The University of Washington, Bothell has received approval by the state Higher Education Coordinating Board to launch a bachelor of science in electrical engineering (BSEE) in winter 2010.

The BSEE will be the first degree offering in the institution’s new Science and Technology Program, created to help foster the development of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs at the university.

It will provide students with a rigorous educational experience as they learn to master the fundamentals and applications of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. Through the course of study, students will learn design, teamwork, ethics, entrepreneurship and civic responsibility as they understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context.

Says Arnold Berger, chair of the Electrical Engineering Faculty Committee: “The BSEE program combines the rigor of an engineering education with the core values of UW-Bothell; small classes and close collaboration with faculty dedicated to your success. Best of all, it is designed as a hybrid program, combining both online and onsite courses to meet the needs of traditional and nontraditional students.”

Due to this unique configuration, the degree program appeals most to working students, as well as students from remote areas of the state and those who desire a nontraditional program of study.

The UW-Bothell BSEE is modeled after Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology-approved programs and will prepare students to meet the critical needs of technology driven employers in the Puget Sound region. Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural class. Information is available at www.uwb.edu/ee.