Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Electrical Engineering Program is to build a leading program of exceptional teaching, innovative research, and dedicated service by maintaining a strong curriculum, highly qualified and committed faculty, outstanding facilities, and the essential funding required to meet program needs.

Program Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes

For our EE Graduates: Penn State Goals and ABET Objectives

The EE Program is preparing graduates for careers as engineering professionals where they will be able to:

  1. Apply principles of mathematics, science, and engineering to advanced studies, the workplace, or societal needs,
  2. Apply methods and tools of analysis, and design, to complex problems,
  3. Attain additional qualifications to secure and maintain employment through lifelong learning, societal awareness, and ethical conduct,
  4. Function effectively in the workplace through communication and project management skills, application of new technologies, professional behavior, and teamwork.

For our EE Students: Penn State Objectives and ABET Student Outcomes

Students in Electrical Engineering at Penn State Harrisburg will demonstrate:

  1. The ability to apply knowledge of calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, statistics, physics, chemistry, and computer science to solving problems in engineering
    • Apply mathematic and scientific knowledge to the solution of
      engineering problems
  2. The ability to design and conduct laboratory experiments and to critically analyze and interpret data
    • Design experiments to investigate pertinent device, circuit, or system characteristics
    • Use appropriate simulation tools to obtain predicted results
    • Conduct experiments using appropriate test instruments and procedures
    • Obtain data within predicted range of acceptable results
    • Relate and articulate data sets to experimental objectives
    • Apply experimental results to implement or suggest design changes to improve performance
  3. The ability to apply knowledge and creativity to the design of components, systems, or processes to meet desired needs within applicable constraints
    • Plan products based on technical standards: safety, quality,
      compatibility, sustainability
    • Awareness of tradeoffs between various circuit specifications
    • Awareness of operating conditions’ impact on performance
    • Awareness of legal, ethical, and political responsibilities
    • Conformance and efficiency of finished projects
  4. The ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
    • Function as a team leader, as well as a member
    • Interact using professional manners
    • Responsibility for research, development, and reporting
    • Conduct an After Action Review (AAR)
  5. The ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
    • Identify a problem
      • Classify the problem as design, analysis or research
      • State problem to be solved
    • Integrate solution methods to solve complex problems
    • Develop a set of specifications that define the problem
    • Develop questions and/or a functional diagram needed to propose a solution
    • Strategize the solution process and weigh alternative approaches
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
    • Discuss the application of IEEE Canon of Professional Ethics
    • Follow professional and ethical conduct while in the program
    • Awareness that engineering decisions affect the health and safety of the public
  7. An ability to communicate effectively
    • Write effective reports, laboratory notebooks, and proposals
    • Present data effectively in graphical and tabular form
    • Use of analogies and/or graphics to enhance discussion of complex concepts
    • Deliver cogent oral presentations
  8. The breadth of education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
    • Meet Penn State University’s general education curriculum requirements
    • Conceive engineered products in consideration of market forces
    • Conceive engineered products in consideration of environmental impact
    • Conceive engineered products in consideration of end-users’ quality of life
  9. Recognition of the need for and ability to engage in lifelong learning
    • Aware of need to engage in lifelong learning
    • Demonstrate information literacy
    • Use of human networking
  10. Knowledge of contemporary technical issues
    • Consider energy sources and consumption in design of a project
    • Select sustainable practices for manufacture and use of products
    • Contrast advantages and disadvantages of emerging technologies
    • Investigate current and emerging legislative and/or market forces
  11. An ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
    • Demonstrate appropriate mastery of outcomes b, c, and e
    • Achieve acceptable technical performance levels on senior design project based on Technical Adviser evaluation
      • Develop a set of specifications that defines the project
      • Perform system decomposition
      • Use and comprehend appropriate terminology
      • Acquire, apply, and document new technologies