Program Overview
Pursuing graduate studies in electrical and computer engineering opens up many new opportunities in a field that is key to global innovation in areas such as renewable energy, biomedical devices, computer systems, communications, nanotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence, and more. A master's degree provides you with specialized skills that are in high demand in some of the largest global companies, most of which are based in the United States. A PhD puts you on a path toward developing expert level knowledge that will make you a leader in the technology of tomorrow. Transitioning from our master's to our doctoral program is seamless, but if you know you want to earn a PhD, you can apply directly with your undergraduate degree.
MSECE Degree
The MSECE degree takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete, and can be earned either through a thesis option or a coursework only option.
MSECE Coursework Only Option (Plan C)
- Approved EE coursework credits = 18
- Approved non-EE coursework credits = 6
- Additional EE or non-EE coursework credits = 6
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Total credits for the degree = 30
MSECE Thesis Option (Plan A)
- Approved EE coursework credits = 14
- Approved non-EE coursework credits = 6
- MS thesis credits = 10
- Total credits for the degree = 30
PhD Degree
The PhD typically takes 3 to 4 years if you have a relevant master's degree. It typically takes 4 to 5 years if you come directly from a relevant undergraduate degree program.
- EE major field coursework credit requirement = 14
- Non-EE coursework credit requirement = 12
- Additional EE or non-EE coursework credits = 14
- PhD thesis credits (EE 8888) = 24
- Total credits for the degree = 64
Transfer Credit Policy
Courses taken at another university, which were taken for graduate credit outside of an undergraduate degree program, taught by faculty authorized to teach graduate courses, may be petitioned to be approved for transfer. Credits must be appropriate to the degree and and fulfill a degree requirement.
PhD Exams
Students must successfully complete 2 exams during their PhD careers:
- ECE Preliminary Written Exam
The purpose of the Preliminary Written Exam is twofold:
(i) to assess the student's breadth of knowledge pertaining to Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
(ii) to assess the student's potential and ability to perform research toward obtaining the Ph.D. degree while working in an area of specialization in ECE and to communicate their research.
The PWE exam consists of two components: (I) a breadth of knowledge requirement, and (II) a depth exam that involves a written report and an oral presentation.
- Preliminary Oral Examination
Students take the preliminary oral examination after completing a substantial part of the coursework and passing the preliminary written examination, but before writing the dissertation. Oral prelims should take place during the third year of study.
