Program Overview

Computer Engineering Master of Science Degree

Overview

RIT’s Computer Engineering MS focuses on design methodology and advanced engineering tools for developing computer-integrated systems.

Why Pursue a Master's in Computer Engineering at RIT?

• STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
• Five Dynamic Research Tracks: These tracks include: computer architecture; computer vision and machine intelligence; integrated circuits and systems; networks and security; or signal processing, control, and embedded systems.
• Flexible Core Clusters: Choose one course from each of the following core clusters: Computer Architecture and Digital Design; Computing, Communications, and Algorithms.
• Hands-On Problem Solving: Your choice of a graduate project or thesis research to round out your master's degree.

RIT’s Computer Engineering Master’s Degree

The master of science in computer engineering provides you with a high level of specialized knowledge in computer engineering. You'll strengthen your ability to successfully formulate solutions to current technical problems while gaining significant, high-level, specialized knowledge and experience with modern facilities and state-of-the-art design tools.

Master's in Computer Engineering Research Tracks

You are encouraged to choose most of your graduate electives within a single research track by consulting with your advisor. You may take relevant courses from other academic programs, including electrical engineering, computer science, and software engineering, to support a specific research focus. The following research tracks are available:

• Computer Architecture – The computer architecture area deals with hardware resource management, instruction set architectures and their close connection with the underlying hardware, and the interconnection and communication of those hardware components.
• Computer Vision and Machine Intelligence – Visual information is ubiquitous and ever more important for applications such as robotics, health care, human-computer interaction, biometrics, surveillance, games, entertainment, transportation, and commerce.
• Integrated Circuits and Systems – Modern processors demand high computational density, small form factors, and low energy dissipation with extremely high-performance demands.
• Networks and Security – The prevalence of interconnected computing, sensing, and actuating devices has formed our way of life.
• Signal Processing, Control, and Embedded Systems – This research area is concerned with algorithms and devices used at the core of systems that interact with our physical world.

Careers and Cooperative Education

Typical Job Titles

• Computer Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Embedded Systems Software Developer
• Product Developer Engineer
• Computer Vision Engineer
• Hardware Design Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer

Cooperative Education

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the opportunity to complete relevant, hands-on engineering co-ops and internships with top companies in every single industry. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart.

Curriculum

Computer Engineering (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • CMPE-610: Analytical Topics in Computer Engineering
  • CMPE-795: Graduate Seminar
  • Choose one of the following flexible core courses:
    • CMPE-630: Digital Integrated Circuit Design
    • CMPE-660: Reconfigurable Computing
    • CMPE-755: High Performance Architectures
  • Choose one of the following flexible core courses:
    • CMPE-655: Multiple Processor Systems
    • CMPE-670: Data and Communication Networks
    • CMPE-677: Machine Intelligence
  • Graduate Electives*
• Second Year
  • CMPE-790: Thesis
  • Graduate Elective

Computer Engineering (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • CMPE-610: Analytical Topics in Computer Engineering
  • CMPE-795: Graduate Seminar
  • Choose one of the following flexible core courses:
    • CMPE-630: Digital Integrated Circuit Design
    • CMPE-660: Reconfigurable Computing
    • CMPE-755: High Performance Architectures
  • Choose one of the following flexible core courses:
    • CMPE-655: Multiple Processor Systems
    • CMPE-670: Data and Communication Networks
    • CMPE-677: Machine Intelligence
  • Graduate Electives*
• Second Year
  • CMPE-792: Graduate Project
  • Project Focus Electives
  • Graduate Elective*

Computer Engineering (comprehensive exam option†), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • CMPE-610: Analytical Topics in Computer Engineering
  • CMPE-795: Graduate Seminar
  • Primary Flexible Core MS
  • Secondary Flexible Core MS
  • Graduate Electives*
• Second Year
  • Graduate Electives*

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Computer Engineering MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in computer engineering or a related field. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE required. No minimum score requirement.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

• TOEFL: 79
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 56

Faculty

• Amlan Ganguly: Department Head
• Louis Beato: Adjunct Faculty
• Andreas Savakis: Professor

Research

The faculty and students in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering are engaging in numerous areas of research, which takes place across all of our engineering disciplines and often involves other colleges at RIT, local health care institutions, and major industry partners. Explore the college's key research initiatives to learn more about our research in:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems
• Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering
• Cyber-physical Systems
• Data Analysis, Modeling, and Simulations
• Energy and the Environment
• Micro/Nanoscale Systems, Devices, and Materials

Facilities

• Computer Engineering Teaching Labs
• L3Harris Senior Design Lab

Related News

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• Researcher proposes DNA-based computing platform