Electrical Engineering at CSUS: Pros and Cons?

Hey fellow students! I'm currently in my junior year of high school and interested in electrical engineering. How's the electrical engineering program at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS)? I'd love to hear about your experiences or insights related to the course, professors, and overall experience there.

Hi there! It's great that you're considering electrical engineering as a major. I'll give you some pros and cons about the electrical engineering program at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

1. Affordable education: CSUS is part of the California State University system, which means it generally offers a more affordable and accessible education compared to private institutions or the UC system.

2. Variety of courses: The electrical engineering program at CSUS covers a wide range of subjects, such as analog and digital circuits, control systems, communication systems, and power engineering. This allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field and tailor your education to your interests.

3. Industry connections: CSUS has strong connections with local industries and organizations, which means you'll have access to internships and job opportunities in the Sacramento area and nearby companies like SMUD, Intel, and HP.

4. Capstone projects: Electrical engineering students at CSUS engage in capstone projects that help them apply practical knowledge and skills to real-world problems. This experience is valuable in preparing you for the job market.

Cons:

1. Limited research opportunities: As a primarily teaching-focused institution, research opportunities at CSUS might not be as abundant or well-funded as those at larger research-focused universities.

2. Larger class sizes: Some introductory classes might have larger class sizes and therefore less individual attention from professors. This is fairly common for engineering programs at public universities, so keep this in mind.

3. Campus resources: While CSUS has a decent campus, it might not have the same level of resources and facilities as larger, more prestigious universities. This could impact your overall experience, though it's not necessarily a deal-breaker.

4. Campus location: Sacramento is not as densely populated with tech companies as other California cities like San Francisco and San Jose. This may limit off-campus networking, internship, and job possibilities, although the saturation is less intense than in more competitive areas.

Overall, the electrical engineering program at CSUS is a solid option, particularly if you're looking for a more affordable route. While there may be some drawbacks in terms of research opportunities and resources, the strong industry connections and variety of courses offered can still provide you with a valuable education. Good luck with your decision!