What is electrical engineering today and what is it likely to become?

This paper takes an introspective look at electrical engineering as it exists today and poses several questions about the future of EE. While traditional EE departments have been adding computer engineering and/or science degrees and expanding their titles to include the word computer, not all students want to do computing beyond what is essential to their specialty. So what is EE, as distinct from computer engineering, and what is its future? We address this question by examining it from the perspective of university EE programs and the needs of industry and society. As a result of our investigation, we also develop a definitional set of broad areas and specialties that define EE, both now and in the future. We conclude with a recommendation to give EE more curb appeal for prospective students. The perception of service to society is important in attracting students. EE has historically been critically important to society. If whatever form EE takes in the future continues to be of critical importance, we need to be able to convey this to prospective students and attract them to the field.