Table of Contents

Department Advising Contacts

Departmental Resources and Opportunities

Other Opportunities and Resources

Electrical Engineering Curriculum Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required for any course that is a prerequisite for a subsequent course.

These requirements are specific to students entering the university under the fall 2023Ìýcatalog year. If you matriculated prior to fall 2023, please refer to the ECEE Curriculum Flowchart Archives page.

It is the responsibility of each student to be certain that they have met all degree requirements and to keep the department informed of any change in graduation plans.

Download EEEN Flowchart

Download Archived Flowcharts

Humanities, Social Sciences & Writing (18 credits)

  • Lower-Division (1xxx/2xxx) H&SS Electives (9)
  • Upper-Division (3xxx/4xxx) H&SS Electives (6)
  • Writing Requirement (3)

Math (19 hours)

Minimum C- grade required:

  • APPM 1350 Calculus 1 for Engineers (4) (Recommended)
    • orÌýMATH 1300
  • APPM 1360 Calculus 2 for Engineers (4) (Recommended)
    • orÌýMATH 2300
  • APPM 2350 Calculus 3 for Engineers (4) (Recommended)
    • orÌýMATH 2400
  • APPM 2360 Diff Equations w/ Linear Algebra (4)
  • ECEN 3810 Probability (3) (Recommended) Minimum D- grade, except when using course as a prerequisite
    • Or one of the following: APPM 3570 Applied Probability, MATH 4510 Introduction to Probability Theory, STAT 3100 Applied Probability

Physics (9 hours)

  • PHYS 1110 General Physics 1 (4)
  • PHYS 1120 General Physics 2 (4)
  • PHYS 1140 Experimental Physics 1 (1)

Freshman Elective (3 hours)

Choose One:

  • ECEN 1400 Intro to Digital/Analog Elect. (3) (Recommended)
  • GEEN 1400 Engineering Projects (3)
  • __________ Engineering Projects from other Engr. Dept. (3)

Transfer students can replace these credits with additional Upper Division Technical Electives

Freshman Seminar (1 hour)

Choose One:

  • ECEN 1100 Freshman Seminar (1) (Recommended)
  • Freshman Seminar from other Engr. Dept. (1)

Transfer students can replace these credits with additional Upper Division Technical Electives

General Science Elective (3-5 hours)

Choose One:

  • PHYS 2130 General Physics 3 (3)
  • EBIO 1210 General Biology 1 (lab optional) (3)
    • With or without EBIO 1230 General Bio. Lab (1)
  • MCDB 1150 Intro to Molecular Biology (3)
    • Recommended for students interested in the Biomedical Engineering Minor
  • IPHY 3410 Intro to Human Anatomy (3)
  • CHEN 1201 General Chemistry for Engineers (4)
  • CHEN 1211 Accelerated Chemistry for Engineers (4)
  • CHEM 1113 General Chemistry 1* (4)
    • *This refers to transfer credit or Advanced Placement (AP) credit. Engineering students are not allowed to take CHEM 1113

Computer Programing (4 hours)

  • CSCI 1300 Computer Science 1: Starting Computing (4)

Sophomore Electives (6 hours)

Choose Two:

  • ECEN 2410 Renewable Energy (3) (Offered in Spring)
  • ECEN 2420 Electronics for Wireless Communication (3) (Offered in Spring)
  • ECEN 2440 Applications of Embedded Systems (3) (Offered in Fall)
  • Additional approved Special Topics if offered (ECEN 2060)

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ can replace these credits with additional Upper Division Technical Electives

Electrical Engineering Core (18 hours)

Minimum C- grade required:

  • ECEN 2250 Intro to Circuits & Electronics (3)
  • ECEN 2260 Circuits as Systems (3)
  • ECEN 2270 Electronics Design Lab (3)
  • ECEN 2350 Digital Logic (4)
  • CSCI 2400 Computer Systems (4)
  • ECEN 2370 Embedded Software Engineering (3)

Advanced Analog Core (9 hours)

Minimum C- grade required in the two used as prerequisites for Capstone. Required to take all three:

  • ECEN 3250 Microelectronics (3)
  • ECEN 3300 Linear Systems (3)
  • ECEN 3400 Fields (3)

Final Analog Core allowable at any time, can be in final semester, but if you’re interested in the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program, please note that all three are a prerequisite for acceptance into that program.Ìý

Advanced Concentration Electives (ACE): Electrical Electives (12 hours)

Must complete four (4) approved upper division ECEN courses. Please see the list on the ECEE Advising Website. Keep in mind, this is a comprehensive list of all ECEN course offerings, there is no guarantee that these courses will be offered in a given, upcoming, semester.

Please note, many of the ACE courses have prerequisites. You can and their prerequisites in the CU Boulder Course Catalog.

If you’re having trouble picking these classes we suggest that you go over the list with a faculty member in a field in which you have interest; they can help you decide which course might be a good fit for your interests and career goals.

Technical Electives (TE): (12 hours)

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ must complete 12 credits of Technical Electives to complete their degree. TE’s are upper division courses that are generally courses in the fields of science, engineering and math. In addition to this you may count a combination of up to 6 credits of 3xxx/4xxx level ECON, BUSM, ROTC, EMEN courses or 5xxx level CYBR courses towards TE’s.

Internships and/or Independent Study may be counted for up to 6 credits of TEs with prior approval from the Internship Program Coordinator.Ìý Retroactive credit cannot be granted under any circumstances.Ìý Details can be found on the ECEE Advising Website.

Please view the ECEE Advising Website for a complete list of TE options.

If you are uncertain about any class, please check with your academic advisor

Capstone Design Lab (6 hours)

Minimum C- grade required for both courses.Ìý Make sure you are meeting prerequisites for these courses:

  • ECEN 4610 Capstone Laboratory, Part 1 (3), (Fall Only)
  • ECEN 4620 Capstone Laboratory, Part 2 (3), (Spring Only)

Free Electives (7 hours maximum)

7 hours for students starting Fall 2020 onward. For earlier catalog years, consult your degree audit.

  • Student choice of courses
  • ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ may petition the ECEE department to take these classes on a pass/fail basis

Electrical and Computer Engineering Curriculum Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required for any course that is a prerequisite for a subsequent course.

These requirements are specific to students entering the university under the fall 2023Ìýcatalog year. If you matriculated prior to fall 2023, please connect with your Academic Advisor to understand your specific requirements.

It is the responsibility of each student to be certain that they have met all degree requirements and to keep the department informed of any change in graduation plans.

Download ECEN Flowchart

Download Archived Flowcharts

Humanities & Social Sciences (18 hours):

18 hours for students starting Fall 2018 onward. For earlier catalog years, consult your degree audit.

  • 1xxx/2xxx A&S Core Lower Division (9)
  • 3xxx/4xxx A&S Core Upper Division (6)
  • WRTG Approved Upper Division Writing (3)
    • ENES 1010 (first-year students only), ENES 3100, ENLP 3100, WRTG 3020 Topics in Writing [Irish Odysseys] topic only, WRTG 3030, WRTG 3035, or PHYS 3050

Math (19 hours)

Minimum C- grade required:

  • APPM 1350 Calculus 1 for Engineers (4) (Recommended)
    • Or MATH 1300
  • APPM 1360 Calculus 2 for Engineers (4) (Recommended)
    • Or MATH 2300
  • APPM 2350 Calculus 3 for Engineers (4) (Recommended)
    • Or MATH 2400
  • APPM 2360 Diff Equations w/ Linear Algebra (4) (Recommended)
  • ECEN 3810 Probability (3) (Recommended) Minimum D- grade, except when using course as a prerequisite
    • Or one of the following: APPM 3570 Applied Probability, MATH 4510 Introduction to Probability Theory, STAT 3100 Applied Probability

Physics (9 hours)

  • PHYS 1110 General Physics 1 (4)
  • PHYS 1120 General Physics 2 (4)
  • PHYS 1140 Experimental Physics 1 (1)

Freshman Elective (3 hours)

Choose One:

  • ECEN 1400 Intro to Digital/Analog Elect. (3) (Recommended)
  • GEEN 1400 Engineering Projects (3)
  • __________ Freshman Projects from other Engr. Dept. (3)

Transfer students can replace these credits with additional Upper Division Technical Electives

Freshman Seminar (1 hour)

Choose One:

  • ECEN 1100 Freshman Seminar (1) (Recommended)
  • __________ Freshman Seminar from other Engr. Dept. (1)

Transfer students can replace these credits with additional Upper Division Technical Electives

General Science Elective (3-5 hours)

Choose One:

  • PHYS 2130 General Physics 3 (3)
  • EBIO 1210 General Biology 1 (lab optional) (3)
    • With or without EBIO 1230 General Bio. Lab (1)
  • MCDB 1150 Intro to Molecular Biology (3)
    • Recommended for students interested in the Biomedical Engineering Minor
  • IPHY 3410 Intro to Human Anatomy (3)
  • CHEN 1201 General Chemistry for Engineers (4)
  • CHEN 1211 Accelerated Chemistry for Engineers (4)
  • CHEM 1113 General Chemistry 1* (4)
    • *This refers to transfer credit or Advanced Placement (AP) credit. Engineering students are not allowed to take CHEM 1113

Computer Programing (4 hours)

  • CSCI 1300 Computer Science 1: Starting Computing (4)

Sophomore Electives (3 hours)

Choose One:

  • ECEN 2410 Renewable Energy (3) (Offered in Spring)
  • ECEN 2420 Electronics for Wireless Communication (3) (Offered in Spring)
  • ECEN 2440 Applications of Embedded Systems (3) (Offered in Fall)
  • Additional approved Special Topics if offered (ECEN 2060)

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ can replace these credits with additional Upper Division Technical Electives

Electrical Engineering Core (18 hours)

Minimum C- grade required:

  • ECEN 2250 Intro to Circuits & Electronics (3)
  • ECEN 2260 Circuits as Systems (3)
  • ECEN 2270 Electronics Design Lab (3)
  • ECEN 2350 Digital Logic (4)
  • CSCI 2400 Computer Systems (4)
  • ECEN 2370 Embedded Software Engineering (3)

Computer Engineering Core (13 hours):

  • ECEN 2703 Discrete Math for Comp. Engineers (3) (Recommended)
    • Or one of the following: APPM 3170 Discrete Applied Mathematics, MATH 2001 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics, CSCI 2824 Discrete Structures
  • CSCI 2270 Data Structures (4)
  • ECEN 3753 Real-Time Operating Systems (3)
  • ECEN 3593 Computer Organization (3)

Advanced Analog Core (3 hours)

Minimum C- grade required. Choose One:

  • ECEN 3250 Microelectronics (3)
  • ECEN 3300 Linear Systems (3)
  • ECEN 3400 Fields (3)

Software Electives (3-4 hours)

Choose One:

  • ECEN 4033 Special Topics: Cryptocurrency Security
  • ECEN 4313 Concurrent Programming
  • ECEN 4322 Data and Network Science
  • CSCI 3002 HCC Foundations/User-Centered Development & Design
  • CSCI 3104 Algorithms
  • CSCI 3287 Design and Analysis of Data Systems
  • CSCI 3302 Introduction to Robotics
  • CSCI 3308 Software Development Methods and Tools
  • CSCI 3753 Design and Analysis of Operating Systems
  • CSCI 4446 Chaotic Dynamics
  • TLEN 5842 Linux Systems Administration

Other upper division software courses allowed by petition.

Advanced Concentration Electives (ACE): Electrical Electives (6 hours)

Must complete two (2) approved upper division ECEN courses. Please see the list on the ECEE Advising Website. Keep in mind, this is a comprehensive list of all ECEN course offerings, there is no guarantee that these courses will be offered in a given, upcoming, semester.

Please note, many of the ACE courses have prerequisites. You can and their prerequisites in the CU Boulder Course Catalog.

If you’re having trouble picking these classes we suggest that you go over the list with a faculty member in a field in which you have interest; they can help you decide which course might be a good fit for your interests and career goals.

Technical Electives (TE): (12 hours)

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ must complete 12 credits of Technical Electives to complete their degree. TE’s are upper division courses that are generally courses in the fields of science, engineering and math. In addition to this you may count a combination of up to 6 credits of 3xxx/4xxx level ECON, BUSM, ROTC, EMEN courses or 5xxx level CYBR courses towards TE’s.

Internships and/or Independent Study may be counted for up to 6 credits of TEs with prior approval from the Internship Program Coordinator.Ìý Retroactive credit cannot be granted under any circumstances.Ìý Details can be found on the ECEE Advising Website.

Please view the ECEE Advising Website for a complete list of TE options.

If you are uncertain about any class, please check with your academic advisor

Capstone Design Lab (6 hours)

Minimum C- grade required.Ìý Make sure you are meeting prerequisites for these courses:

  • ECEN 4610 Capstone Laboratory, Part 1 (3), (Fall Only)
  • ECEN 4620 Capstone Laboratory, Part 2 (3), (Spring Only)

Free Electives (6 hours maximum)

6 hours for students starting Fall 2020 onward. For earlier catalog years, consult your degree audit.

  • Student choice of courses
  • ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ may petition the ECEE department to take these classes on a pass/fail basis

Miscellaneous Curriculum Notes

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ must earn a C- in any course considered a prerequisite for any subsequent course. This includes classes in the Math and Physics sequences, the Analog Core Electives, and Capstone Lab 1 ECEN 4610. In terminal courses (the last course in a sequence) a D- or higher is required, except ECEN 4620 - Capstone Lab 2, which requires a C-.

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ may repeat any ECEN course in which they do not receive a sufficient grade up to three times; W’s are not considered as an attempt. After three attempts where a final grade was assigned the student must petition to take the course a fourth time. If the petition is denied and the course is required the student will be released from the major. Ìý

CEAS Repeated Courses Policy - A student may not enroll more than three times in a course that applies towards degree requirements; furthermore, after the third attempt, a student may not substitute an equivalent course. This means that a student has a maximum of three opportunities to show sufficient mastery of a particular subject area, whether the course is from CU-Boulder or through another collegiate institution. Furthermore, the most recent occurrence of the subject is the grade which is applied (e.g., to meet a grade required for a prerequisite course). If a student has earned AP or IB college credit and then subsequently enrolls in that course content, the later grade is applied. All grades will be employed to calculate grade point averages, including any courses which are repeated, unless the grade replacement policy has been invoked.Ìý ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ are not to register for courses (or course equivalents) in which they already have received a satisfactory grade (i.e., met the minimum grade needed for a prerequisite course, or earned D- or higher if not a prerequisite course).
/engineering-advising/get-your-degree/academic-expectations-policies

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ must petition to take courses Pass/Fail. In ECEE, students may only count Pass/Fail coursework towards their Free Electives and this must be approved by petition.Ìý

Other Important Publications and Links

  • ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Catalog: Degree requirements, academic standards, administrative regulations, university policies and procedures -
  • College Information: College of Engineering & Applied Science requirements, rules and regulations - ÌýÌý
  • Registrar’s Office: Deadlines, instructions for registration and drop/add, transcript requests, calendars –

Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ must complete 15 credit hours of approved courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences and 3 credit hours of an approved writing course. These courses are all included in the 18 total hours required for Humanities & Social Sciences in the online degree audit.

See for assistance in selecting approved courses. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ must petition for any exceptions.

Graduation Checklist

  • Successfully complete a minimum of 128 credits to program according to the curriculum in effect at the time the student was officially admitted to the EEEN or ECEN degree program.Ìý The last 45 credit hours must be earned as a degree student in classes at the Boulder campus after admission to the College of Engineering and Applied Science unless exempted by prior petition.
  • Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00Ìýor better in all courses taken at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ (all campuses) as well as a grade point average of 2.00Ìýor better in all courses taken from, or cross listed in, the Department of Electrical, ComputerÌýand Energy Engineering.
  • All Engineering students must satisfy any outstanding MAPS deficiencies prior to graduation.ÌýThese deficiencies are often resolved in the first year or two of enrollment in the College, but students may need to be intentional about course selection in order to satisfy these requirements concurrently with major-specific requirements.
  • Meet with the Undergraduate Advisor two semesters prior to intended graduation for a comprehensive review and approval of remaining courses needed to satisfy graduation requirements.
  • ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ must formally apply for graduation through Buff Portal.ÌýDeadlines for completion of the application process will be announced by the Registrar’s Office and the Engineering Dean’s Office.

It is the responsibility of each student to be certain that they have met all degree requirements and to keep the Department informed of any change in graduation plans.