Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is ideal for students excited about designing and analyzing electrical systems that power everything from household devices to industrial technology. Graduates gain expertise in circuits, signal processing, power systems, and electromagnetics, preparing them for careers as electrical engineers, power systems analysts, or telecommunications specialists in industries like energy, aerospace, and electronics.
Program Overview
The Electrical Engineering bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to design, develop, and improve the electrical systems that power our world. From circuits and electronics to renewable energy, robotics, and telecommunications, this program offers a strong technical foundation paired with innovative problem-solving and teamwork skills. As a student at Kentucky’s flagship research institution, you’ll learn from expert faculty actively engaged in advancing the field, and you'll apply your knowledge through collaborative projects and a senior capstone design experience that mirrors real-world engineering challenges. Students can also enhance their studies with specialized undergraduate certificates in areas like power and energy or nanoscale engineering. Graduates are prepared for impactful careers in industries such as energy, aerospace, technology, and communications—making this a dynamic program for those ready to lead in an increasingly electrified world.
The First Year Engineering Experience
All first-year Engineering majors participate in the First Year Experience Program offered by the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. The First-Year Engineering (FYE) Program is designed to orient students to the wide range of engineering disciplines and allows students to take engineering classes on day one. FYE classes present foundational knowledge from all our undergraduate majors and equip students with the confidence to pursue any degree program they are interested in.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by ABET, the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. This accreditation ensures that our programs meet the highest standards of quality and prepare students to enter the global workforce as well-qualified engineering professionals. Read more about this accreditation.
Related Careers
- Electrical Engineer
- Power Systems Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Embedded Systems Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Signal Processing Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
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FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Electrical Engineering" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
The minimum entry requirements for admission into the Pigman College of Engineering as a first-time freshmen student are both:
- ACT math score of 25 or higher, or the SAT equivalent of 590 or higher, and an
- Unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Additionally, students must meet the minimum Kentucky statewide academic readiness requirements for Reading and Writing to be admitted to the Pigman College of Engineering:
- Reading: Students must have an ACT Reading subscore of 20 or above (or SAT subscore of 25 or above in Critical Reading);
- English/Writing: Students must have an ACT English subscore of 18 or above (or SAT of 25 or above in Writing).
- Students who do not meet the reading/writing requirements will be required to take the ACCUPLACER exam and receive a score of 244 or better.
- Students who do not meet the minimum score on the ACCUPLACER will be required to take APP courses (UK 120 for Reading and UK 130 for Writing) and can be considered for admission to the College of Engineering after successful completion of these courses.
Test scores do not have to come directly from the testing agency. ACT/SAT scores listed on your official high school transcript are acceptable too.
Optional Test Scores
If you cannot take or choose not to submit ACT or SAT scores with your admission application, admission into the Pigman College of Engineering as a first-time freshmen student is based on meeting one of the following:
- 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and calculus on transcript
- 3.3 unweighted high school GPA and pre-calculus on transcript
- 3.65 unweighted high school GPA
Alternative Admission Routes
For students who meet the 3.0 high school GPA requirement but not the ACT/SAT requirement or the test optional requirements, alternative admission routes include:
- A score of 3 or above on the Calculus AB portion of the Advanced Placement Exam, or
- Eligibility to enter MA 110 based on the proctored UK Math Department Placement Exam. Learn more about the proctored ALEKS math placement exam and register to take it.
Students who are not initially admitted into the Pigman College of Engineering may apply at a later date as a transfer student.
Transfer Students
Engineering has established transfer pathways with nearly two dozen partner institutions enabling students to seamlessly transfer into any of our degree programs.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
“Nigeria has poor power distribution and transmission systems, so I'm trying to hone my skills in the power sector so I can eventually go back home and contribute toward solving some of the problems.”
Edward Ojini
Graduate student in Electrical Engineering
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Join the Engineering Living Learning Program
The ELLP provides a welcoming community for engineering and computer science students to be supported academically and establish meaningful connections with other students.
This residential experience complements classroom expectations by integrating students into the engineering community with programs centered on professional development and academic support. In addition, the ELLP provides students with opportunities to interact with College of Engineering faculty, alumni, industry partners, academic advisors, engineering student organizations, and Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are hand-selected to support new students during their transition to the University of Kentucky.
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
