Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

This programme combines core electrical engineering fundamentals with specialised topics in communications. Early years emphasise mathematics, physics and introductory engineering courses (calculus, differential equations, classical mechanics, and computer programming). Core electrical engineering modules typically include circuit analysis, electronic devices and systems, digital logic and microprocessors, signals and systems, and electromagnetics.

• Communications and signal processing: digital and analogue communications, modulation and coding, information theory basics, and digital signal processing.
• Electronics and hardware: analogue and digital circuit design, RF and microwave principles, antenna fundamentals, and embedded systems design.
• Systems and controls: control systems, feedback design and electronics for instrumentation.
• Laboratory and practical work: hands-on labs in circuits, electronics, communications and embedded systems; software tools for simulation and analysis (e.g. MATLAB, SPICE, HDL).
• Design and integration: multidisciplinary team-based senior capstone design project addressing a real-world engineering challenge, emphasising design, testing and documentation.
• General education and electives: humanities and social sciences courses required by the university, plus technical electives that allow deeper study in wireless systems, optical communications, networking, or power electronics.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma with strong preparation in mathematics and science. Typical preparation includes courses in advanced mathematics (calculus where available), physics and chemistry. The admissions process evaluates academic record, quantitative performance and, where provided, standardised test scores and personal statements.

• Academic background: strong grades in mathematics and science; coursework in precalculus or calculus and physics is expected.
• Testing and English language: standardised tests are considered according to university policy; international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through recognised tests or equivalent proof.
• Additional materials: some applicants strengthen their file with letters of recommendation, portfolio of projects or descriptions of relevant extracurricular activities (robotics, programming, electronics clubs).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for professional roles across telecommunications, electronics, defence, consumer electronics, networking and embedded systems. Job titles commonly held by alumni include communications engineer, RF/wireless engineer, embedded systems engineer, systems engineer, network engineer and hardware design engineer.

• Work in telecommunications firms on mobile and broadband networks, radio access and fibre-optic systems.
• Design and test roles in electronics companies producing sensors, medical devices, automotive electronics and IoT devices.
• Positions in defence and aerospace focusing on radar, satellite communications and secure communications systems.
• Opportunities in software-defined radio, signal processing research, and continued study at graduate level for careers in research and academia.

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU offers an urban campus with strong links to local industry, healthcare facilities and a growing technology sector, which supports internships and applied research collaborations. The School of Engineering emphasises experiential learning through laboratory coursework, makerspaces and a multi-semester capstone design sequence that connects students with real client needs.

• Hands-on facilities: access to electronics and communications labs, prototyping spaces and computer-aided design tools used throughout the curriculum.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: proximity to VCU Medical Center and other research units enables projects at the intersection of communications, medical devices and cyber-physical systems.
• Career support: career services, co-op and internship links with regional employers help students gain workplace experience and professional contacts.
• Faculty and research: instruction from faculty active in areas such as wireless communications, signal processing and embedded systems, providing exposure to contemporary problems and research methods.