Graduate Program
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers both a Master of Science program and a concentration in electrical and computer engineering in the Ph.D. in Engineering program. Our programs offer ample research opportunities with department faculty and through collaborations with other disciplines
such as chemical engineering, computer science and civil and environmental engineering—as
well as national labs such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, other institutions and
Tennessee Tech Centers of Excellence.
Master's Program
The M.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering is a 30-credit hour degree program combining areas in the field such computers and digital systems, controls, communication systems and signal processing, energy conversion and distribution and more.
Our graduate students become highly qualified electrical and computer engineers who learn the techniques, methods and disciplines in collaborative research, including problem identification, literature search, design of experiments, hands-on experimentation, data collection and analysis, simulation, both independent work and teamwork, authoring journal papers and presenting conference papers—leading to career advancement or careers in academia.
- » Thesis Option
The thesis option for the M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering is recommended for students who are planning a career in corporate or academic research, design, and development and who may pursue a Ph.D. in the future. Intro to Graduate Research (1 credit), eight graduate courses (24 credits), research (6 credit hours), an approved thesis and an oral thesis defense (comprehensive exam) are required for graduation.
- » Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis option M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering is recommended for students who desire an industry-oriented degree, and who may be attending school part-time while working. Intro to Graduate Research (1 credit), and eleven graduate courses including a design project course (30 credits) are required for graduation.
- » Program Objectives
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Demonstrate clear understanding of the chosen area of emphasis in electrical and computer engineering covered in course material in the graduate program.
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Apply advanced methods in the development of solutions in the chosen area of emphasis in electrical and computer engineering.
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Give professional presentation or write scholarly manuscripts worthy of publication in peer reviewed journals.
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Ready to get a head start on your master’s degree? The Fast Track Program lets qualified undergraduates take up to 6 hours of graduate courses while still working on their bachelor’s. That means you’ll save time, save money, and smoothly transition into the M.S. program.
M.S. Admission Criteria
An applicant for admission to the M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program should have earned a B.S. degree in electrical and/or computer engineering or related field. Admissions decisions are based on applicants meeting multiple criteria, including:
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation that demonstrate strong evidence for success in the graduate program
- GRE scores of at least 157 on Quantitative Reasoning; 147 on Verbal Reasoning; and 3.5 on Analytical Writing
- Participation in undergraduate research
- Post-undergraduate degree professional experience relevant to the planned degree of study
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or award-winning presentations at technical conferences
- For international students: Demonstrate competency in spoken and written English as evidenced by achieving minimum scores on appropriate standardized tests. Review the list of acceptable standardized tests and minimum scores at Tech’s International Documentation website.
Based on the level of satisfaction of the above criterion, the department will either recommend admission to Full Standing, Provisional Standing, or Special Standing, or deny admission. Standing status may be changed to Full Standing after the student satisfies the requirements. Admission is also subject to availability of faculty to serve as research advisors.
Master's Program Curriculum and Admission Information
(various PDF links)
Ph.D. Admission Criteria
Students seeking admission to the Engineering Ph.D. program should meet the same admission standards as for the Engineering Master of Science programs. In addition, you are expected to have completed a Master's degree in an academic area appropriate to the proposed area of study and to have earned a graduate GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Fulfilling the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission, and an applicant who does not meet the above minimum, but appears to have reasonable potential for success as a Ph.D. student, may be admitted to provisional standing.
Complete admission requirements for students admitted with a master’s degree, students admitted directly from a bachelor’s degree (Direct Admission), application procedures, and provisional admission may be found on the College of Graduate Studies Admissions Website, as well through the links below.
For more information concerning the Ph.D. program of study, learning objectives and Admissions please visit the following links:
(various PDF links)
For more information about the Graduate Program see the information below.
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