Second Bachelor’s Program in Electrical Engineering
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers two pathways for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree:
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (M.S.)
- Second Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
Students interested in the M.S. in Electrical Engineering should consult the university catalog and contact the department’s Graduate Coordinator for detailed information about admission requirements and program structure. Students enrolled in the M.S. program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
This page provides detailed information about the Second Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program. Students pursuing the Second Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) at CSUN is an ABET-accredited program designed to prepare students for careers in modern electrical and electronic systems, advanced technologies, and graduate study. The program emphasizes strong technical foundations, hands-on laboratory experience, engineering design, and real-world problem solving.
CSUN’s Electrical Engineering program offers career pathways in the following subfields:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Telecommunications
- Controls Engineering
- Digital Systems Design
- Electronics, Solid State Devices, and Integrated Circuits
- Microwave and Antenna Engineering
- Power and Energy Systems
Prospective Students
Thinking about switching into electrical engineering or expanding your technical skill set? The Second Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at CSUN is designed for motivated individuals who already hold a degree and are ready to build a strong, career-focused engineering foundation.
Whether you come from science, math, business, or a completely different field, this program offers a structured and supportive pathway into one of today’s most in-demand disciplines.
- Career Transition: Move into fields such as electronics, integrated circuits, microwave engineering, antenna design, power systems, communications, control systems, signal processing, embedded systems, and robotics
- Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience through labs and design projects
- Flexible Backgrounds: Your prior degree counts. Your plan is tailored based on what you’ve already completed
- Graduate School Preparation: Build the foundation needed for M.S. or advanced engineering study
As a second bachelor’s student, you’ll follow the Electrical Engineering curriculum with an individualized plan. After admission, your academic advisor and the department chair will evaluate your previous coursework and identify exactly what you need to complete.
Your journey typically includes:
- Foundational math and physics (as needed)
- Core engineering topics like circuits, signals, and systems
- Upper-division EE courses in specialized areas
- Laboratory and hands-on design experience
- A group senior design project (see current Senior Design Projects)
Application procedures depend on the semester in which the candidate plans to begin the program.
Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 Start
Candidates who are interested in starting the Second Bachelor’s program in Electrical Engineering in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 should contact the ECE Department Office for application procedures.
Contact: ece@csun.edu
When contacting the department, prospective students are encouraged to include:
- Full name
- Intended start term: Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
- Previous bachelor’s degree institution and major
- Unofficial transcripts, if available
Fall 2027 or Later Start
Candidates who are interested in starting in Fall 2027 or later should apply through CSU Apply when the application becomes available for the intended admission cycle.
Prospective students should also review CSUN admissions information, application deadlines, transcript requirements, and any additional university-level requirements for second bachelor’s applicants.
Enrolled Students
This section is for students who have already been admitted to and are enrolled in the Second Bachelor’s program in Electrical Engineering.
Second bachelor’s students should work closely with an ECE academic advisor in the College Student Services center to develop an individualized academic plan.
Contact College Student Services:
- Phone: (818) 677-2191
- Location: Jacaranda Hall (JD) 1501
Advising is especially important because students enter the program with different prior degrees, prerequisite preparation, and transferable coursework.
Advising helps you:
- Understand remaining degree requirements
- Identify prerequisites and course sequencing
- Plan for upper-division Electrical Engineering courses
- Review transfer or previously completed coursework
- Prepare for registration each semester
- Stay on track for graduation
If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, you can always reach out to the ECE Department Office:
Email: ece@csun.edu
Phone: (818) 677-2190
Office: JD 4509
When emailing, please include your CSUN ID number, current academic standing, and the specific advising question so we can assist you efficiently.
Students in the Second Bachelor’s program must complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, subject to university policy and evaluation of previously completed coursework. Course requirements include the following areas:
General Education (27 units)
This requirement should have been completed from your first Bachelor’s degree.
Mathematics and Science Foundation (29 units)
- BIOL 101EN Introduction to Biological Principles for Engineering (2)
- CHEM 107 General Chemistry for Engineers (3)
- MATH 150A Calculus I (5)
- MATH 150B Calculus II (5)
- PHYS 220A Mechanics (3)
- PHYS 220AL Mechanics Lab (1)
- PHYS 220B Electricity and Magnetism (3)
- PHYS 220BL Electricity and Magnetism Lab (1)
- MATH 250 Calculus III (3)
- MATH 280 Applied Differential Equations (3) or ECE 280 Applied Differential Equations in Electrical Engineering (3)
Lower-Division Engineering Preparation (19 Units)
- ECE 101/L Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Lab (1/1)
- ECE 206/L Computing for Electrical Engineering and Lab (2/1)
- ECE 220/L Theory of Digital Systems and Lab (3/1)
- CE 240/L Engineering Statics and Lab (2/1)
- ECE 240 Electrical Engineering Fundamentals (3)
- ECE 240L Electrical Circuits Lab (1)
- MSE 227 Engineering Materials (3)
Upper-Division Electrical Engineering Required Courses (33 Units)
- ECE 309 Numerical Methods in Electrical Engineering (2)
- ECE 340/L Electronics I and Lab (3/1)
- ECE 350 Linear Systems I (3)
- ECE 351 Linear Systems II (3)
- ECE 370 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves I (3)
- ECE 455 Mathematical Models in Electrical Engineering (3)
- MSE 304 Engineering Economy (3)
- ME 370 Thermodynamics (3) or ME 376 Heat Transfer in Electrical and Electronic Systems (3)
- ECE 450 Probabilistic Systems in Electrical Engineering (3)
- ECE 480 Fundamentals of Control Systems (3)
- ECE 492 Senior Design Project I (1)
- ECE 493 Senior Design Project II (2)
Upper Division Electives (18 units)
These electives allow students to tailor the program to their interests and career goals. Students are encouraged to consult with a faculty advisor when selecting electives.
Available elective areas include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Communication Engineering
- Control Systems
- Digital System Design
- Electronics and Solid-State Engineering
- Microwave and Antenna Engineering
- Electrical Power Systems