Master of Science in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering

The purpose of the Master of Science in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering dual degree (M.S.CP.E/E.E.) is to prepare students for advanced study and/or research, or for industry in the fields of both computer and electrical engineering. The M.S.CP.E./E.E. program provides for a strong foundation in all aspects of the design and development of computer systems, and also offers several areas of study within electrical engineering. There is also an option to pursue thesis research under the guidance of a faculty adviser.

There is a growing need for engineers with a strong educational background in both computer engineering and electrical engineering. In the M.S.CP.E./E.E. program, students will be introduced to topics important to the computer engineering field, such as computer hardware design, computer networks, and software engineering, as well as topics in electrical engineering, such as communications and signal processing, electronics and electromagnetics, and power and control systems. The program of study includes a minimum of 45 credit hours of acceptable graduate coursework in both computer engineering and electrical engineering. M.S.CP.E./E.E. degree requirements are described in the section below. Requirements for the M.S.CP.E./E.E. fully satisfy the existing requirements for an M.S. in Computer Engineering and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering. The program is usually completed in four semesters of full-time study.

Admission requirements for the M.S.CP.E./E.E. are the same as those for admission to the Master of Science in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering. Students whose accredited B.S. degree is not in computer and/or electrical engineering may pursue the CP.E./E.E. degree provided that they demonstrate proficiency in the material contained in the following undergraduate courses:

A student may demonstrate proficiency by successfully completing the courses or by demonstrating satisfactory performance in one or more special examinations administered by the department.

In addition to all university requirements for a master of science degree, the M.S.CP.E./E.E. degree has the following requirements:

1. A minimum of 45 credit hours of graduate-level coursework including the following:
   1. Two core courses and two elective courses in a CPE major area, chosen from among the CPE areas of concentration
   2. One core course from each of the two remaining areas of CPE concentration
   3. Four (or more) courses within an EE major area, chosen from among the EE areas of concentration
   4. A minimum of two courses chosen from either or both of the remaining EE areas of concentration
   5. Additional coursework approved by the academic adviser
2. A GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 (excluding prerequisites and proficiencies)

The CPE/EE program is subject to the following restrictions: a minimum of 30 credit hours coursework at the 500-level or higher; at least 30 credit hours of ECE courses, excluding short courses; no more than six credit hours of ECE short courses; six to eight credit hours of research work (ECE 591) leading to an M.S. dissertation may be included with the approval of a thesis adviser.

Each regular (matriculated) graduate student is assigned an academic adviser, indicated in their formal letter of admission to the master’s program.

CPE Areas of Concentration

Computer Hardware Design

Computer Systems Software 

Networks and Telecommunications 

EE Areas of Concentration

Communications and Signal Processing

Computers and Microelectronics

Power and Control