Electrical and Computer Engineering, MS

Location(s): Main Campus

The MS program prepares students for development-oriented engineering careers and/or continuation to doctoral studies by providing:

Increased depth in an area of focus
Expanded breadth in supporting areas
Focused study of recent advances in the area of focus

The MS program offers the balance of advanced theory and practical engineering knowledge necessary to prepare its graduates for professional practice and/or for continuation into a PhD program. The program culminates with either a thesis or a project report through which students develop their ability to perform independent investigation of recent advances and present the results in a written document. The typical time for completion is 18-24 months of full-time study.

Full-time graduate students are encouraged to apply for part-time work as teaching assistants, research assistants, or technical assistants to gain practical experience, as well as financial aid and a tuition scholarship.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted, a student is required to have earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering (EE), computer engineering (CoE) or a related field.
All students are expected to have the equivalent of the courses listed in the following content areas:
- Calculus through Differential Equations
- Computer Programming
- Digital Logic Design (EECE 251)
- Electrical Circuits (EECE 260)
- Electronics (EECE 315)
- Signals and Systems (EECE 301)
- Laboratory experience
Qualified students with non-electrical and computer engineering backgrounds are admitted on a conditional basis until the undergraduate EECE course(s) needed to fulfill these requirements are taken.
The GRE is required but applicants with strong credentials may petition the director of graduate studies to be evaluated without supplying GRE scores.
- GRE quantitative scores must be generally 155 or above.
An applicant’s transcript is also heavily weighted.

Electrical Engineering Specialization

Students specializing in EE will need some of the following courses before proceeding to graduate work.

Notes:

Taking the Programming Course EECE 212 is highly recommended if the incoming student does not have any programming experience.
The requirements vary depending on the focus area the student wishes to pursue; prospective students should contact the ECE director of graduate admissions to discuss a plan for these courses.

Computer Engineering Specialization

Students specializing in Computer Engineering will need some of the following courses before proceeding to graduate work.

Note:

Taking the programming course CS 211 is highly recommended if the incoming student does not have any programming experience.

International Applicants

An acceptable TOEFL, IELTS or PTE academic score is required from international students unless the student meets the eligibility criteria for waiving TOEFL/IELTS/PTE academic scores as established by the Graduate School.
- An internet-based TOEFL score of 80 or above is required for admission, while a score of 100 or above is preferred for students seeking teaching assistantships.
- Paper-based TOEFL minimum is 550.
- IELTS minimum score is 6.5 with no band below 5.0.
- PTE Academic minimum score is 53.
International students must also submit immigration and financial documentation.
See the Graduate School website for more information about the additional requirements for international students.

Program Requirements

Degree Requirements

To complete the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, students must maintain at least a B average in all graduate coursework.

Area of Focus Courses (3 courses)

Three EECE courses in a single area of focus

Breadth Courses (2 courses)

Two EECE courses in two areas other than the area of focus

Math Methods Course (1 course)

EECE 506 - Mathematical Methods In EE
OR EECE 507 - Mathematical Methods In COE
OR Another graduate mathematical methods course with prior approval from the director of graduate studies

Elective Courses

Two courses (for thesis option) or three courses (for project option) from the following list:

Any regular EECE graduate course
EECE 597 - Independent Study (can be used for all electives)
Regular graduate courses in other engineering, math, and science departments or schools (approved by ECE*)
Regular graduate courses in the School of Management (approved by ECE*)
* A list of pre-approved courses is given in the ECE Graduate Handbook

Thesis (6 credits) or Project (3 credits)

Thesis Option:
EECE 598 - Project/Pre-Thesis (3 credits)
EECE 599 - Thesis (3 credits)
Successful defense of MS thesis
OR
Project Option:
EECE 598 - Project/Pre-Thesis (3 credits)

Focus Areas

The following are the ECE focus areas and the graduate courses approved for each area:

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Communication: EECE 513, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 527, 529X, 542, 545, 549, 559, 564, 566, 629, 642, or any 580 or 680 topics course that fits in this category
Control Systems: EECE 503, 504, 509, 510, 513, 515, 517, 518, 519, 567, 568, 616, 619, or any 580 or 680 topics course that fits in this category
Computer Architecture and Networks: EECE 552, 553, 558, 559, 560, 565, 568, 570, 573, 575, 657, WTSN 551, or any 580 or 680 topics course that fits in this category
Information Assurance: EECE 519, 527, 560, 562, 564, 565, 566, 567, 657, 658, WTSN 551, or any 580 or 680 topics course that fits in this category
Power and Energy: EECE 502, 503, 504, 508, 509, 511, 512, 513, 514, 516, or any 580 or 680 topics course that fits in this category
VLSI: EECE 570, 573, 574, 575
Physical Electronics and Electro-Optics: EECE 501, 504, 505, 508, 514, 516, 530, 532, 534X, 535X, 537X, 549, 578, or any 580 or 680 course that fits in this category

Notes:

In any given semester, special topics courses are offered that may be used toward degree requirements. See the published schedule of courses on BU BRAIN.
With approval of the ECE director of graduate programs, it is possible to form an ad hoc focus area (e.g., power systems, solar cells, etc.). MS students wishing to form such an area should first consult with the professor who would oversee their thesis or project in the ad hoc focus area of interest and prepare a proposed ad hoc focus area; after that, approval from the ECE director of graduate programs should be obtained.

Courses Cross-listed with Undergraduate Courses

For graduate credit, students in these courses complete additional work beyond that required for undergraduates. Cross-listed courses may not be counted if the student has taken a similar course as an undergraduate and may not be counted after taking a course that has the cross-listed course as a prerequisite.

Additional Information about the Program

For more information on the Electrical and Computer Engineering MS program, please refer to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Programs website. To apply to the Electrical and Computer Engineering MS program, please visit the University Graduate Admissions website.