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  3. What is ECE?

What is ECE?

Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)  is at the crossroads of hardware and software – the integration of these tools to create better, faster, safer technologies for things like cars, aircraft, computers, smartphones, or surgical robots. We create, innovate and design technologies in robotics, computing, communications, electronics and automation.

What is Rice ECE?

Rice ECE is: Rewiring the Brain. Lensless Cameras. Faculty RockStars (Really). Solar-Powered Steam. Invisibility Cloaks. Predicting and Preventing Seizures. Fighting Parkinson's Disease. Modifying Memory to treat PTSD. Reading and Writing Brain Activity. Oil Reservoir Exploration. Curing Cancer. Wireless to the Underserved. National Security. Machines that Learn. Rice was recently ranked by Zippia as the Best School for EE Majors in Texas!

Who are Electrical and Computer Engineers?

Electrical and Computer Engineers are a diverse, smart, creative group of problem-solvers who innovate, create, and design technology that improves the world.  Smartphones, GPS, cars, and even things like healthcare and national security would not exist as they do today without us! ELECs are at the heart of the intersection of innovation and technology. We make cool technologies to change the world.

Our graduates go on to work in almost every industry imaginable, including: health care, oil & gas, the space industry, gaming, renewable energy, national security, etc. In addition, the starting salary for ECE majors is one of the highest there is – around $70,000. And the median lifetime earnings for CE’s or EE’s hovers right around $2,000,000. So what will you design as a Rice ECE student? Check out these student projects:

Try ECE:

Visit the EtherNest, a creative, student-run hackerspace, and attend one of their workshops. Introduction to Electronics, Wearable Electronics, Building a 3-D Printer, or even an Electric Guitar Workshop – there is something for everyone.

Want to learn more about what ECE graduates do?

The Rice IEEE Student Chapter hosts weekly Friday lunches, with guests from industry (typically Rice graduates). All Rice students are welcome! Past guests have represented companies and startups like: Chevron, National Instruments, Microsoft, Rebellion Photonics, Schlumberger, Epic, Dupont, Atlas Wearables, HP, Micron, ViaSat, Dell, Synopsys, and Meshify.

What resources are available for women in ECE?

Women ExCEL is a network of women in ECE that aims to provide community, mentoring, and cultural enrichment for students. This network serves to promote career opportunities and cultivate women in leadership. The SHElecs: Undergraduate Women in Electrical Engineering, is a student organization on campus for supporting undergraduate women in electrical engineering. They empower ECE women through community, networking, and mentorship. Email shelecs@rice.edu. The Society of Women Engineers encourages women to pursue and achieve their full potential in science and engineering related fields. 

Are there opportunities for study abroad?

Yes! ECE students can, and do, study abroad.  As an engineer, you will be called to solve problems and find solutions on a global scale; study abroad is the ideal opportunity for you to gain the skills necessary to function in this global context. For more information on Study Abroad, click here. 

Want to know more?

Hear Senthil Natarajan '17 talk about his Rice experience. Senthil used his four years at Rice to explore his passion for sports and technology. “I think the number one thing I describe about my time at Rice is the fact that it’s allowed me to not be restrictive by what my degree is.” Natarajan said. “I came into Rice as an engineering student but I’ve never been forced to follow the traditional path.” Natarajan has his own startup, Ziel Solutions, that is developing a sensory sleeve for baseball pitchers to help reduce their risk of injury. 

 

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