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2013-2014 University Catalog
Electrical Engineering, MS
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Banner Code: VS-MS-ELEN
School: Volgenau School of Engineering
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
The electrical engineering program offers the following specializations: bioengineering, communications and networking, signal processing, control and robotics, microelectronics, and system architectures.
An accelerated master’s option is available to students in the bachelor’s program. See Electrical Engineering, BS/Electrical Engineering, Accelerated MS for specific requirements. |
Common Requirements for CPE or ELEN Master's Program
Categories of Admission
Each student may be admitted into one of the following categories: degree, provisional, or nondegree. Provisional admission is for anyone whose past performance provides reasonable, but not strong, evidence of ability to pursue graduate work. To advance to degree status, a provisional student must achieve a 3.00 GPA after 12 credits, remove all undergraduate deficiencies by completing the corresponding courses with grades of B or better, and receive a B or better in two core courses specific to the student’s selected program and specialization. The nondegree category is used primarily by students who want to take courses but not necessarily pursue a degree. Nondegree students seeking to enter degree programs must formally apply for admission. Requirements
To be considered for admission to the master’s program, applicants should have a baccalaureate degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely-related discipline from an accredited program with a reputation for high academic standards, and have earned a GPA of B or better during the last 60 credits. Other requirements are as follows:
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic references or references in industry or government who hold advanced degrees and are familiar with the applicant’s professional accomplishments
- Detailed statement of career goals and aspirations
- For students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university, satisfactory performance on the GRE
- For students whose native language is not English, a minimum TOEFL score of 575 for the paper-based exam or 230 for the computer-based exam. A minimum score of 600 for the paper-based exam or 250 for the computer-based exam is required for applicants who wish to be considered for a graduate teaching assistantship.
Non-ECE Students
Students with BS or MS degrees in ECE-related disciplines (for example, computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering technology) are encouraged to apply for admission. They may initially be admitted into the provisional category and advance to degree status by satisfying requirements described in the Admissions Categories section. Such students may also be advised to take some courses from the undergraduate electrical or computer engineering curriculum, according to their intended specialization and specific backgrounds. Student Advising
Newly-admitted graduate students must consult with the ECE graduate coordinator before they register for classes. Students should make an appointment by calling the ECE office. Students are expected to select an specialization from those available in each MS degree program. Students then are assigned an academic advisor from that specialization. GPA Requirements
A maximum of 6 credits of courses with grades of C or B- may be applied toward the degree. The student must present a GPA of at least 3.00 for all courses submitted for the degree. Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. This work must represent a cohesive set of courses leading to comprehensive knowledge in one area; it cannot be a set of disjointed courses. The plan of study for the degree must include the following: Plan of Study
Before the end of the second semester, each student must submit to the graduate coordinator’s office a plan of study that has been approved by the academic advisor. This plan should be kept up to date by regular consultation with the academic advisor. A final, signed version of the plan must be turned in when the student submits a graduation application. Two core courses, with a B or better in each, from the following (6 credits):
At least 3 of the following:
Minimum of three courses, with a B or better in each, at the 600 level or above (not including ECE 798 or 799) from a chosen specialization, including approved doctoral courses (800 and 900 levels). Lists of courses appropriate for specialization areas are available from the department office. A self-defined specialization may be created when appropriate, with the approval of the electrical engineering graduate program coordinator. Note:
A maximum of 6 credits of non-ECE courses may be used, subject to prior department approval. Approved IT courses (including doctoral 800- and 900-level courses) that cover ECE topics may be taken for credit toward an MS in electrical engineering, subject to prior department approval, in addition to the 6 credits of non-ECE courses. Seminar Requirement
All degree candidates must attend a minimum of 10 graduate seminars approved for the given degree program. Thesis/Scholarly Paper Option for CPE/ELEN Master's Program
To complete the program, students may select one of the following options: Thesis Option
Students who select this option must complete ECE 799 - Master’s Thesis (6 credits) and 24 credits of course work. The thesis is particularly recommended for those students who wish to develop and document their research skills or contemplate subsequent enrollment in a PhD program. The thesis involves a research effort, which is conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In some cases, permission may be granted to complete a portion of the work at the student’s place of employment. The final written thesis and oral defense are approved by the student’s advisory committee.
For the electrical engineering program, this committee consists of at least three full-time faculty members, including two from the student’s major specialization, and one from outside the specialization. For the Computer Engineering Program, this committee consists of at least three full-time faculty members, including two affiliated with the MS in Computer Engineering Program, one of whom must be from the ECE Department. Thesis students may not register for ECE 798 - Research Project . Students must register for at least 3 credits of thesis for their first thesis semester. Following their first thesis semester, they must register for at least 1 credit of thesis each fall and spring semester until graduation. Scholarly Paper Option
Students who select this option must complete 30 credits of course work or 27 credits of course work plus ECE 798 - Research Project , and must present a scholarly paper. The scholarly paper, with the theme selected under the guidance of a faculty advisor, can be a technical report on an independent study or laboratory or computer experimentation; a literature search on a current scientific or technological topic, such as a survey of new technologies or new methodologies; or a case study of new applications. Students must demonstrate knowledge of the topic and make a satisfactory technical presentation of the paper in the graduate seminar. The scholarly paper and final presentation must be approved by the student’s advisory committee. When a student elects to submit an ECE 798 final report as a scholarly paper, it is expected that the 3 credits of effort in ECE 798 will result in a much more substantial paper than a scholarly paper submitted in addition to 30 credits of regular course work. |
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