. These students are encouraged to meet with a computer science advisor each semester to discuss their progress.

If you entered The University of Tennessee before Fall, 2008, you may opt for a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from either the College of Arts and Sciences or from the College of Engineering. Students entering Fall, 2008, or later must be admitted to the College of Engineering. Please contact info@eecs.utk.edu for more information about the Arts and Sciences version of the degree.

As of Fall, 2008, the computer science degree is administered by the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Students applying to the university should specify computer science as their chosen major when completing the admission form. Students in other colleges or majors at The University of Tennessee must apply to the College of Engineering at the earliest possible date, but ideally prior to completing 75 hours. As a minimum, all students must be admitted to the college for the last 30 hours of coursework.

Transfers from other institutions are generally handled the same as transfers from other UT programs. However, a prospective transfer student should consult with an advisor in computer science to determine which courses can be accepted toward the major. It should not be assumed that courses with similar names to UT courses will be accepted as part of the major.

The EECS Department currently does not have any special requirements for admission to the computer science program, other than the general admission requirements for the university and the college. Students at the sophomore level and above are required to have a desktop or laptop computer for class work. For information on the current computer requirements, please visit http://www.engr.utk.edu/futurestudents/computers.html.

Students are encouraged to either double major in computer science and mathematics or to minor in mathematics. With early planning and wise choices, the double major requires only two additional courses, and the minor no additional courses. Consult with a computer science advisor to construct an individual plan of course work.

The College of Engineering offers a minor in computer science to those undergraduate students whose academic history provides the prerequisites for the courses required by the minor. Some of the courses used in the minor may also satisfy requirements for the student's major. A grade of C or better is required in all computer science courses applied to the minor. The last 12 hours must be taken at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The minor is not open to computer engineering majors.

Students may enroll in the minor program by completing a form at the EECS Department office. A copy of the completed enrollment form and information on the minor requirements will be forwarded to the student's home department advisor.

Minor Requirements

Select one course
* COSC 102 - Introduction to Computer Science
* ECE 206 - Electrical Engineering Computations

Complete
* COSC 140 - Data Structures

Select one course
* COSC 160 - Computer Organization
* ECE 255 - Introduction to Logic Design of Digital Systems

Select 12 hours
* MATH 371 - Numerical Algorithms
* or any upper-division COSC courses

The suggested curriculum for the computer science degree can be found in the Curriculum section.

The EE and CpE programs in EECS are accredited by The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Accreditation is a non-governmental, peer-review process that assures the quality of the postsecondary education students receive. Educational institutions or programs volunteer to undergo this review periodically to determine if certain criteria are being met. For more information about ABET, goto http://www.abet.org.

Thirteen distinct program outcomes were adopted by the faculty of the EECS Department in response to recommendations from ABET, graduates, and employers of graduates of the program. They are as follows:

• Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
• Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
• Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global/societal context.
• Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
• Knowledge of contemporary issues.
• Ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
• Experience in using organizational skills in team management and negotiation.
• Ability to use creative and technical skills in analytical problem solving in electrical engineering and other engineering related fields.