The ECE department offers three Master of Science (M.S.) programs and two Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. One of the Ph.D. programs is offered under the common umbrella of the school.

Master of Science Programs

The ECE department offers Master of Science (M.S.) programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems and Systems Engineering. The objectives and admission requirements for these programs are as follows:

M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Master of Science program in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is designed for students who are interested in acquiring advanced knowledge and skills in the traditional and emerging areas of ECE. The graduate curriculum includes strong offerings in communication systems, computer engineering, control systems, electromagnetics and antennas, energy systems, mechatronics, microelectronics, signal and image processing, and robotics. Normally, a bachelor’s degree in either electrical engineering or computer engineering with a GPA of 3.0 or better is required for admission. However, applicants from other disciplines will be considered after successful completion of appropriate prerequisite courses.

To fulfill the requirements for a M.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, a student must complete at least 32 credits of graduate-level work. Students can pursue either a thesis or non-thesis option. The thesis option allows a student to work on a sizeable research and development project under the supervision of a faculty advisor that culminates in a set of findings reported in a formal presentation and report. The thesis option is strongly recommended for students who want to pursue a research-oriented career. In the non-thesis option, the student is required to substitute depth courses for a thesis.

For more information including the admission requirements, financial aid and application, please see SECS Graduate Catalog.

M.S. in Embedded Systems

The Master of Science program in embedded systems is designed for students with a baccalaureate in computer science, computer engineering or electrical engineering, who want to strive for a balance of hardware and software knowledge in their graduate studies and careers. The program offers two tracks, Professional Track and Research Track. The professional track requires 36 credits of graduate course work including 4 credits of an internship/industry project work. The research track requires 32 credits including 8 credits of thesis to graduate. The advanced level prerequisite courses CSE 505-508 afford an opportunity for students with strong academic or professional records in related fields to prepare for graduate studies in the above graduate programs in minimal time.

For more information including the admission requirements, financial aid and application, please see SECS Graduate Catalog.

M.S. in Systems Engineering

The Master of Science program in systems engineering is designed to prepare students for significant engineering-related careers in industry as well as simultaneously for further graduate study. Normally, a bachelor’s degree in any engineering discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or better is required for admission.

The program has three distinct options:

1. Dynamic systems and control engineering option

2. Robotic systems engineering option

3. System modeling and computer simulation option

To fulfill the requirements for a M.S. degree in Systems Engineering, a student must complete at least 32 credits of graduate-level work. Students can pursue either a thesis or non-thesis option. The thesis option allows a student to work on a sizeable research and development project under the supervision of a faculty advisor that culminates in a set of findings reported in a formal presentation and report. The thesis option is strongly recommended for students who want to pursue a research-oriented career. In the non-thesis option, the student is required to substitute depth courses for a thesis.

For more information including the admission requirements, financial aid and application, please see SECS Graduate Catalog.

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Ph.D. program in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is for students who plan careers in industrial or governmental research and development laboratories or problem-oriented agencies, as well as in the academic fields related to ECE. The field of Electrical and Computer Engineering is very broad, including areas as diverse as Applied Electromagnetics and Antennas, Autonomous Navigation, Bioengineering and Bio-Inspired Systems, Communication Systems, Computer Architecture and Hardware Design, Control Systems, Digital Signal Processing, Digital Image Processing, Electronic Materials and Devices, Mechatronics, Micro- and Nano-Electromechanical Systems, Pattern Recognition, Power Systems, and Robotics. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is concentrating its research efforts in these and other related areas at the Ph.D. level.

The program is primarily designed for students with academic backgrounds in either electrical engineering or computer engineering. Students with backgrounds in other engineering disciplines, computer science, mathematics or the physical sciences may also be admitted to the program, but they may be required to augment their basic electrical and computer engineering knowledge through remedial coursework. Normally a master's degree from an accredited institution is required for admission; however, students with outstanding undergraduate records may apply directly for admission to the doctoral program.

After admission to the program, and prior to earning 16 credits of coursework, students must form an advisory committee, which will direct and guide the progress of their studies and research. Such a committee is composed of four faculty members, one of which serves as the chair. Before selecting a chair, students are encouraged to explore Faculty Research Areas and talk to individual faculty about possible research areas.

Students can begin doctoral study on a part-time basis, availing themselves of late afternoon or evening courses while working full time in local industry. However, later phases of study and research will require full-time devotion to the program. Students must also fulfill a residency requirement.

For more information including the admission requirements, financial aid and application, please see SECS Graduate Catalog.

Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering

The Ph.D. program in Systems Engineering is offered under the common umbrella of the school. It is designed for students who plan careers in industrial or governmental research and development laboratories or problem-oriented agencies, as well as in the academic field. The field of Systems Engineering encompasses a blending of disciplines that is well suited for dealing with such concerns as robotics and machine vision, electronic and communication systems, mechanics, material and manufacturing systems, fluid and thermal systems, dynamic systems and control, computer and microprocessor systems, industrial and production systems, and artificial intelligence and expert systems. The School of Engineering and Computer Science is concentrating its efforts in these and other related areas at the Ph.D. level.

Normally a master’s degree from an accredited institution is required for admission; however students with outstanding undergraduate records may apply directly for admission to the doctoral program. After admission to the program, and prior to earning 16 credits of coursework, students must form an advisory committee, which will direct and guide the progress of their studies and research. Such a committee is composed of four faculty members, one of which serves as the chair. Before selecting a chair, students are encouraged to explore Faculty Research Areas and talk to individual faculty about possible research areas.

Students can begin their doctoral studies on a part-time basis, availing themselves of the afternoon or evening courses while working full time in local industry. However, later phases of study and research will require full-time devotion to the program.