Experiential Learning in Electrical & Computer Engineering

In addition to the courses you will take at UMass Lowell, there are numerous opportunities to put theory into practice, such as projects, clubs, competitions, co-ops and research experiences.

Co-ops: More than 300 ECE students in the past five years worked at 100 unique companies. The co-op experiences have helped our graduates to find ideal jobs before or soon after graduating.
Faculty-led Research Projects: From artificial intelligence to robotics to solar energy, partner with our diverse faculty to solve problems.
⁠Advanced Lab Facilities: Build hands-on skills in our makerspace and other dedicated laboratories.
Capstone Projects: Gain major design experience, collaboration skills and presentation mastery through managing your two-semester project.
Student Organizations: Work with other students to create and learn through similar interests.

Co-op Spotlight

Electricical Engineering student Thomas Cecelya worked at Zoll from January to June 2022, and Allegro Microsystems, from May to August 2023.

Thomas Cecelya working on microscope during his Zoll co-op

Thomas's Co-op Role

Assist team with in-lab test setups/part exchanging
Bench-to-system analysis comparing Test engineering ATE results with Product Validation bench results for two different current sensors
Developed outline for automating the characterization of overcurrent fault behavior of current sensors
Performed verification testing of a new defibrillator product for R&D team
Designed and assembled a load termination PCB to increase robustness of EMI testing setup
Established automation of test equipment to assist with board-level debug and verification testing
Developed a working prototype device for Advanced Development team to use in NearInfrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) research

Both undergraduate and graduate students have many opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects. Our graduates are well prepared for various roles in the industry, to design, test, analyze, optimize and manufacture products, and to develop software for countless applications. Some of our graduates become college faculty themselves.

The ECE department has a faculty of diverse expertise to conduct research and teach courses in the following areas of specialization:

AI and Robotics: manufacturing, drones, robot vacuums, lawn mowers, internet.
Communication systems: cell phones, GPS, navigation systems, teleconferencing.
Computer systems and networks: microprocessors, embedded systems, digital networks, internet, cloud storage, game consoles.
Control systems: found in all automated systems, vehicles (cars, drones, spacecraft), defense systems, robots, manufacturing, satellites, household appliances.
Power and energy: consumer grids, smart grids, solar panels, wind turbines, generators, power supplies for all electronic devices.
RF/Microwave: wireless communications, GPS, MRI scanners, cancer treatment, physical therapy, RF skin tightening, microwave ovens.
Signal and image processing: music players and instruments, medical imaging (CT), machine/robot vision, facial recognition, object detection, security systems.⁠

The ECE department has well-equipped teaching labs for four core laboratory courses: Circuits I, Circuits II, Electronics I, and Electronics II. During a lab section, each student uses a complete set of testing equipment (including an oscilloscope, a signal generator, a power supply and a computer), to conduct experiments independently. All students are also given a full parts kit for learning and experimentation in and out of the classroom. These kits are for students to keep, including a wide assortment of electrical components, wire, a handheld multimeter, and a breadboard.

In addition, The ECE department has a dedicated makerspace (eMake) for ECE students to create, design and strengthen their hands-on skills.

Many other courses also have lab/programming/software components, such as Intro to ECE, Logic Design, ECE Application Programming, Microprocessors I, Microprocessors II, Advanced Digital System Design, and Computer Vision. The students use computers and microprocessors to conduct experiments, do projects in classrooms, the ECE makerspace, or off campus.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering department maintains an organized and diverse stockroom in proximity to its electronics labs. This 759 ft.² space contains passive components, wire, benchtop testing equipment, soldering equipment, and more. It serves as a central hub for students, fostering efficient time management on project completion for academic needs, including the senior Capstone Project.

Parts are organized systematically in the Stockroom App, which allows registered students to remotely browse through available options. Students can also order additional components through the app.

Seated students interacting in the Makerspace during a presentation

Students gain major design experience from a two-semester capstone sequence in the senior year: Capstone Proposal and Capstone Project. The major objective of the Capstone Proposal is for each student to define the project, including a complete set of requirements, test plan, preliminary hardware and software designs, and preliminary cost estimates. The second semester course, Capstone Project, is concerned with verification of the first semester design, subsequent redesign, final fabrication, testing, and delivery of the system to the client. Students meet with their mentors each week for project management guidance, technical support, and evaluation. The majority of course activities are project specific and are led by mentors with general guidance provided by the course instructor. There are two capstone tracks:

EECE.3991 Capstone Proposal and EECE.4991 Capstone Project: In this course sequence, students work in teams to design, build, and deliver projects in one of several areas. First are assistive technology solutions for individuals with disabilities. Second are industry sponsored projects with companies such as Raytheon and Brooks Automation. Third are faculty sponsored projects. Fourth are projects for contests such as the Collegiate Wind Competition sponsored by the Department of Energy or the Formula SAE team.

ENGN.4017 Entrepreneurship Engineering Capstone Proposal and EECE.4991 Capstone Project: The Entrepreneurial track, in collaboration with the Manning School of Business, involves the development of a prototype of a product along with the utilization of entrepreneurial analysis techniques to explore the viability of a new product idea. The first semester is taught alongside ENTR.4960 Entrepreneurship Strategy Implementation; groups will contain a mix of engineering and business students where the new product idea will be evaluated, and preliminary design work will be started. In the second semester, engineering students take the ECE department capstone where they will implement their design.

A group of students with a faculty mentor, presenting a poster for their senior project

Co-op Spotlight

Thomas's Co-op Role

Co-op Advising Team

Quick Links

This Browser is Not Supported