The new Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)
will keep all major courses of study intact and foster increased
multidisciplinary collaboration between students and faculty researchers.
South Dakota
Mines is merging the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer
Science and Engineering into one department.
The new Department of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Science (EECS) will keep all major courses of study intact and foster increased
multidisciplinary collaboration between students and faculty researchers.
Jeff McGough, Ph.D., professor and current department
head of computer science and engineering, will lead the new EECS department.
“We are very excited about the merger,” says McGough.
“It will allow greater collaboration between faculty and students. We will have
more opportunities for interdisciplinary projects and enhance our support for
our students.”
Modern technology, whether it be artificial
intelligence, machine learning, avionics, or designing a new smart electrical
grid, requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Mines’ new EECS department will
foster connections between faculty and students to best leverage both
innovation and research funding.
"Electrical engineering, computer engineering,
and computer science as majors are a natural fit together here on campus and
out in industry. Our students will be able to take advantage of a broad range
of classes to tailor their degree to their interests and abilities, all while
staying in one department," says Tom Montoya, Ph.D., associate professor and current interim head of the Department of
Electrical Engineering.
Mines’ world-class education in these fields of
study will continue, and students in the new EECS department will see no change
to their coursework in undergraduate and graduate programs, minors, or
specializations. The merger will make it easier for students to double major or
pursue minors across the programs. Students will also find enhanced research
and team-based problem-solving opportunities that more closely mirror the
modern industry environment where multidisciplinary teams of engineers,
scientists and professionals work toward the same goal.
“This merger brings
two already strong academic departments together to make the programs even
stronger, which will greatly benefit our students. It also increases efficiency
and saves resources while maximizing our collaboration potential. I am excited
to see the innovation and research opportunities that will emerge from this
reorganization,” says Mines President Jim Rankin.