The graduate program in electrical and computer engineering has
facilities for education and research in the following areas: computer
engineering, control systems, digital-signal processing,
communications, and solid-state electronics. Computer engineering
involves the architecture and design of computing machines, information
processing, and software engineering. Control systems is concerned with
the design, analysis, simulation, and mathematical modeling of systems
to ensure that an automatic process (e.g., robot or spacecraft) meets
and maintains certain criteria. Digital-signal processing deals with
discrete-time information processing, digital-filter design, spectral
analysis, and special-purpose signal processors. Electrical
communications systems analysis and design involves the study of source
and channel encoding, analog and digital modulation methods,
information theory, wireless communications, network security, and
telecommunication networks. Wireless communications and wireless
information networks focus on analysis, measurement, and simulations.
Solid-state electronics encompasses microwave switching devices,
semiconductor lasers, electro-optical modulation, solar cells,
integrated circuits, and the characterization of semiconductor
materials and devices. This broad base of research areas provides
students with the flexibility to create individualized programs of
study.
Students with a B.S. degree from an accredited
electrical engineering school may apply for direct admission to the
graduate program. Students with backgrounds in other concentrations,
such as physics, mathematics, and computer science, or in engineering
programs other than electrical engineering, are required to pass
certain prerequisite undergraduate courses in electrical engineering.
Students from electrical technology programs may be required to take
several undergraduate courses in addition to the graduate program
requirements. The Graduate Record Examination general test is required
for admission to the program.
Master of science degree
candidates may elect either a thesis or nonthesis option. The thesis
option consists of 24 credits of coursework, 6 credits of research in
a specialized area, and a final thesis presentation. In the nonthesis
option, a candidate must complete 30 credits of coursework, write
a technical paper, and present the paper in a public
seminar.
Requirements for the M.S. degree may be
satisfied for all options in a part-time evening program designed
specifically for students employed in industry and other students whose
obligations preclude full-time study. Admission and academic standards
for part-time students are the same as for full-time students. This
arrangement makes it possible for students to combine day and evening
schedules simultaneously or at different periods in their academic
careers.
Admission
into the Ph.D. program requires an M.S. degree in electrical
engineering. Applicants having an M.S. degree in a closely related
discipline may be admitted into the doctoral program provided their
preparation has no significant deficiencies. Students are considered to
be Ph.D. candidates after satisfactory completion of the qualifying
examination. The Ph.D. qualifying examination consists of four oral
exams. The oral qualifying examination is generally given twice a year.
A Ph.D. candidate, in conjunction with an adviser, is required to
select a dissertation committee, submit a plan of study, and orally
defend a dissertation proposal.
The minimum requirement for
the Ph.D. degree is 72 credits, of which 36 credits must be in formal
courses approved by the dissertation adviser and 24 credits in
dissertation research. A public defense serves as the final Ph.D.
dissertation examination. There is no foreign language requirement. The
residence requirement depends upon the area of specialization. The
master of philosophy degree is available to doctoral candidates.
