Introduction
Welcome to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cal State LA The faculty of the department is pleased to provide you with this information manual. You are expected to read this entire manual. Failure to become aware of the information presented may well delay your graduation! If you have any questions, make sure to ask an adviser.
If you have not already done so, you should purchase a University catalog (the latest edition is the 2005-2007) and a schedule of classes for the current quarter. Keep the catalog throughout your stay at Cal State LA, but purchase a new schedule each quarter. The schedule contains much more than the listing of classes being offered during the quarter. It also contains important rules and regulations. Both of these documents can be purchased at the University Bookstore. The schedule goes to press long before the quarter begins, and changes occur while it is being printed. The most up to date version of the Electrical Engineering class schedule is posted on a bulletin board next to the department office (A342). You should check this schedule regularly to note any changes in classes offered or assigned instructors.
Instruction in Electrical Engineering is offered year round on a quarter system. Each of the four quarters that comprise the academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) is 11 weeks in duration - 10 weeks for instruction and one week for final exams. You may accelerate your program by attending all four quarters, although to maintain continuing student status, you need only attend two quarters within any 12-month period.
You will need a minimum of 45-quarter units to obtain the degree. The 45 units are divided into Area of Specialization, Electives in Engineering, and Electives in related fields as follows:
- Minimum of 24 units in Area of Specialization (500-level courses)
- 400-level courses in Electrical Engineering, including the prerequisites to the specialization
- 4 units outside of Electrical Engineering, typically a 400-level Math course Feel free to talk with any faculty adviser about any problem you may have. As you become more involved with the Department, you will benefit more.
The advisers are available to answer questions as they arise. You are strongly encouraged to see an adviser prior to each registration. Additionally, you must see an adviser your first quarter of attendance. This is an orientation session where the adviser makes sure that you understand all the rules. At the same time, a graduate program is filed. When the Adviser, Department Chair and Graduate Dean approve this program, it becomes like a contract. You may not take any courses to count toward the degree until a program is filed.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is here for you! Use it to your advantage.
