Chapman University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme emphasises core electrical and electronic engineering principles alongside practical design and laboratory work. You will study foundational mathematics and physics and progress through key engineering topics such as circuit analysis, analogue and digital electronics, signals and systems, electromagnetics, microprocessors and embedded systems, control systems, and communications. Coursework balances lectures with laboratory sessions where you build, test and troubleshoot hardware and firmware.

• Core modules: circuit theory, analogue electronics, digital logic and systems, signals and systems, electromagnetics.
• Systems and design: microcontrollers and embedded systems, control theory and applications, power electronics, instrumentation and sensors.
• Advanced / elective topics: RF and wireless communications, VLSI and semiconductor devices, robotics and mechatronics, renewable energy systems, computer architecture.
• Supporting maths and science: calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, physics for engineers.
• Practical experience: hands-on labs, software tool training (e.g. circuit simulation, embedded programming), team-based capstone design project, internship or industry placement opportunities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary-school qualification with strong preparation in mathematics and physics. Recommended school subjects include advanced mathematics (pre-calculus or calculus), physics and, if available, computer science or engineering technology. Admissions typically consider academic record, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement demonstrating interest in engineering and examples of analytical/problem-solving experience.

Some applicants will have prior hands-on experience from makerspaces, robotics clubs or summer engineering programmes; such practical experience can strengthen an application. Incoming students should be prepared for a rigorous programme with substantial STEM content from the first year.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of technical roles across industries that design, build and maintain electronic and electrical systems. Typical job titles include electrical engineer, electronics design engineer, embedded systems engineer, controls engineer, test and validation engineer, RF/wireless engineer, hardware engineer and systems integrator.

Employment sectors include consumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace and defence, automotive and autonomous systems, renewable energy and utilities, semiconductor and hardware manufacturing, and research organisations. Many graduates also progress to graduate study (master’s or PhD) in specialised areas such as power systems, communications, microelectronics or robotics.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a small-campus environment with relatively small class sizes that allow close interaction with faculty and hands-on mentoring. The engineering curriculum emphasises project-based learning and team design, preparing students for professional engineering practice. Students benefit from modern laboratory facilities and opportunities to work on interdisciplinary projects that connect engineering with applied sciences and business.

Located in Southern California, Chapman provides proximity to a strong regional technology and engineering industry, which supports internship and employment opportunities. The university also offers career services, faculty research mentorship and extracurricular engineering clubs that help students build portfolios and professional networks.