Congratulations! And welcome to Rose-Hulman, even though I am probably about the 53rd person to tell you that. You have joined a group of people-students, staff, and faculty-who work very hard, who thrive on challenge, and who enjoy stretching their minds.

I'm writing because I am biased: I happen to think that Electrical and Computer Engineering is the best possible place for students to study. Some may disagree with me! I know that some of you have already decided to major either in electrical engineering or in computer engineering. Some have decided on another area. Some are still undecided. So in the spirit of being helpful, I'll tell you a little about the majors in our department.

What is electrical engineering? It's engineering built around electricity in some way (which is sort of obvious, but I get paid to say such things). Consider, though, what electricity does. We use it for two distinct purposes. One is to move energy from one place to another; the other is to move information from one place to another. Our curriculum in electrical engineering takes enough of a look at both of those to equip you to enter the job market in either. You can specialize a little during your four years, but specialization is unwise this early in your professional career.

What is computer engineering? It's engineering built around the computer in some way. (See? The obvious!) There is a body of knowledge that is common to computer engineering and computer science, including computer architecture, operating systems, algorithms and programming, and organization of data. The two fields differ at the edges. Computer science leans toward the theoretical areas such as discrete mathematics, language concepts, and compilation. Computer engineering reaches toward the hardware of the computer, including logic design, electronics, and embedded systems.

In either program, you will progress through three major "layers" of engineering study. Engineering is under girded by the sciences and mathematics (freshman year). We build on this with the basics of engineering: electrical systems, thermodynamics and fluids, and mechanical systems (sophomore year). The "meat" of each curriculum comes in the junior year, where you study the fundamentals of your chosen area. Finally, your whole education is brought together by advanced courses and by the senior project, a year-long effort by teams working on projects provided by industry.

Undecided still? You mean I haven't convinced you? Well, don't be too concerned yet, because you have your freshman year to really make up your mind. In the meantime, get busy! I don't mean just with classes-that's a foregone conclusion. I mean, get active on campus and start taking advantage of what Rose-Hulman has to offer. Participate in activities. Meet fellow students. Seek out some faculty members and talk to them. (Yes, really, it's OK to talk with professors!) Visit the Placement Office in the Union fairly soon to look into summer jobs and internships and to become aware of other opportunities.

Feel free to come to visit in Electrical and Computer Engineering, too. We're on the top floor of Moench in the C and D areas (come across the bridge from the main hallway). Now go get busy. 

Voice: (812)-877-8414
Fax: (812)-877-8895
Internet: http://www.rose-hulman.edu
e-mail: frederick.c.berry@rose-hulman.edu