Communication Engineering (Formerly known as long-distance communication engineering and low-voltage electrical engineering) is an important field and one of the foundational disciplines within electrical engineering. This discipline focuses on the principles and applications of information transmission and signal processing in communication systems. Students in this major acquire knowledge in communication technologies, communication systems, and communication networks, enabling them to engage in research, design, manufacturing, and operations in the communications sector, as well as in the development and application of communication technologies and equipment across various sectors of the national economy and the defense industry.

　　The research direction of pattern recognition and artificial intelligence primarily focuses on developing new theories and methodologies in these fields, with an emphasis on their application to real-world systems—particularly power systems—to address critical technical challenges. These challenges encompass intelligent signal processing, target recognition for both image-based and non-image-based scenarios, early-warning networks, fuzzy information processing, statistical signal processing, multi-sensor data fusion, and high-speed, multi-channel signal acquisition and real-time processing.

　　Graduates of this major can engage in research, design, technology transfer, and technological development in the fields of wireless communications, television, large-scale integrated circuits, intelligent instrumentation, and applied electronic technologies. In recent years, graduates have been primarily employed in communication systems, high-tech development companies, scientific research institutes, design organizations, financial institutions, civil aviation, railways, government agencies, and higher education institutions. Guided by the principle of strengthening fundamentals, broadening specialization, keeping abreast of cutting-edge developments, and cultivating competencies, this program emphasizes well-rounded development in moral, intellectual, and physical domains, underpinned by a solid theoretical foundation and a spirit of innovation and exploration. Graduates are thus qualified to undertake advanced professional work in areas such as electronic information technology, communications and communication technologies, communication systems and networks, including research, design, operations, and development.

　　The major in Communications Engineering primarily focuses on the theoretical and engineering applications of signal generation, information transmission, switching and processing, computer communications, digital communications, satellite communications, fiber-optic communications, cellular communications, personal communications, stratospheric communications, multimedia technologies, the information superhighway, and digital program-controlled switching. Modern communication technology has its origins in the 19th century, when Americans invented the telegraph. To meet ever-growing technological demands, Communications Engineering emerged as an academic discipline within U.S. higher education and has since expanded rapidly alongside continuous advances in modern technology.

　　As we enter the new century, the field of Communications Engineering is poised to embark on a vast and promising path of development. With the ever-expanding application of communication technologies—spanning everything from outer space to the deep seabed—skilled professionals in this discipline are in high demand across a wide range of domains. China’s recent accession to the World Trade Organization will undoubtedly create even greater opportunities for the growth of its information industry. At the same time, the acute shortage of qualified communications engineering talent has become a significant impediment to China’s ability to compete effectively on the global stage. Consequently, in the years ahead, China will place increasing emphasis on cultivating expertise in this field, strengthening communications engineering education, and elevating the overall quality of training in this discipline.