Program Overview

Engineering, MS: Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Master of Science in Engineering program is a flexible program designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of students. The program can be a stepping-stone on the way to further studies and the pursuit of advanced research, such as can be obtained by pursuing the PhD. Or the program can provide a pathway to professional advancement through greater technical knowledge and intellectual maturity.

Overview

The student, with the help and approval of a major advisor, can choose from a wide range of courses from throughout the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), and where appropriate, from other schools and colleges.

Admission Requirements

• Application deadlines vary by program.
• An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus these College requirements to be considered for admission to the program:
  • Undergraduate major in engineering, mathematics or a natural science.
  • Submission of official GRE scores from a test taken within the last 5 years.
  • Reason statement explaining reasons for graduate study, specific interests, and background.
• Applicants may be admitted with specific program-defined course deficiencies provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses.

Credits and Courses

• Minimum degree requirements are 30 credits for the thesis option and 31 credits for the non-thesis option.
• Of the courses offered in the College only those numbered 400 and above may be taken for graduate credit for this degree.
• Independent study courses (699 and 999) may be included in the minimum course credit requirements provided approval of a program of study including them has been obtained prior to registration in such courses.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

• Students will be required to choose either the Thesis or Non-Thesis option in their program of study.
• If the student chooses the Non-Thesis option, then as permitted by the student's department, the student must also choose between two methods of final evaluation: the Capstone Option and the Comprehensive Examination Option.

Thesis Option

• The degree requires the following:
  • Select a minimum of 12 credits in an approved technical program of studies
  • Select 9 credits of approved electives
  • EAS 701: Effective Academic Writing
  • EAS 702: Preparing Future Engineering Faculty & Professionals
  • Select 6 credits of thesis
• Total Credits: 30
• At least 12 credits, not including thesis or the CEAS Graduate Seminar Course, must be in courses of 700 level or higher.
• At least 12 credits, including thesis, must be earned at UWM.

Non-Thesis Capstone Option

• The degree requires the following:
  • Select a minimum of 18 credits in an approved technical program of studies
  • Select 9 credits of approved electives
  • EAS 701: Effective Academic Writing
  • Select 3 credits of a capstone project, using a 3 credit course that allows flexible independent study
• Total Credits: 31
• In addition to the requirements listed in the table above, at least 15 credits must be of 700 level or above.

Non-Thesis Comprehensive Examination Option

• The degree requires the following:
  • Select a minimum of 21 credits in an approved technical program of studies
  • Select 9 credits of approved electives
  • EAS 701: Effective Academic Writing
• Total Credits: 31
• In addition to the requirements listed in the table above, at least 15 credits must be of 700 level or above.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Concentration

• A minimum of 15 credits of qualifying graduate courses in Electrical Engineering.
• Qualifying Courses:
  • Any ElecEng course numbered between 701 and 999, excluding 888 and 998.
  • May include up to 3 credits each of:
    • ELECENG 990: Masters Thesis
    • ELECENG 999: Advanced Independent Study

Additional Requirements

• Major Professor as Advisor: The Graduate School requires that the student have a major professor to advise, supervise, and approve the Program of Study before registering for courses.
• Program of Study: During the first semester the student, in consultation with the major professor, develops a program of study, obtains the consent of the advisor and submits it to the CEAS Graduate Programs Office for approval by the Associate Dean.
• Master's Program Committee: The Master's Program Committee is proposed by the major professor in consultation with the student.
• Time Limit: The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.