Is UC Irvine a good choice for Electrical Engineering majors?

I'm planning my college list and considering UC Irvine for Electrical Engineering. How rigorous is the curriculum, and are there plenty of hands-on opportunities like labs or internships? Additionally, what's the overall student experience in this department? Any advice or personal stories would be super helpful as I continue researching my options.

UC Irvine's Henry Samueli School of Engineering offers a rigorous Electrical Engineering program and is known for its focus on research, hands-on engineering education, and close collaboration with industry partners.

The curriculum is diversified, exploring fields such as nanotechnology, power systems, optics, and signal processing. You would work with prestigious faculty that are actively involved in research and development. Opportunities for undergraduate research are also plentiful, providing students hands-on lab experience.

Internship opportunities are abundant as well, thanks to the school’s strong connections with tech corporations located in what's often called the "Silicon Valley of Southern California." Internship experience is invaluable in electrical engineering, given the rapidly-evolving nature of the field.

As for the overall student experience, UC Irvine offers organizations like the IEEE Student Branch and the Associated Engineering Student Body where you can network and collaborate with other students. It also hosts campus-wide engineering events, like hackathons, to foster collaboration among students.

While all of this information indicates a promising program, it's important to note that your satisfaction with any university experience largely depends on personal inclinations and goals. It can be beneficial to attend virtual info sessions or connect with current students or alumni before making your decision. Best of luck in your college search.