Integrated Degree Program

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the 5-year integrated BEE/MSECE and BCompE/MSECE degree programs, also referred to as the Integrated Degree Program. The programs were established to allow high-achieving undergraduates the opportunity to work toward a master’s degree while simultaneously working toward their undergraduate degree.

Reasons to Complete a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is necessary for those interested in design and development, or research and development. The program provides additional coursework and/or project experience for advanced design and development jobs.
The competencies learned in a master’s program are difficult to obtain by other means.
A master’s degree makes you more competitive in the job market.
More employers are requiring a master’s degree.
A master's degree offers more opportunities for a higher salary.
You can keep up with changes and advancements in technology.

Advantages of the Integrated Degree Program

Students work on the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements simultaneously.
The amount of time to complete a master’s degree can be shortened by as much as one year.
Students in the combined degree program qualify for graduate research/teaching assistantships and fellowships once they activate their graduate status. These positions provide a stipend, tuition, and health insurance benefits.
There is an increased chance of winning external fellowships. Students in the combined degree program will be eligible to apply for NSF and other external fellowships.
Students save money because they are able to complete as many as 16 graduate credits at the undergraduate tuition rate. Since the master’s degree is 30 semester credits, this leaves only 14 credits to be taken at the higher graduate tuition rate.

How to Apply

Carefully fill in the Integrated Degree Application Form
Include a copy of your current APAS report and a statement of purpose
Submit by March 15 for admission to the fall semester or by October 15 for admission to the spring semester

Integrated Degree Application Form

Application Decision and Next Steps

You will be notified of the outcome of your application by email by the time the registration period opens for the upcoming semester i.e., usually within 4 to 5 weeks of application. In some cases an application decision will be held back until final semester grades are in (you will be notified of this situation). If you are accepted to the program, you must submit a graduate school application within 1 week of notification to formalize your acceptance of our offer of admission
Submit an unofficial University of Minnesota transcript
No letters of recommendation needed, but you may need to list 3 email addresses to successfully submit the application. Two of these can be the Undergraduate and Graduate Advisors
Fill out the application as completely as possible
Submit the application fee

Graduate School Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I write in my Statement of Purpose?

Describe your area(s) of interest within electrical engineering (e.g., signal processing). If you have more than one area of interest, please feel free to elaborate. The statement should address the area or areas of research you are interested in according to the research groups available on the Research section. The statement should be no longer than one paragraph. Please see the Sample Statement of Purpose.

What GPA does a student need to apply?

Students with a technical GPA of 3.4 or higher are eligible to apply. Students whose technical GPA falls between 3.2 and 3.4 are eligible to apply, and these applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

When should students apply?

Students should apply for a semester in which they will have completed a majority of their upper division required (non elective) courses for their BEE or BCompE degree.
Students may apply up to their final semester of their undergraduate work, but are encouraged to apply earlier for planning purposes. If accepted into the program, students need to complete the Graduate School application within one week of notification of acceptance.

Can the two degrees be granted at same time?

The two degrees cannot be granted at same time. The BEE or BCompE degree must always precede the MSECE degree.

Can I double count course credits?

Students may not count a course for both undergraduate and graduate degrees, i.e., no “double dipping.” Students will designate which courses are intended for the MSECE degree in consultation with their advisor.

Can I enter the Ph.D. program through the Integrated Degree Program?

Yes, but you must complete the MSECE degree before entering the PhD program. Credits from the MSECE program count toward the PhD program, not making the time to degree completion any longer.

How is GPA calculated?

Courses taken as an undergraduate student count toward your undergraduate GPA even if the course is eventually transferred to the graduate program. Courses transferred to the graduate program do not affect your graduate school GPA.

How do I apply for a teaching or research assistantship?

You can apply for a teaching assistantship. However, do note that MSECE integrated degree students are more likely to be awarded a TA position that does not come with tuition or other benefits.

Teaching Assistantship Form

Speak with a faculty member in your research interest area as faculty make their own hiring decision for research positions. However, because of the demands and expectations of typical graduate research assistantships, these positions usually go to PhD students.

For additional information please contact:
Kimberly Scott (Undergraduate Advisor: scot0052@umn.edu) or Sarah Dohm (Graduate Advisor: sdohm@umn.edu)