Master of Engineering (ME) and Master of Science (MS)

The ME degree is based on coursework and is designed to give graduates a strong practical foundation. The MS degree requires substantial thesis or project work in a specific area and prepares students for advanced study or advanced work in that area. The MS degree has two options. Under Plan A, the student completes a thesis. Under Plan B, the student prepares an engineering project report.

If a student initially chooses an MS degree, changing to the ME degree is only possible by approval of the major professor, ECE graduate committee, and the department head.

The MS and ME degrees require successful completion of 30 credits of 5000-level or above coursework in a program approved by the student’s supervisory committee, with the following stipulations:

Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering Specialization)

To obtain the specialization in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, at least 9 credits of ECE coursework must be taken in the desired specialization area.

1. At least 18 credits of ECE coursework must be completed at or above the 5000 level.
2. At least one ECE depth course (having a graduate-level prerequisite) is required.
3. At least 15 credits of 6000-level or above coursework (excluding ECE 6800 ) are required.
4. No more than 15 credits of ECE 5000-level or Independent Study courses may be applied toward the ME degree.
5. At least 3 credits of Professional Experience (ECE 6250  Internship or a lab-intensive course) are required. Only 3 credits of ECE 6250  Internship are allowed and must have prior approval.
6. A maximum of 12 credits outside of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department may be allowed, based upon a comprehensive academic plan. Courses must be approved by the Master of Engineering advisor.

All Master’s Students

1. One credit of ECE 6800  (Electrical Engineering Colloquium) must be completed as soon as possible.
2. Each master’s student must form a committee and have a program of study approved by the end of his or her first semester.
3. Any exceptions to the master’s requirements must be approved by the student’s committee and the ECE Graduate Committee.

A course in technical and professional writing, or equivalent writing experience, is required for MS students prior to beginning the thesis. This may be fulfilled as a requirement for a bachelor’s degree. MS students may, at the discretion of their supervisors, be required to hire an editor to bring the thesis or paper into acceptable form.