Electrical engineers must be prepared to apply fundamental concepts to meet the challenging growth in technology, to understand and contribute to this growth, and to address problems that arise in existing devices and systems. At the same time, they must have the skills to communicate their ideas and to manage projects within a budget. An important observation to note is that electrical engineering involves incorporating knowledge from other disciplines to successfully implement a design, whether a device or a system. For example, studies in optoelectronic devices require an understanding of basic physics, materials science, thermal flow, and packaging. In addition, concepts are applied to areas not traditionally within the scope of electrical engineering, such as medicine and public policy, among many others. More than ever, electrical engineering demands a multidisciplinary approach to address challenges of the future and problems of today.

The benefit of having an education in electrical engineering is that the student is prepared for a career not only in technical areas but also for further training in other disciplines such as medicine, law, public policy, business, economics, management, and teaching.

The undergraduate program in electrical engineering emphasizes fundamental concepts with functional understanding to prepare the engineering graduate for a lifelong, professional career. That is, the curriculum is designed not only to teach the fundamental concepts but also to convey the importance of applying these same ideas to different types of engineering and non-engineering problems. The curriculum also includes studies in thermal engineering, mechanics, computer programming, economics, and oral and written communications.

The program is divided into pre-engineering (lower-division) and upper-division engineering, with the division essentially occurring between the sophomore and junior years. The pre-engineering program reflects a concentration of preliminary science, mathematics, and engineering courses to prepare the student for upper division studies. Students are admitted to the upper-division program upon completion of the pre-engineering program with suitable grades. The upper-division program consists of core courses in electronics; digital systems, microprocessors, and computer programming; electromagnetics; power systems and energy conversion; continuous and discrete time systems; controls; and communications. The lower and upper division core curricula provide the needed foundation for a variety of technical areas in electrical engineering. The design experience is emphasized throughout the program, with particular emphasis on the team concept in the capstone courses. Through careful selection of technical electives, the student may specialize in certain fields of electrical engineering. Two concentrations specifically delineated are digital/microprocessors and telecommunications. Information on these areas is available in the Electrical Engineering Department Advising Office. In addition, there are opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects of the faculty in Electrical Engineering and at the Automation and Robotics Research Institute. Independent study credit can be obtained through EE 4391 Advanced Problems in Electrical Engineering. Finally, professional ethics, safety, and related issues are addressed in the EE 3191 Junior Electrical Engineering Seminar course. The curriculum is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Committee of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

1. Three Time Rule: A student may not attempt a course (at UTA and/or any other institution) more than three (3) times and apply that course toward the EE Degree. Enrollment in a course for a period of time sufficient for assignment of a grade, including a grade of W, is considered an attempt.
2. D Grade Rule: A grade of D in a freshman or sophomore math, science, or engineering course indicates unsatisfactory preparation for further engineering education. Any such course in which a D is received must be repeated. This requirement is subject to the Three-Time Rule.
3. Transfer Credit courses that have been taken at another accredited college or university with a grade of C or better may be transferred to UTA. Courses completed with a grade of D or below will not be accepted in transfer. Transfer work will be subject to approval by the Undergraduate Advisor. Some courses accepted by the university may not be applicable to the EE Degree Plan.
4. Repeating Courses: A student may repeat only courses in which the student has made a D or F. Courses transferred to UTA from another college or university may not be repeated for credit.
5. Low GPA: Any student who accumulates a grade point deficiency (below 2.0) in courses in the major field of study is placed on probation. The student is removed from this probationary status when the grade point deficiency in the major is eliminated. After two semesters of a deficient GPA, the student will be required to change majors.