Why is it called electrical and computer engineering?

Electrical engineering and computer engineering are often paired together in undergraduate programs because they share a deep overlap in foundational knowledge, skill sets, and applications. For example, both fields use a lot of mathematics, physics, and knowledge of circuits.

Electrical engineering provides the hardware and physical layer expertise, computer engineering bridges hardware with computation. Industries often need both disciplines to collaborate closely, so studying both makes sense for students.

Examples of electrical and computer engineering

Electrical and computer engineering grads are prepared to work in nearly every technology-driven industry. They might design microchips for leading tech companies, build renewable energy systems, develop medical devices, create robotics and automation solutions, and power next-generation communication networks.

After completing a degree program like the one at Oregon State, you could find yourself working at global innovators like Intel, NVIDIA, and HP, contributing to the clean energy revolution, or shaping the future of space exploration and healthcare. Wherever technology is needed — from consumer electronics to aerospace — Oregon State’s electrical and computer engineering degree opens the door to high-impact careers.

Electrical and computer engineering focus areas

At Oregon State, you can choose to specialize your degree in electrical and computer engineering by choosing one of the following focus areas, each with suggested coursework to give you an edge in your area of interest:

Computer Systems and Networking

Learn how computers “talk” to each other and work together by studying operating systems, internet protocols, and network design. This focus area prepares you to build everything from cloud systems to next-generation communication networks.

Electronic Materials and Devices

Discover how tiny materials become the building blocks of modern technology. You’ll study semiconductors, sensors, and displays — the components behind smartphones, solar panels, and cutting-edge electronics. Learn more about how Oregon State aims to support the semiconductor workforce in Oregon and beyond, training the next generation of semiconductor leaders.

Energy Systems

Explore how electricity is generated, stored, and delivered. From renewable energy sources like solar and wind to smart grids and batteries, this area gives you the tools to design the future of clean, reliable power.

Integrated Circuits

Dive into the world of microchips — the “brains” inside every electronic device. You’ll learn how to design and build integrated circuits that drive computing, memory, and signal processing in everything from laptops to satellites.

Electrical and computer engineering alumna Tyler Walker shares her knowledge of circuits to middle and high school students through the Building Blocks 2 Success program.

RF, Microwaves, and Optoelectronics

Study technologies that use radio waves, microwaves, and light to send and receive information. This focus includes antennas, lasers, fiber optics, and radar — essential for wireless communication, medical imaging, and aerospace.

Robotics

Combine sensors, circuits, and coding to create intelligent machines. Whether it’s drones, autonomous vehicles, or robots that assist in healthcare and manufacturing, you’ll learn to design systems that interact with the world.

ECE student Thomas Snyder pursued his interest in robotics in Oregon State’s Human-Machine Teaming Laboratory, where he worked on software and hardware for robots that use biologically inspired models to perform behaviors in the real world.

Signals, Systems, and Communication

Understand how information is captured, processed, and shared. This area covers audio, video, and sensor data — the foundation of technologies like smartphones, satellite communication, and digital media.

During her 10-week internship with Medtronic in Boston, ECE student Lesly Rojas worked to strengthen software communication protocols in the Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery System. She focused on minimizing data loss between components of the system by ensuring a communications simulator stores data properly.