Electrical and Computer Engineering Detailed Handbook

Academic Year 2021-2022

Communications Network Optical

Devices Energy Robotics Control
Information Security Computer
Systems Software Electronic
Computer Aided Design Solid State
Physics Computer Architecture
Biomedical Applications

Photonics Computer Design Real-

time Computing Microelectronics
Circuits Electronic Optoelectronic
Materials Computational Signal
Processing
Table of Contents
TO PROSPECTIVE MAJORS 2

1. GENERAL INFORMATION 3
1.1 OVERALL STRUCTURE 3
1.2 FACULTY ADVISORS 3
1.3 CERTIFICATE AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS 3

2. UNIVERSITY AND GENERAL B.S.E REQUIREMENTS: 4

2.1 WRITING REQUIREMENT 4
2.2 COURSES 4
2.3 DISTRIBUTION AREA REQUIREMENTS 4
2.4 MATH AND SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS 4
2.5 COMPUTER PROFICIENCY 4
2.6 TRANSFER OF CREDIT 4

3. ECE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 4

3.1 FOUNDATION 4
3.2 CORE 5
3.3 MATHEMATICS 5
3.4 BREADTH 5
3.5 ENGINEERING SCIENCE 5
3.6 BALANCE AND COMPLETENESS 5
3.7 DESIGN 5
3.8 CONCENTRATION 5
3.9 INDEPENDENT WORK/SENIOR THESIS 9
3.10 ETHICS AND SOCIAL CONTEXT 9
4.1 TWO GENERIC EXAMPLE PROGRAMS 9

5. MISCELLANY 10
5.1 ACADEMIC PROGRESS 10
5.2 HONORS 10
5.3 INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS 10
5.4 INTERNATIONAL STUDY (PLAN AHEAD!) AND SUMMER COURSES AT OTHER INSTITUTIONS 11
5.5 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH FUNDING 11
5.6 THE FUND FOR EXCELLENCE IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING 11

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TO PROSPECTIVE MAJORS
On behalf of the faculty of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, my warmest
welcome. This booklet outlines the academic programs available within the department. I encourage
you to follow up your reading of this material through discussions with department faculty and
students and exploration of the department's web pages. The most important things you need to know
are the distinctive features of our undergraduate program:

● Rigorous training in engineering fundamentals

● Exposure to modern applications and recent research results
● Participation in independent study/research
● Required completion of seven courses from a wide range of elective courses in the liberal
arts, with the flexibility to take up to twelve electives from outside engineering

At the same time, our program provides the opportunity to:

● Combine studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a wide variety of other fields
such as biology, economics, computer science, neuroscience, and physics
● Complete one of Princeton’s many Certificate Programs
● Take courses in entrepreneurship and engineering management
● Participate in a junior-year exchange program with Oxford University or spend a semester
abroad studying at another institution

A key feature of the program is the opportunity to participate in research, either on a project of your
design or a project in a faculty member’s research laboratory. Students may enroll in independent
research as early as the sophomore year. The Department provides bench space and has a dedicated
fund to support students’ independent projects. The Department also has funds available to support
students attending domestic engineering conferences, whether to present research results or simply to
take advantage of valuable professional development opportunities. There is also funding specific to
those students whose projects have an innovative and entrepreneurial focus.

Our program has been carefully designed to prepare our graduates to excel in engineering innovation
and in life-long learning. The program also offers outstanding preparation for professions in business,
finance, government, law, and medicine. Recent graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of
fields – a set of representative examples is given on the department website. A significant percentage
of our graduates go on to study at the top graduate and professional schools in the country.

In the pages that follow, you will find the ECE Department course requirements and outlines of some
typical academic programs pursued by majors. The Department cannot be described with a few facts
and figures. It encompasses a vast range of topics and activities reflecting the diverse nature of the
field and the varied interests of the students and faculty. I encourage you to visit the department's
facilities and to meet with both students and faculty. We are happy to discuss your interests and
career plans, to answer questions about our academic programs, and to help you design a course of
study that best meets your individual interests.

Prospective ECE majors should see me first for a general discussion about departmental programs
and procedures, and for selection of a faculty advisor. After our meeting, your faculty advisor will
take responsibility for assisting you with academic decisions and approving your course selections.

Prateek Mittal, Departmental Representative

B326 Engineering Quadrangle, pmittal@princeton.edu

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1. General Information
1.1 Overall structure
The Department offers a four-year degree program in Electrical and Computer Engineering accredited
by ABET 1 leading to Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. After entering the Department as
majors, students embark on a rigorous plan of study to acquire mastery of core knowledge in
Electrical and Computer Engineering. The program begins with a set of introductory foundation
courses (information, circuits, devices, and digital logic). The intent of these courses is to provide
essential knowledge for upper-level elective courses and to expose majors to the breadth of this
exciting discipline. This foundation is built upon with two core preparatory and design courses,
followed by a set of department electives that support the concentration area of your choice. Possible
areas of concentration range from theoretical topics (such as communications and network theory) to
more experimental and design topics (such as advanced biomedical circuits). Students tailor their
areas of concentration in consultation with their faculty program advisors.

In addition to the concentration, students are required to participate in two semesters of independent
research in the senior year. However, many students enroll in additional independent study beyond
this minimum requirement.

The program’s flexibility allows students to create a tailored program to suit their interests. For
example, ECE majors may combine their program with studies in biology, computer science,
economics, energy, materials science, management, neuroscience, public policy, physics, or several
other fields. Many majors combine their study of Electrical and Computer Engineering with one of
the many interdisciplinary certificate programs offered at Princeton.

1.2 Faculty Advisors

The ECE Departmental Representative is the faculty advisor for all sophomore and upperclass
students in the department. In addition, each student is assigned a faculty program advisor to consult
in more detail concerning both academic program matters and career advice. Students see their
program advisors each semester to review their progress towards graduation and to have their course
selections approved. Subsequent course changes should be discussed with the program advisor, as the
advisor’s signature is required on any course-change forms submitted to the Registrar. All seniors
should also discuss any course changes with the Departmental Representative and also obtain his
signature on the course-change forms. The program advisors for the various classes are as follows:

Class of 2022: A. Houck (B424), J. Lee (C328), S. Malik (B224), S. Lyon (B428), K. Sengupta (B216), H.
Tureci (B312)
Class of 2023: M. Chen (Andlinger 217), J. Fisac (B316), C. Gmachl (B227A), M. Wang (C326)
Class of 2024: Y. Ghasempour (B322), N. Jha (B220), P. Prucnal (B314), P. Ramadge (B222), A. Rodriguez
(B318), J. Thompson (B328)

1.3 Certificate and Special Programs

Various ECE faculty serve as coordinating faculty for special programs offered by the university.
Some of these programs offer certificates. If you enroll (or wish to enroll) in any of these programs,
you may find it helpful to consult the appropriate faculty in addition to your faculty program advisor
for help in planning your curriculum.
Certificate Program: Coordinating Faculty
Engineering Biology: Celeste Nelson
Engineering and Management Systems: Amir Ali Ahmadi
Engineering Physics: Steve Lyon
Technology and Society: Naveen Verma
Materials Science and Engineering: Alejandro Rodriguez
Entrepreneurship-Keller Center Naveen Verma

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Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., http://www.abet.org.
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 Environmental Studies: Corina Tarnita
Robotics and Intelligent Systems: Szymon Rusinkiewicz
Applications of Computing: Jaswinder Pal Singh
Applied and Computational Mathematics: Ramon van Handel
Sustainable Energy Yiguang Ju
Statistics and Machine Learning Peter Ramadge

2. University and General B.S.E Requirements:

2.1 Writing Requirement
A 100-level course in the subject area of WRI.

2.2 Courses
Thirty-six courses are required for completion of the B.S.E degree in a 4-year program (or 28 courses
for a 3-year program for students granted advanced standing).

2.3 Distribution Area Requirements

Minimum of seven courses in the humanities and social sciences. The humanities and social science
courses must include one course in four of the following seven areas: Culture and Difference (CD),
Epistemology and Cognition (EC), Ethical Thought and Moral Values (EM), Historical Analysis
(HA), Literature and the Arts (LA), Social Analysis (SA), and Foreign Language (at the 107/108 level
or above).

2.4 Math and Science Requirements

All B.S.E students must complete: MAT 103, MAT 104, (MAT 201 or MAT 203), and (MAT 202 or
MAT 204 or equivalent); (PHY 103 or PHY 105) and (PHY 104 or PHY 106 or equivalent); CHM
207 or (CHM 201/201A or equivalent). Requirements cannot be taken P/D/F or audit but may be met
by advanced placement.

2.5 Computer Proficiency

The computer proficiency requirement can be fulfilled by taking ELE 115 or COS 126. The
requirement may not be taken P/D/F or audit.

2.6 Transfer of Credit

At most four courses, excluding programs such as study abroad, may be applied to the 36 required
courses.

3. ECE Program Requirements

3.1 Foundation
All ECE majors are required to take:
● ECE 201 Information and Signals
● ECE 203 Electronic Circuit Design, Analysis and Implementation
● Beginning with the class of 2022, one of
o ECE 206 Contemporary Logic Design
o ECE 308 Electronic and Photonic Devices

This requirement should be satisfied by the end of the sophomore year, although due to course
conflicts in related fields (Computer Science, Physics, …), 206 or 308 may be delayed to the junior
year. All of these courses are open to freshman (308 with a strong high school physics background.)

Note that ECE 206 is a pre-requisite for many courses in the computer systems areaand 308 is
a prerequisite for ECE 341, the gateway to further electronic materials and device courses.
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3.2 “System-Building”
Working in teams, all students must design and build their own “cyberphyical system,” combining
hardware and software concepts
● ECE 302 Robotic and Autonomous Systems Lab ("Car Lab")

3.3 Mathematics
At least one additional upperclass (300 level or higher) math course. Examples include:
MAE305/MAT301, MAE306/MAT302, ORF309*/MAT309, COS 340. This may not count towards
the concentration requirement, the breadth requirement or as a Departmental requirement (See 3.6).
Additional upperclass math courses may be used for that purpose.

3.4 Breadth
At least one department elective course, 300-level or above, in an area distinct from your area of
concentration. The following courses are also possible: ECE 206/COS 306, ECE308*, COS 318, 320,
333, 402, 426, 429, 432, 441,461; PHY 208/305 – must take both PHY208 and PHY 305 (counts as
one). Note: ORF309 cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. Of special note: TigerHub states you
need one course each in two areas. One of your concentration courses will serve as one of the two
needed. This means you need one course outside of concentration and the other course will naturally
fall into your concentration. The departmental representative is the final authority on whether or not a
course can fulfill a requirement.
*ECE206/COS306 and ECE308 may be used for Breadth if not used for Foundation (3.1).

3.5 Engineering Science

An engineering course with a significant scientific component must be taken outside of ECE to satisfy
this requirement. Many courses can be used to satisfy this requirement; note, however, that a course
comprised largely of mathematics or applied mathematics does not satisfy the requirement. The
course used to satisfy the Engineering Science requirement cannot also be used to satisfy the
concentration requirement or the breadth requirement, nor can it be counted as a Departmental
requirement. The following is a non-exhaustive list of possibilities: COS 217, 226, 320, 402, 423,
425, 451, 487; MAE 206, 221, 222, 324, 328, 344, 345, 433, 434; CEE 205, 207, 305, 471; MSE 301,
302; CBE 245, 246, 341, 415, 447; ORF 307, 311, 405, 406, 417.

3.6 Balance and Completeness

ECE students must take at least two upperclass technical courses in each of the last four semesters.
These 300-level-or-higher courses are called Departmental courses. Of the eight Departmental
courses, at least five must be ECE courses. The remaining three courses can be taken in CEE, CHM,
CBE, COS, EEB, ECE, MAE, MAT, MOL, MSE, ORF or PHY. Courses outside Electrical and
Computer Engineering counted towards this requirement must be closely related to the student’s
academic program.

3.7 Design
In the junior year, ECE 302 takes each student through all phases of a design project, emphasizing
hands-on experience while providing classroom guidance. In addition, at least one upperclass ECE
course with substantial engineering design content must be selected from the following: ECE 375,
404, 458, 462, 475, 482, COS 426, 436. This requirement may also be satisfied with junior or senior
independent work, if that work contains a substantial design component.

3.8 Concentration
Each student must develop depth in a coherent area of concentration in the department by completing
three courses in one concentration area. The ten possible concentrations span the core disciplines
within ECE as well as important applications areas. While many concentrations are interdisciplinary,
two of the three courses must be listed in ECE (crosslisted is OK). ORF 309/MAT 309 may be used
to satisfy either the upperclass mathematics requirement or the concentration requirement, but not
both.

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Graduate courses (500 level) are open to undergraduates after the completion of a permission form
containing the signatures of instructor and departmental representative. The permission form is
available from the undergraduate coordinator or you can download at
http://registrar.princeton.edu/student-services/. Graduate courses can be included in a concentration
with departmental representative permission.

P/D/F:
All of the courses described in these sections, 3.1-3.8, must be graded. P/D/F courses will not fulfill
the requirements.

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 ECE Undergraduate Concentrations: the Details
All courses must be 300-level or higher.
For all concentrations, at least two courses must be ECE (or ECE cross-listed)
courses.
3/11/22
Circuits and Systems Security and Privacy
Required: Required:
ECE 304 Electronic Circuits: Devices to ICs (S) COS/ECE 432 Information Security (plan to offer S ‘23)
Two courses from: Two courses from:
ECE 445 Solid-State Electronic Devices (F) COS/ECE 375 Computer Architecture and Organization (F)
COS/ECE375 Computer Architecture and Organization (F) ECE 364** Machine Learning for Predictive Data Analysis (F)
ECE 368 Intro to Wireless Communication Systems (S) ECE 435** Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition (F)
ECE 382 Probabilistic Systems and Information Processing ECE 464 Embedded Computing (S)
(S) ECE 470 Principles of Blockchains (F)
ECE 462 Design of VLSI (F) ECE 472 Architecture for Secure Computers/Smartphones (S)
ECE 464 Embedded Computing (S ‘22) COS 324**Introduction to Machine Learning (F, S)
ECE 472 Architecture for Secure Computers/Smartphones (S) COS 402**Artificial Intelligence
ECE 475 Computer Architecture (S ‘22) COS 424** Fundamentals of Machine Learning (S)
ECE 481 Power Electronics (plan to offer S ‘23) COS 433 Cryptography (S)
ECE 482 Digital Signal Processing (F) COS 461 Computer Networks (F)
* ECE461 Design with Nanotechnologies, no longer offered, but past ** Only one Machine Learning course may be applied towards this
students may use it for this concentration concentration
Data and Information Electronic Devices and Materials
ORF 309* Probability and Stochastic Systems (F & S) is Required:
required. Then two or three courses from the list.* ECE 445 Solid-State Electronic Devices (F) (Pre-req is ECE
ECE 346 Intelligent Robotic Systems (S) 308**)
ECE 364*** Machine Learning for Predictive Data Analysis Two courses from:
(F) ECE 304* Electronic Circuits: Devices to ICs (S)
ECE 368 Intro to Wireless Communication Systems (S) ECE 308** Electronic and Photonic Devices (F)
ECE 381 Networks: Friends, Money and Bytes (not offered ECE 342 Principles of Quantum Engineering (S)
21/22) ECE 431 Solar Energy Conversion (not offered 21-22)
ECE 382 Probabilistic Systems and Information ECE 441 Solid-State Physics I (F)
Processing (S) ECE 449 Micro-Nanofabrication and Thin-Film Processing (S)
ECE/COS 432 Information Security (plan to offer S ‘23) ECE 481 Power Electronics (plan to offer S ‘23)
ECE434/COS434 **Machine Learning Theory (not offered F ECE 557 Solar Cells (not offered ‘21’-22)
‘22) MAE 324 Structure and Properties of Materials (F)
ECE 435** Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition (F) MAE 424 Energy Storage Systems
ECE 482 Digital Signal Processing MSE 301 Materials Science and Engineering (S)
ECE 486 Transmission and Compression of Information MSE 302 Laboratory Techniques in Materials Science (F)
COS 302/ECE305** Mathematics for Numerical Computing & MSE 505 Characterization of Materials (S)
ML (F) * Only one circuits (304 or 481) course may be applied towards this
COS 324***Introduction to Machine Learning (F, S) concentration
COS 402 **Artificial Intelligence **ECE308 does not count if taken as part of the Foundation
Requirement
COS 424** Fundamentals of Machine Learning (S)
COS 429 Computer Vision (F)
ORF 350*** Analysis of Big Data (S)
ORF 363 Computing and Optimization for the Physical
And Social Sciences (also COS 323) (S)
*ORF 309 can fulfill either the 300-level math requirement, or serve as
one of the 3 Data and Information courses, but not both.
-If ORF 309 is taken to fulfill the 300-level math requirement, take 2
ECE courses from this list, plus any other course on this list. **2 of
these 3 courses can be machine learning but not all three.
- If ORF 309 is taken as one of the 3 D&I courses (implying another
300-level math course) take any 2 ECE courses from this list.
***Only one of the following machine learning courses may be
applied to this concentration since they have overlapping
content: ECE364, ORF350 and COS324.

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Computer Systems
Required: Biomedical Engineering
COS/ECE 375 Computer Architecture and Organization (F) Three courses from:
Two courses from: ECE 304 Electronic Circuits: Devices to ICs (S)
ECE 368 Intro to Wireless Communication Systems (S) ECE 452 Biomedical Imaging (S )
ECE 462 Design of VLSI (F) ECE 480 fMRI Decoding: Reading Minds (S ‘23)
ECE 464 Embedded Computing (S) COS 429 Computer Vision (F)
ECE 470 Principles of Blockchains (F) COS 455 Genomics & Computational Molecular Biology (F)
ECE 472 Architecture for Secure Computers/Smartphones (S) MAE 344 Biomechanics and Biomaterials (S)
ECE 475 Computer Architecture (S) NEU 427 Systems Neuroscience (F)
COS 318 Operating Systems (F) NEU 437 Computational Neuroscience (S)
COS 320 Compiling Techniques (S)
COS 461 Computer Networks (F)

Robotics and Cyber-physical Systems Optics and Photonics

Three courses from: Required:
ECE 345 Intro to Robotics (F) ECE 351 Foundations of Modern Optics (F)
ECE 346 Intelligent Robotic Systems (S) Two courses from:
ECE 304 Electronic Circuits: Devices to ICs (S) ECE 342 Principles of Quantum Engineering (S)
COS/ECE 375 Computer Architecture and Organization (F) ECE 452 Biomedical Imaging (S)
ECE 364** Machine Learning for Predictive Data Analysis (F) ECE 453 Optical & Quantum Electronics (F)
ECE 435** Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition (F) ECE 455 Optical and Photonics Systems for Environmental
ECE 464 Embedded Computing (S ‘22) Sensing (S) Added to concentration
ECE 481 Power Electronics (plan to offer S ‘23) ECE 458 Photonics and Light Wave Communications (F)
COS 324**Introduction to Machine Learning (F, S) ECE 456 Quantum Optics (S)
COS 402** Artificial Intelligence MAE 521 Optics and Lasers (F)
COS 429 Computer Vision (F)
MAE 433 Automatic Control Systems (F)
** Only one Machine Learning course may be used for this
concentration

Quantum Information and Applied Physics Energy and the Environment

ECE342** Principles of Quantum Engineering (S) Three courses from:
Two courses from: ECE 445 Solid-State Electronic Devices (F)
ECE 396 Introduction to Quantum Computing (F) ECE 431 Solar Energy Conversion (not offered ‘21-‘22)
ECE 441 Solid-State Physics I (F) ECE 455 Optical and Photonics Systems for Environmental
ECE 453 Optical & Quantum Electronics (F) Sensing (S) Added to concentration
ECE 456 Quantum Optics (S) ECE 481 Power Electronics (plan to offer S ‘23)
ECE 457 Experimental Methods in Quantum Computing (F) ECE 557 Solar Cells: Physics, Materials, and Technology (not
ECE 568 Implementations of Quantum Information (F) offered ’21-’22)
** PHY208 and 305 can be taken in lieu of ELE342, but are counted MAE 424 Energy Storage Systems
as one course for the concentration requirement

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3.9 Independent Work
Independent projects or research projects outside of normal structured lecture or laboratory
courses are a valuable educational experience. Such projects are extremely challenging on both
a personal and academic level, but are also extremely fulfilling. Requirements include both
written documents and an oral presentation. Independent work cannot be used to fulfill the
breadth or concentration requirements.

A Senior Thesis is required. You must have both an advisor and a second reader. The
department does not require a bound copy of the thesis. You will be required to submit a pdf of
your thesis on the Senior Thesis due date determined by the ECE Department.

3.10 Ethics and Social Context

Successful engineering innovation is fostered by core technical excellence, exposure to the latest
developments in the discipline, and an appreciation of the economic, ethical, societal, and cultural context
within which engineering operates. The department encourages majors to draw from the liberal arts programs
for grounding in the social context vital to solving the technological challenges of the future. By doing so,
Electrical and Computer Engineering graduates will find their education to be a strong foundation for
professional responsibility and career development.

4. Generic ECE Study Program and Specific Sample

4.1 Two Generic Example Programs
Two sample programs of study are given below. "Departmental Elective" and "Technical Elective" are
technical courses, normally either Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics,
Physics, other engineering courses, or courses that form part of a coherent pattern of study for students
emphasizing special programs in areas such as engineering and management systems, engineering physics, or
engineering biology. Courses labeled "Elective" are free-choice elective courses selected from department or
other technical courses, entrepreneurship courses or humanities/social science courses.

Generic Example 1: No Advanced Placement in Math/Physics/Chemistry

Freshman Year
Math 103: Calculus Math 104: Calculus
PHY 103: Mechanics PHY 104: Elect. & Magnetism
Chem 207: Materials Chemistry COS 126: Computer Science
Elective: writing requirement Elective: humanities/social science
Elective: humanities/social science
Sophomore Year
Math 203: Multivariable Calculus Math 204: Linear Algebra
ECE 206: Contemporary Logic Design or ECE 201: Information and Signals
ECE 308: Electronic and Photonic Devices ECE 203: Electronic Circuit Design, Analysis
Engineering Science and Implementation
Elective: humanities/social science Elective
Elective: humanities/social science
Junior Year
2 Departmental Electives ECE 302: Building Real Systems
Upper Level Math Elective Departmental Elective
Elective Technical Elective
Elective: humanities/social science Elective: humanities/social science
Senior Year
Departmental Elective Departmental Elective
ECLE 497 Senior Thesis ECE 498 Senior Thesis
Elective: humanities/social science Elective
Elective Elective

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 Generic Example 2: One Course Advanced Placement in Math
Freshman Year
Math 104: Calculus Math 203: Multivariable Calculus
PHY 103/EGR151: Mechanics PHY 104/EGR153: Elect. & Magnetism
Chem 207: Materials Chemistry COS 126: Computer Science
Elective: writing requirement Elective: humanities/social science
Elective: humanities/social science
Sophomore Year
Math 204: Linear Algebra ECE 201: Information and Signals
ECE 206: Contemporary Logic Design or ECE 203: Electronic Circuit Design, Analysis
ECE308: Electronic and Photonic Devices and Implementation
Engineering Science Upper Level Math Elective
Elective: humanities/social science Elective
Elective: humanities/social science
Junior Year
2 Departmental Electives ECE 302: Building Real Systems
Technical Elective Departmental Elective
Elective Technical Elective
Elective: humanities/social science Elective: humanities/social science
Senior Year
Departmental Elective Departmental Elective
ECE 497: Senior Thesis ECE 498: Senior Thesis
Elective: humanities/social science Elective
Elective: Elective

5. Miscellany
5.1 Academic Progress
The B.S.E degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering requires a minimum performance level. Students
are expected to maintain a C average in their Sophomore ECE program courses as well as in the
Departmental courses in the Junior and Senior years. Should a student drop below a C average, the
department will recommend an appropriate action to the University Faculty Committee on Examinations and
Standing. The resulting action will be the issuing of an Academic Warning or the requirement of withdrawal
from the University.

5.2 Honors
The "Departmental Standing," which determines eligibility for graduation and the eligibility for the awarding
of graduation Honors, is based on the average grade of the eight of the Departmental courses with the best
grades. At least a C average is required for graduation and a B+ average is required to be eligible for
consideration for Honors. The awarding of Honors, High Honors, and Highest Honors is determined by a
vote of the faculty based on performance in all technical courses. Typically, independent project and thesis
work are also given special consideration when awarding Honors.

5.3 Interdisciplinary Programs

Interested students may combine their work in ECE with coursework in other departments through
interdisciplinary Certificate Programs such as Engineering and Management Systems, Engineering Physics,
Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Biology, Environmental Studies and Applied and
Computational Math. Students fulfilling a Certificate Program will receive a special certificate upon
graduation. Majors should consult with their advisors to develop an ECE program that best combines their
ECE interest with the interdisciplinary program. Additional material on a Certificate Program may be
obtained by contacting the Director of the Program (listed in the Undergraduate Announcement).

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5.4 International Study and Summer Courses at Other Institutions (Plan Ahead!)

The world is a big place, with many different approaches to life (and college). Living and studying outside
the US can enhance one’s education in multiple ways. Considering the ECE program requirements, a
semester outside the US can best be achieved in the fall of the junior year, and in special cases with proper
senior thesis planning, in the fall of the senior year. Because of the importance of ECE 302, study abroad in
spring of the junior year is generally not a viable option. (The “junior year at Oxford program” does have a
suitable 302 substitute, and is encouraged for Princeton ECE majors.)

Princeton allows up to four courses at other institutions (summer study, semester abroad ...) to be transferred
to your Princeton transcript. While they are transferred without a grade, they may be used to fulfill general
university and SEAS math/physics/chemistry (Section 2 of this handbook) in accordance with Dean of the
College and SEAS policies, respectively, but not the SEAS computing requirement. Summer courses may
not be used for any of the ECE requirements in Section 3 of this handbook, except for 300 level math (Sect.
3.3).

Courses from fall and spring semesters at institutions outside the US may be counted towards all ECE
requirements in Section 3 of this handbook, generally up to two per semester, with the exception of ECE 302
(excepting Oxford as noted above). This includes the eight Departmental courses, although without a grade
international studies courses are omitted from the Departmental-based GPA calculations (Sect. 5.2)

Any intent to transfer courses from outside Princeton to meet any of the SEAS or ECE requirements must be
approved by SEAS or ECE before you take the courses. Plan ahead.

5.5 Independent Research Funding

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, the School of Engineering and Applied Science and
the Dean of the College’s office offer funding opportunities for independent projects requiring financial
support for acquisition of data or other special requirements. Funding requests require the submission of a
detailed proposal and budget. Details are available in the Undergraduate Office.

5.6 The Fund for Excellence in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Funds from this endowed gift to the department are available to support students attending an engineering
conference held in the USA or Canada. Students must submit a detailed request for funding well in advance
of registering or traveling to the conference. Details are available in the Undergraduate Office.

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