Electrical Engineering
Why Study Electrical Engineering?
Caltech's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical Engineering (EE) degree program unlocks the technologies that define our modern world—from smartphones and medical devices to AI systems and global communication networks. Here, electrical engineering majors prepare to tackle humanity's greatest technological challenges across biomedicine, telecommunications, robotics, intelligent systems, and emerging interdisciplinary fields.
Today's most pressing problems in climate, technology, and business require engineers at the intersection of hardware and software, devices and systems. Electrical engineering provides the foundation to turn scientific discovery into world-changing innovation, whether you're developing medical imaging technologies that assess stroke risk, designing cameras optimized for AI use, or creating brain-computer interfaces.
Why Electrical Engineering at Caltech?
At Caltech, the electrical engineering program readies students to forge innovative careers in three pathways: advanced graduate study, research and development in industry or government, and entrepreneurial ventures. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem and active research faculty facilitate easy collaboration with campus resources to transition ideas from the lab to the marketplace.
Faculty frequently launch startup companies based on their discoveries to tackle pressing societal needs, such as technology for assessing stroke risk. Undergrads contribute significantly to these same projects. This broad perspective on the possibilities in EE, combined with opportunities for ongoing research collaborations with world-renowned experts across devices and systems, helps build technical expertise and lasting professional connections.
What You'll Learn
As an electrical engineering major, you will develop sharp scientific thinking—applying logic, creativity, and systematic reasoning to complex problems. Your technical foundation spans circuit analysis, electromagnetic theory, signal processing and probability models, digital logic, and embedded systems design. The curriculum reflects how modern electrical engineering increasingly requires computing, machine learning, and robotics proficiency to create innovative solutions, from AI-optimized hardware to intelligent systems that learn and adapt.
EE at Caltech deliberately balances classroom learning with extensive laboratory and design experience. You'll work with research-grade equipment, design biomedical devices, and participate in faculty research addressing real-world challenges. This interdisciplinary approach ensures you develop these interconnected skills alongside traditional engineering fundamentals. Communication skills receive equal emphasis—you'll learn to present complex ideas effectively to technical peers and general audiences.
View the Caltech catalog for degree requirements and curriculum information.
Who You'll Learn From
Our over twenty EE faculty (a subset of dozens of faculty in the Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences) span the full breadth of electrical engineering, from device developers to systems experts pioneering machine learning and data processing. What unites them is actively solving problems with life scientists, clinicians, and industry partners. Device-focused faculty work on cutting-edge medical technologies, brain-computer interfaces, and advanced instrumentation, while systems-focused faculty lead innovations in encryption, data compression, and artificial intelligence applications. Small class sizes and a collaborative research environment provide direct access to cross-departmental expertise.
Within electrical engineering itself, there are two major branches. One is on what we call devices. So those are hardware developers. Then there's another big branch of EE, which we call systems, which deals with how you take information, process it, and appropriately analyze it. We typically are looking to solve problems that folks come to us with. In my case, primarily life scientists and clinicians will come with compelling challenges and issues that need good solutions.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of the electrical engineering major enter industry and research environments focused on solving complex technological challenges, from Silicon Valley startups to government research labs to leading technology and computing companies. With robust experience in research and hands-on fabrication and development, students excel in roles such as:
- AI/Machine learning engineers
- Biomedical device engineers
- Data scientists
- Hardware engineers
- Research scientists and engineers
- Semiconductor design or manufacturing engineers
- Technology entrepreneurs
Graduates demonstrate excellent preparation for advanced degrees at top institutions, specializing in a certain electrical engineering subfield or furthering technical innovation in biology, physics, environmental and civil engineering, or other fields.
Curriculum Components and Prerequisites
Students tailor the EE major curriculum in consultation with advisors and follow optional specialized tracks including Circuits & Electronics, Computer Engineering, Intelligent Systems, and Medical Engineering. The electrical engineering program curriculum builds from Caltech's foundational core STEM curriculum, with components including:
- Electrical engineering courses in circuits, systems analysis, embedded systems design, and electromagnetic theory
- Mathematics of electrical engineering and probability models
- Signal processing and advanced electronics coursework
- Senior capstone project or research thesis
- 72 units of advanced electives in EE track or related fields
Pursue a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering at Caltech
Caltech's BS in Electrical Engineering degree program offers several pathways for transforming your ideas into world-changing innovations. From analyzing electromagnetic waves to designing intelligent systems, from conducting laboratory experiments to launching startups—discover how to maximize your potential to solve problems, drive innovation, and benefit society as an electrical engineer dedicated to technological advancement.