The first course in electrical engineering at the University of Minnesota was offered in 1888 through the department of physics. The department was organized three years later in 1891 and was a part of the College of Engineering, Metallurgy and Mechanical Arts. The first professor of electrical engineering and head of the department was George D. Shepardson. In 1935, the department became a part of the newly created Institute of Technology. In response to a need for graduate training in electrical engineering for people already in the work-force, the department instituted an evening electrical engineering program in 1961.
From the guide to the Department of Electrical Engineering papers, 1892-1960s, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University Archives [uarc])
