A retrospective profile of electrical engineering graduates from the FAMU-FSU college of engineering

With the continuing interest in the successful retention of engineering students, particularly underrepresented minority students, many studies have been conducted on the students´ experiences while in college. The results of these studies have been used to identify factors that will enhance student retention. In this paper we take a slightly different perspective. We will present a retrospective look at 278 students who have successfully completed a bachelor of science in electrical engineering degree program between 1999 and 2002 from the joint Florida A&M University-Florida State University (FAMU-FSU) College of Engineering. Florida A&M University is a historically black university while Florida State University has a majority white student enrollment. Students complete their basic mathematics and science credits at their home university and then enter the joint FAMU-FSU engineering program to complete their remaining degree requirements. This exploratory study is not meant to explain why the students graduated, but rather to offer a comprehensive profile of a successful electrical engineering graduate.