The master's degree programs provide state-of-the-art training at advanced levels in areas of technical specialization, including faculty-supervised research. Students in the doctoral program conduct significant original research in areas of interest to department members. Students also have opportunities to conduct thesis research at industrial sites, hospitals, biomedical engineering facilities, and university centers and departments.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants are expected to have undergraduate backgrounds in physics, mathematics (through differential equations and vector analysis), electrical networks and devices, electronics, analysis and design methods, transients, electromagnetic fields, and appropriate laboratory work in some of these areas. GRE scores must be submitted. International students must also achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (213 computer-based). For further information, see the Admissions section in this catalog.

Bridge Program: Students who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (B.S.E.T.) degree, or who lack an appropriate background may be admitted and be required to take selected courses such as the ones listed below in addition to the degree requirements in order to make up deficiencies. They must attain a grade of B or better in each course. At the discretion of the department, students who have taken courses equivalent to these may have their bridge programs reduced accordingly.

Degree Requirements:
Upon entering the program, students select an area of specialization supervised by the MSEE Program Advisor. The master's program consists of 30 credits. Students who enter the program but who do not receive departmental or research-based awards have three program options: 24 course credits and 6 credits of master's thesis; or 27 course credits and 3 credits of master's project; or 30 course credits not to include either a master's project or thesis. Students should consult with the Program Advisor or designee before registering for courses to make sure they are meeting department requirements. As a requirement for graduation, students must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate-level courses, not including the master's thesis or project. The project grade must be B or better.

ECE courses at the 500 level are not acceptable for credit toward a graduate degree in electrical engineering. Only one 500 level course outside the department may be applied for credit toward a graduate degree in electrical engineering.

All students are required to fulfill two semesters of ECE 791 Graduate Seminar.

Project, Thesis:
Thesis is required for all those receiving departmental or research-based support. For all others, a project or thesis is optional.

Electrical Engineering Core:
Applies to all areas of specialization in Electrical Engineering

6 credits:

Focus Area: Communications, Signal Processing and Microwave:

Exceptional Candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Highly qualified students with bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering may be accepted directly into the doctoral program. Contact the doctoral program coordinator for further information.  

Admission Requirements:
Applicants are expected to have a broad background in engineering, mathematics, physics, and computer science. At least half of undergraduate course work should have been in the physical sciences or similar fields. Doctoral students should have majored in electrical engineering or related field, with course work at the master's level in mathematics, physics and/or computer science. In addition, students are expected to be proficient in computer programming. GRE scores must be submitted. International students must also achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (213 computer-based).

Students who lack an appropriate background will be required to take additional courses that cannot be applied as degree credits.

Degree Requirements:
Course selection is determined in consultation with the area faculty.

24 credits minimum of course work beyond the master's degree.

12 credits of 700-level courses (normally associated with the area of specialization as listed in the master's degree description). For details, see the department "Handbook for Graduate Students."

36 credits of ECE790 Doctoral Dissertation.

Registrations for six semesters of ECE 791Graduate Seminar are required of all doctoral students.

Dissertation and Defense: The dissertation should demonstrate original research that contributes to the knowledge in the field and should result in the submission of at least one paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Students must provide the department a written proposal showing that facilities are available and that there is a faculty member willing to supervise dissertation work. Students who complete 36 credits of ECE 790 before their research is finished, must register for a minimum of 3 credits of ECE 790 every semester thereafter until the dissertation has been accepted. An oral defense of the dissertation is required after submission of the final document to the dissertation committee for approval.

Residency: Degree-seeking students must spend at least one academic year in full-time residence.

Qualifying Examination: The examination contains material related to the student's fundamental knowledge, which includes the area of specialization. Contact the doctoral programs coordinator for more information.

Pre-Doctoral Research: With department approval, well-qualified students may register for up to a maximum of 9 credits of ECE 792 Pre-Doctoral Research prior to passing the qualifying examination. A maximum of 6 credits of ECE 792 may be applied toward the ECE 790 requirement.