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MAJORS MAJORS

Electrical and Computer Engineering

  1. Majors
  2. Academic Schools
  3. Jacobs School of Engineering
  4. Electrical and Computer Engineering

 

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) major at UC San Diego offers students a strong foundation in both hardware and software technologies that drive modern innovation. Students explore areas such as circuits, electronics, computer systems, signal processing, communications, robotics, and machine learning. The program emphasizes hands‑on labs, design projects, and the flexibility to specialize through diverse technical electives. With access to world‑class faculty and cutting‑edge research opportunities, students gain the skills to develop advanced technologies and solve complex engineering challenges, preparing them for careers in industry, research, or graduate study.

Degree Programs

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering Physics
  • Electrical Engineering & Society

Program Highlights

  • UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering ranks #6 among public institutions in the nation.
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering ranks 12th in the nation.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

This page is intended to give some highlights about the program. If you are interested in learning more about the major and its curriculum, visit the department website.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Website

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Co-curricular Programs

Learn how to make the most of your experience at UC San Diego within the context of your major.

Research

Conduct research in your field of study with one of the many research programs available. Research opportunities in this major include, but are not limited to:

ECE Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP)

  • Available Spring and Summer (2 quarter commitment).
  • Open to first-years, sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors.
  • Stipend available.

EMPOWER

  • Available winter and spring, possible summer component.
  • Open to transfer students only.
  • Stipend available.

Guided Engineering Apprenticeship in Research (GEAR)

  • Available fall, winter, and spring quarters (3 quarter commitment).
  • Open to first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
  • 2 units of ENG 20; possible 199 and/or co-curricular credits.

For more details, eligibility, and to explore more programs, visit our Undergraduate Research website.

Internships

UC San Diego offers strong internship pathways for undergraduates through the Academic Internship Program (AIP) and the Research Experience and Applied Learning (REAL) Portal. AIP enables students to earn academic credit while gaining professional experience in fields across all majors, supported by faculty mentorship and an academic component. The REAL Portal serves as a centralized hub for finding research, internships, service learning, and other hands‑on opportunities on and off campus. Together, these resources help students explore career interests, build professional skills, and connect academic learning with real‑world experience.

Find a Program

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to explore study abroad opportunities which allow students to experience the culture and history of another country and gain a global perspective,  all while earning academic credit toward their degree.

Learn more about study abroad opportunities for Electrical & Computer Engineering.

Student Organizations

With over 600 student organizations, students are able to connect with other students who share similar interests. And, if you can't find something that interests you, it's easy to create a new one with just a few other students. Explore UC San Diego student organizations. 

Be sure to check out these organizations related to your major:

  • ECE Undergraduate Student Council (ECE USC)
  • Eta Kappa Nu - Electrical Engineering Honor Society (HKN)
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

What can I do with this major?

Learn about how you can apply your major to various opportunities after you graduate. The information below is based on recent surveys from alumni in this (or similar) majors and is not an exhaustive list. 

  • Recent Employers - Top 10 employers alumni reported working for. 

  • Job Types - Industries and types of jobs that alumni reported. 

  • Skills - Common skills and skills specific to the major that alumni reported gaining from this major. 

  • Graduate Programs - The types of graduate programs alumni reported going to (if applicable)

Recent Employers

  • Qualcomm
  • University of California
  • Amazon
  • Google
  • General Atomics
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Apple
  • Boeing
  • Intel
  • Raytheon Technologies

Job Types

  • Software Developers and QA Testers
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Research Assistants
  • Teaching Assistants
  • Software Systems Engineers
  • Tutors, Teachers, and Instructors
  • Computer Hardware Engineers
  • Industrial Test Engineers
  • General and Operations Managers
  • Industrial Engineers

Graduate Programs

  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Electrical
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Information Science
  • Computer Graphics
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Experimental Psychology

Skills

Common

  • Research
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Leadership
  • Microsoft Office
  • Customer Service
  • Teaching
  • Communications
  • Management
  • Public Speaking

Specific

  • Software Engineering
  • Python
  • Java
  • C++
  • C
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Algorithms
  • Machine Learning
  • MATLAB
  • Data Analysis