Global Recognition
With modern life increasingly dependent on electricity, demand is expected only to expand as more cars run on electricity, more buildings depend on electricity for heat, and artificial intelligence drives up the need for computing power. Finding solutions for modern problems requires considerable research and a lot of expertise.
At Clemson University, the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest and most active at Clemson, with over 50 faculty members who teach and perform research on a broad range of topics. Current research encompasses an array of activities in the general areas of computing and communications, energy systems, intelligent systems, electronics and quantum systems and photonics.
Academic Excellence
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Clemson University represents a dynamic academic community of approximately 500 undergraduates and over 150 graduate students, including 100 Ph.D. candidates. Our comprehensive curriculum spans more than 60 undergraduate and 80 graduate courses, distinguished by an exceptionally low student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized, high-quality educational experiences and close interactions between faculty and students.
Our Research Enterprise is defined by experimental investigations conducted in fully equipped laboratories within the Fluor Daniel Engineering Innovation Building. Faculty and graduate students engage in diverse, challenging research projects, consistently securing prestigious and selective national research grants that underscore our commitment to technological innovation and academic excellence. This research-intensive environment provides students with unparalleled opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking developments in electrical and computer engineering.
Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs
- 40%
CO-OP/INTERN PARTICIPATION
- 2000+
GRADUATE DEGREES AWARDED
- 650
STUDENTS ENROLLED
Department News & Celebrations
Milton Winford and Betty Morgan Holcombe donated $5 million to the University on behalf of the department. The record-setting gift helped to address critical needs in the department, as well as annual funding for graduate fellowships and support for top faculty. Their contribution pushed Clemson University higher as a national institution.
Milton became a pioneer in airborne communications systems, co-founding Electrospace Systems Inc., a multimillion-dollar telecommunications and navigation systems firm that focused on military contracts and is credited with many advances in high-tech communications and defense technology. The company also developed the strategic air command system used by the Air Force to keep the U.S. president in touch with key officials during an international crisis.
The partners later sold the company to the Chrysler Corporation to bolster the auto maker's aerospace subsidiary within the commercial and defense arena.
Despite careers taking them across the South to Georgia, Florida, and then finally, Texas, Clemson was never far from their hearts. Nearly 30 years after they left South Carolina, Betty and Milton established the first endowed Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering and 10 years later endowed the entire department at their beloved Clemson, a first for the University.
Lasting Legacy
In June 2000, the department was renamed the Milton W. Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. In total, the Holcombes have donated more than $6 million to Clemson. Their gifts launched the Milton W. and Betty M. Holcombe Fund for Excellence, which sponsors programs such as undergraduate research for seniors, improved graduate education, visiting lecturers and faculty, and student enrichment.
In addition to their contributions to Clemson, Betty has endowed three academic scholarships and named the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at her alma mater at Winthrop College, as well as a Morgan Family Scholarship at Clemson. In 2023, she was honored by the Clemson Alumni Association, receiving the prestigious title of “Honorary Alumna of Clemson University.” This special designation is reserved for dedicated supporters of Clemson University whose unwavering commitment to the university is unmistakable.
Even though it has been many years since Betty and Milton lived in Upstate, South Carolina, it will always be home to them. Betty says she still gets a little teary-eyed while singing the words, “O’er the mountain height,” especially after so many years of living in the flat Texas plains.
Read More | Holcombe Family Start Your LegacyAwards & Recognitions
Each year, we gather to recognize faculty, staff and students for their accomplishments within the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. The faculty members are a nationally and internationally renowned group of engineering professionals. Additionally, the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences honors those who contribute to the University's strategic plan, Clemson Elevate.
Department Awards College Awards
