ECE Undergraduate Advising Blog

Are you considering a head start on your ECE Degree? This is not required, however, you may take a summer course at a discounted price! The details are listed on our Admissions Website.

Summer 2020 recommended courses for Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering majors who are admitted for Fall 2020:

Do not take a course for which you may be earning AP or transfer credit. Students should not take more than one course from each General Education list (consider any AP or transfer credits you may earn).

One of the following is appropriate for all engineering degrees:
UN1025 – Global Issues, 3 credits
FA2520 or HU2324 or HU2503 or HU2538 or HU2700 (one of these will satisfy the Critical & Creative Thinking core list)
PSY2000 or EC2001 or SS2700 (one of these will satisfy the Social Responsibility/Ethical Reasoning core list)
MA1161 – Calculus I, (if Calc I is the correct starting math course for you)

Computer Engineers may include this as their choice:
CS1121 – Introduction to programming I

Electrical Engineers may include one of these as their choice:
CH1150 and CH1151 – University Chemistry I and Lab
MSE2100 – Introduction to Material Science and Engineering (will apply toward the SELECT approved elective area)

Electrical Engineers who are interested in pursuing a Computer Science minor or Computer Engineering double-major may take CS1121. If undecided, it is OK to postpone this class until later.

CH1150 and CH1151 will apply toward the Computer Engineering degree in the 2nd Discipline math and science electives area. Later, there are will be two other choices, in case you do not want to take Chemistry.

One of the other lower level Humanities, Arts and Social Science courses may be a choice for you, as 6 credits of lower level HASS are allowed. Ensure you don’t have the lower-level HASS already covered from incoming AP or Transfer credits.

If you have questions, please contact the academic advisor for your major:
Computer Engineers: Liz Fujita, liz@mtu.edu
Electrical Engineers: Judy Burl, jmburl@mtu.edu

How hard is it to add a minor?

It depends, but some of the minors fit fairly neatly into the Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Engineering programs. Minors require completion of at least 18 credits, 9 of which need to be upper level and completed here at Michigan Tech.

Check out the list of minors offered in the undergraduate catalog. The page includes links to the minor program audits. It is important to look carefully at the number of credits required, and at what level.

Remember: just like your major, it is your responsibility to make sure you meet all the requirements!

How do I declare a minor?

If you have specific questions about a minor, talk to the minor’s advisor. Sometimes it is the same person as the major’s primary academic advisor, but not always! To formally declare a minor, submit a Curriculum Add/Drop request within MyMichiganTech.

Can I do any minor?

Not quite. Computer Engineering majors (as well as EE/CpE double majors) may not pursue a minor in EE nor CS. The purpose of Computer Engineering is to be a convergence of those two programs, so your coursework has that amount of skill (and more!) built in.

Some minors will fit more neatly into your degree program. For instance, some credits might double-count as electives or fit into your HASS selections. Others will require more work above-and-beyond your degree requirements – but can certainly be worthwhile.

About Common Minors (coming soon!)

Math
CS (EE only)
Physics

The math minor fits well with both Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Depending on how early you make the choice to add a math minor, you can double-count most of the credits with other requirements that you would need to fulfill anyway.

Below are some guides to show you where courses will double-count and what amount of extra work you may need to do. In summary:

Electrical Engineers: With careful planning ahead, you can fit the entire minor into your program. This does not apply to everyone, though – check your personal situation carefully! You may need to take up to two additional courses (6 credits) beyond your degree requirements.

Computer Engineers: With careful planning ahead, you can fit almost the entire minor into your program. If you plan well, you can use one of the two extra courses as your Math/Science elective, leaving just one course above-and-beyond your requirements. This does not apply to everyone, though – check your personal situation carefully!

More details:

Math Minor Requirements (EE)

Math Minor Requirements (CpE)

Online learning could be more difficult, as it is very different from in-class learning, especially if you’ve never taken an online class.
Here are some tips and resources to help you adapt. You can also check out the comprehensive list of resources suggested by Residence Education and Housing Services here.

1. Schedule your classwork at your normal class schedule. Many classes will be delivered online at the same scheduled time, in real-time, so be sure to join in. Do not skip class.
2. Some classes will be recorded and available to view anytime. KEEP up with the lecture recordings and homework as you would on campus. Use the regularly scheduled time for a class, to do homework, listen to the video.
3. Plan extra time for studying. Begin homework and studying for exams early, so you have time to get help. Online help from the instructor may not be available at the last hour.
4. Be self-disciplined and stick to your schedule.
5. Contact your academic advisor if you are unsure of your success or are experiencing anxiety over taking classes remotely. It’s best to talk about your options, and/or what strategies you could try.
6. Be aware of your course homework deadlines and exam dates. Some exams may require a proctor which will need to be set up ahead of time. Seek help with the material from the instructor or virtual learning center.
7. The Covid-19 situation is not an excuse for late homework, missed exams, lectures or lab assignments. (unless you have extenuating circumstances – contact dean of students office)
8. What if you don’t have internet access or a computer? Some of our students may have access barriers. If you do not have adequate technology to complete classes online, please contact it-help@mtu.edu.
9. Use this opportunity to embrace the situation, adapt good online learning habits, and be successful in your academic work despite the new environment. This is a challenge to be met.
10. Do not cheat.
11. Do not fill your time with additional activities that interfere with completion of assignments and study time, such as a job or vacation. You are a full-time student.
12. Read all emails and communications from instructors, TA’s, and advisors and be on top of what you need to do for each course.
13. Ask for help, if you need it.

Liz can be reached at liz@mtu.edu and 906-487-1161
Judy can be reached at jmburl@mtu.edu or jmdonahu@mtu.edu or 906-487-2232

Updated January 7, 2022

Hello everybody!

I am generally available in some format from 9–noon and 2–4 Monday through Friday, with the usual occasional exceptions for meetings, calls, etc. Since I also manage K-12 outreach efforts in the department, there are occasional blocks of time where I will be unavailable. Scheduled meetings take priority over walk-ins!

Schedule an appointment: during the summer, the best way to schedule is to email me (eceadvise@mtu.edu). This is due to the department’s Summer Youth Programs operations and out-of-office days.

Other ways to contact me:

• Email (eceadvise@mtu.edu)
  • I do my best to respond as quickly as feasible Mon-Fri
• Phone (office: 906-487-1161)

-Liz