Explore ECE Majors & Specialization Tracks
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) offers two distinct majors with several specialization tracks to choose from.
Choose Your Major
Computer Engineering Track Plan
4-Year Suggested Course Plan
Year 1
- ENGL 160/161 - Academic Writing I/II
- MATH 180/181 - Calculus I/II
- CHEM 122/123 - Chemistry I + Lab
- CS 111 - Program Design I
- ECE 115 - Intro to ECE
- PHYS 141/142 - General Physics I/II (Mechanics/E&M)
Year 2
- MATH 210 - Calculus III
- MATH 220 - Differential Equations
- CS 141 - Program Design II
- CS 211 - Programming Practicum
- ECE 225 - Circuit Analysis
- ECE 265 - Digital Systems
- CS 251 - Data Structures
- General Education Courses
Year 3
- ECE 341 - Programming for Engineers (or CS 261)
- ECE 366 - Intro to Embedded Systems
- ECE 311 - Electronic Circuits I
- ECE 331 - Fields and Waves I
- ECE 342 - Data Structures and Algorithms (if not CS 251)
- STAT 381 - Probability & Statistics
- Technical Electives
- General Education Courses
Year 4
- ECE 466 - Computer Architecture
- ECE 465 - Digital Systems Design (Senior Design I)
- ECE 467 - Senior Design Project II
- Technical Electives (e.g., ECE 468, CS 470, CS 480)
- General Education Courses
Note: This is a sample plan. Consult the official UIC catalog and your advisor.
Top Recommended Courses
- ECE 265 - Digital Systems (Fundamental)
- CS 251 - Data Structures (Essential for software/hardware)
- ECE 366 - Intro to Embedded Systems (Hands-on & practical)
- ECE 466 - Computer Architecture (Core CE topic)
Hardest Courses Warning
Many students find these courses particularly challenging due to workload, complexity, or theoretical depth:
- ECE 225 - Circuit Analysis (Conceptual hurdles)
- CS 251 / ECE 342 - Data Structures (Time-consuming projects)
- ECE 466 - Computer Architecture (Dense material)
- Certain advanced Math courses (e.g., MATH 220)
Plan your schedule accordingly and seek help early!
Professor Recommendations
(Based on general student feedback - experiences may vary!)
Prof. Jane Doe
Pros: Clear explanations, fair exams, engaging lectures.
Cons: Can be strict on deadlines.
Prof. John Smith
Pros: Very knowledgeable, helpful during office hours, interesting projects.
Cons: Lectures can sometimes be fast-paced.
Prof. Alex Lee
Pros: Focuses on practical applications, approachable.
Cons: Homework can be demanding.
Electrical Engineering Track Plan
Electrical Engineering roadmap content will be displayed here. Please check back soon for updates.
Specialization Tracks
Both CE and EE students can specialize in these tracks by taking four courses within a track (including all fundamental courses).
Analog & Mixed-Signal Circuits
Design and analyze analog systems like amplifiers, filters, and power circuits.
Communications
Study digital and wireless communications theory and implementation.
Computer & Networked Systems
Focus on processors, memory systems, and network optimization.
Control, Robotics & Embedded Systems
Design systems that modulate input to produce desired outputs.
Data Science & Engineering
Handle large amounts of data using machine learning and analytics.
Digital Systems & VLSI
Design and implement digital components from transistors to complex systems.
Electromagnetics
Study principles enabling wireless communications, medical imaging, and radar.
Power Electronics & Systems
Work with smart grids, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.
Signal Processing
Manipulate signals for speech, audio, images, and video applications.
Solid State Devices
Study semiconductor theory and device fabrication for electronics.
Generate Your Personalized Roadmap
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