Educational Objectives, Outcomes and Mission of the ECE Department

Society has been transformed dramatically by the widespread use of electrical and electronic devices and systems and it is certain that even more dramatic changes are in store. These changes are fast paced and are driven by electrical and computer engineers working in many different areas including bioengineering, communications, computers, controls, electronics, microprocessors, integrated circuits, signal and information processing, wireless components and systems, and software development. The engineering process is complex and practitioners perform many roles such as research, design, development, product application, manufacturing, and system integration as well as marketing, sales and management. Bradley electrical engineering graduates have been involved in all of these endeavors and it is the goal of the Bradley ECE program to continue to educate the next generation of electrical and computer engineers to meet the challenges of the future.

In this dynamic profession, the Bradley ECE faculty recognizes that each career path is unique based on the individual’s particular ambitions, capabilities and interests. By coupling the focus on undergraduate education and depth of faculty expertise with the small student to faculty ratio and design project sequence, the Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty can respond to the needs and interest of each student in the electrical engineering program. However, the ECE faculty also recognizes that there are common elements to success in the profession. These are the ability to acquire, generate, and use new knowledge; the ability to complete complex electrical engineering projects; and the experience, knowledge, skills and capabilities to progress professionally. These common elements for success in the electrical engineering profession are the basis for the educational objectives of the program. These objectives are as follows.

1. Each graduate from the program will demonstrate the ability to acquire, apply, and synthesize new knowledge as required for success.
2. Each graduate from the program will be productive, demonstrate professional growth, and assume increasing responsibility or obtain an advanced degree in the first several years after graduating.
3. A significant number of graduates will contribute to the profession or obtain leadership positions.

In order to meet these objectives, students graduating from Bradley’s electrical engineering program will achieve the following outcomes.

1. A graduate from the program will demonstrate knowledge of mathematical and scientific foundation of electrical engineering.
2. A graduate from the program will demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to apply techniques and technology of electrical engineering.
3. A graduate from the program will complete a design project sequence, culminating in a capstone project at or near the professional level.
4. A graduate from the program will demonstrate the ability to acquire new knowledge as needed for success in the electrical engineering profession.
5. A graduate from the program will meet Bradley’s general education requirements, which are based on the principles of liberal education.
6. A graduate from the program will have experience in communicating technical information and working on teams.
7. A graduate from the program will understand the importance of professional and ethical behavior.

It is the mission of the ECE Department to provide the intellectual and physical environment in which students achieve these outcomes. The intellectual component of this environment is supplied by ECE faculty members in their roles as mentors, advisors, and engineering professionals as well as the curriculum they establish for the programs. The physical component consists of quality facilities equipped with modern instrumentation, components, computers, and software.