Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Overview

It is surprising to many to find out that large aerospace companies—like Boeing and Lockheed and Northrop Grumman—employ more electrical, computer, software, and systems engineers than they do aerospace engineers. But with contemporary reliance on embedded control systems to implement flight control systems and to enable aircraft to work within the National Airspace System, it should be no surprise. 

The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering is housed within the Electrical, Computer, Software & Systems Engineering (ECSSE) department, and prepares students for advanced careers in the aerospace industry and other industries. Like its undergraduate counterparts, it focuses on producing engineers who possess not only excellent technical proficiency but also knowledge of and an ability to execute systems-level design. Graduates of the program are prepared to assume leadership roles in engineering design.

The program allows the student to focus either on electrical engineering or computer engineering. For either option, the program begins with a core of foundation courses in linear systems, random processes, and systems engineering. Then, each option has its own core: digital communications and avionics & radio navigation for the electrical engineering side, and project management and computer systems safety for the computer engineering side. Both options feature thesis and non-thesis possibilities: In the thesis option, students perform several semesters of research under the direction of a faculty member; in the non-thesis option, students take additional formal instruction.

Advantages

The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering enables students in the program to develop and demonstrate their mastery of topics in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and systems engineering. Not only do engineers with graduate degrees earn substantially more than their counterparts having only undergraduate degrees, they advance faster in their careers, and they find themselves on more interesting projects in leadership roles.

The program offers participants the ability to focus either on computer engineering or electrical engineering. With its thesis and non-thesis (project) options, it allows the student to tailor their curriculum according to current needs and anticipated professional path.

Requirements

To enter the program without contingencies, matriculating students must have graduated from an ABET accredited computer- or electrical-engineering program or equivalent; that is, they must possess fundamental knowledge and ability in analog and digital circuit analysis and design, microprocessor systems, electronic devices, communication systems, continuous and discrete mathematics, and probability and statistics. Students may be granted contingent entry into the program provided they take appropriate undergraduate classes prior to specified graduate courses. Entrants in to the program should possess a strong academic record, as demonstrated by a 3.0/4.0 grade point average. Awarding of financial assistance may require the student to take the Graduate Record Examination.

The program goes live with the fall 2010 semester. The core courses required in both the electrical engineering and computer engineering options are:

*Determined from the list below in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Note: Other electives may be authorized based on the student’s background, program of study, performance during the MSE, and approval of the MSE program coordinator.