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,
software engineering, and solid-state electronics. Computer engineering involves
the architecture and design of computing machines, information processing,
cyber-physical systems, and security 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, image
processing, processing bioelectrical signals, 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, bioelectronics,
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 bachelor of science 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 (M.S.) 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 and write
a technical paper to be reviewed by three faculty members.
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 doctor of philosophy (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 two parts:
1) GPA requirements on selected courses and 2) research potential assessment. 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.
A concentration within the professional
science master's program is also offered, leading to the degree of master of business and science, more fully described under Business and Science 137. The concentration in electrical and computer engineering may emphasize any of the five subareas described at the
beginning of this program description. Each of these subareas has a set of core
requirements and selected electives. For more detailed information, go to http://mbs.rutgers.edu.
