UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Degrees Offered

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) offers two undergraduate degrees. A Bachelor of Arts is a more flexible degree for students looking to pursue areas of interest outside of engineering. The Bachelor of Science is an accredited program that prepares students for the professional practice of engineering or a career in academia.

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree provides a basic technical foundation in electrical and computer engineering through a subset of the core and specialization courses offered by the department. The program leading to the BA degree is not accredited by the EAC of ABET and is often pursued by students as a component of a double major or dual degree program. A course can satisfy only one program requirement within the major. Students who place out of required courses without transcript credit must substitute other approved courses in the same area.

Learn more about the requirements for the BA degree.

Bachelor of Science

The ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) is organized around a core of required courses and a selection of elective courses from four specialization areas:

  • Computer Engineering
  • Data Science & Systems
  • Neuroengineering
  • Photonics, Electronics, and Nano-devices

The BSEE is the usual degree taken by students planning a career in engineering practice and can reduce the time required to become a licensed professional engineer. Accreditation and professional licensure are important for some careers, and many states require licensure for those providing engineering services directly to the public, for example, as a consultant.

Learn more about the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.

Areas of Specialization

Rice ECE undergraduate degrees are organized around a core of required courses and a selection of elective courses from four specialization areas: Computer Engineering; Data Science/Systems; Neuroengineering, and Photonics, Electronics and Nano-devices.

Learn more about the areas of specialization associated with our undergraduate degree programs.

Apply to Rice

All prospective undergraduate students should apply through Rice University's Office of Admission. They can also help you schedule a visit to campus.

Learn more about how to Apply to Rice University.