Overview & History
Santa Clara University (SCU), founded in 1851, stands as a premier institution of higher learning deeply rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic educational tradition. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world's most innovative and entrepreneurial region—the university blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, housed within the esteemed School of Engineering, exemplifies this mission by educating students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The department is dedicated to preparing graduates for impactful careers in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. With a stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus that is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís, SCU provides an inspiring backdrop for academic excellence and personal growth. The university's 171-year commitment to student-focused learning has cultivated an environment known for strong student engagement, excellence across the curriculum, and exceptional retention and graduation rates.
Academic Programs & Faculties
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a robust array of academic programs designed to meet the diverse needs of aspiring engineers. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, which requires a minimum of 190 units and includes comprehensive coursework in mathematics, natural sciences, and core engineering principles. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to engage in cooperative education experiences, study abroad programs, and community-based engineering design (ENGR 110). For those looking to accelerate their education, the department offers a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science program, enabling full-time students to complete both degrees within five years. Additionally, a Minor in Electrical Engineering is available, requiring foundational courses in circuits and electronics alongside upper-division electives. The faculty comprises dedicated educators and researchers who guide students through rigorous academic challenges and hands-on research opportunities, such as undergraduate research (ECEN 199) and peer education experiences.
Campus & Facilities
Santa Clara University boasts state-of-the-art facilities that support the innovative work of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. Key academic buildings include the Heafey-Bergin building and the newly established Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation, which foster collaborative learning and interdisciplinary research. The department is supported by well-equipped laboratories tailored for both lower-division foundational courses and advanced upper-division research. Notable facilities include the Electromagnetics and Communications Laboratory, which provides a full range of modern RF measurement capabilities up to 22 GHz, vector network analyzers, and complete production facilities for prototyping printed microwave circuits and antennas. Furthermore, the Thermal and Electrical Nanoscale Transport (TENT) Laboratory, uniquely located inside the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, conducts cutting-edge research in nanoscale science and technology. This lab facilitates the modeling, simulation, and characterization of devices and circuits, focusing on silicon heterostructures, carbon nanostructures, and high-frequency device parameter extraction.
Student Life & Community
Student life within the Electrical and Computer Engineering department is vibrant and deeply integrated with the broader Santa Clara University community. The Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person is evident in the emphasis on community-based engineering design and social consciousness. Students are encouraged to apply their technical skills to solve real-world problems, particularly those affecting underserved communities. The department fosters a collaborative environment where peer education and cooperative education experiences are highly valued. Students have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research, working closely with faculty on innovative projects. Beyond academics, SCU offers a rich campus life with numerous student organizations, professional societies, and extracurricular activities. The university's location in Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to internships, networking events, and industry partnerships, allowing students to seamlessly transition from academic life to professional careers.
Rankings & Reputation
Santa Clara University is consistently recognized as one of the top universities in the nation, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and student success. According to U.S. News & World Report, SCU is ranked No. 55 among the "Best National Universities" and No. 14 for "Best Undergraduate Teaching." The School of Engineering is also highly regarded, with the undergraduate engineering programs ranked No. 123 nationally. Forbes ranks SCU No. 43 among Private Colleges and No. 12 in the "Top 25 Colleges with Highest Earning Graduates." PayScale places SCU in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates and ranks it No. 9 on the "Best Universities for a Bachelor's Degree" list. The Princeton Review highlights the university's exceptional facilities, ranking it No. 21 for "Best Science Lab Facilities," and recognizes the Career Center as No. 13 among all U.S. private colleges. These accolades underscore SCU's reputation as a premier institution that delivers exceptional value and outstanding career outcomes for its graduates.
Accreditation & Recognition
Maintaining the highest standards of academic quality, the degree programs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are rigorously evaluated and accredited. The Bachelor of Science programs in Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering are all accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Additionally, the Computer Science and Engineering program holds accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. This dual accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets the stringent requirements of the engineering profession and prepares students to enter the global workforce with recognized and respected credentials. The university's commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to ABET standards guarantees that graduates possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding to excel in their respective fields.
Notable Alumni
Santa Clara University has a proud history of producing distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, including engineering, business, and public service. The university's rigorous academic environment and emphasis on leadership have cultivated elite scholars, including numerous Fulbright Scholars and four Rhodes Scholars. Graduates of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department leverage their education and the university's strategic location in Silicon Valley to secure prominent positions in leading technology companies, research institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures. The strong alumni network provides current students with invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry connections, further enhancing the value of an SCU degree and ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to drive innovation and societal progress.
Global Partnerships
Recognizing the importance of a global perspective in engineering education, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering actively promotes international engagement and strategic partnerships. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs, which allow them to gain diverse cultural experiences and broaden their understanding of global engineering challenges. A standout example of SCU's impactful partnerships is the collaboration with the NASA Ames Research Center, which houses the department's Thermal and Electrical Nanoscale Transport (TENT) Laboratory. This unique partnership facilitates interdisciplinary research and provides students with extraordinary opportunities to work alongside leading scientists and engineers on cutting-edge aerospace and nanotechnology projects. Through these global and institutional partnerships, SCU ensures that its engineering graduates are prepared to tackle complex, interconnected problems on a global scale.