Program Overview

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Electrical and Computer Engineering: Research, MS

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department offers the Electrical and Computer Engineering MS-Research named option program, which emphasizes the enhancement of professional knowledge and research techniques.

Program Description

The MS-Research program is intended for students who seek training in research and advanced concept development, and who want to pursue an in-depth research project with a faculty member. Students desiring the highest level of research training should apply to a PhD program; often a MS-Research degree is earned along the way to a PhD degree.

Admissions

• Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School.
• Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s).
• The program may have more detailed admissions requirements.

Admission Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 15
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: This program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required but may be considered if available.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Requirements

• A submitted application is required, consisting of:
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • The supplemental application section that identifies their research interest area
  • Most up-to-date unofficial transcript(s) from all previous higher education institutions
  • Test scores and three letters of recommendation as detailed above

Funding

• Students in the ECE MS-Research program are eligible for assistantships from ECE and other departments.
• Research Assistantships (RA): Students should contact professors in their area of interest.
• Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Grader Positions: Current graduate students may apply via the ECE TA/Grader Portal.
• Project Assistantships (PA): Opportunities on campus for various purposes and departments.
• Fellowships: Information concerning fellowships is sent to graduate students via email from the department, faculty, and/or the Graduate School.

Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 23 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.

Curricular Requirements

• At least 15 credits of courses numbered 700 or above.
• At least 15 credits of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) courses numbered 400 or above.
• One credit of seminar is required (ECE 610: Seminar in Electrical and Computer Engineering).
• At least 3 credits of research are required (ECE 790: Master's Research).

Thesis Path

• At the conclusion of the research program, a thesis must be prepared.
• If the thesis is formally defended, then a thesis committee must consist of at least three members.

Project Path

• In the project path, students must complete a research project in consultation with a faculty advisor.
• At the conclusion of the project, a report is prepared.

Policies

• Prior Coursework: Refer to the Graduate School's policy on transfer credits for prior coursework.
• Probation: Refer to the Graduate School's policy on probation.
• Advisor/Committee: A students Electrical and Computer Engineering academic advisor assists the student in acquiring the highest level possible of knowledge and competence in their field.
• Credits Per Term Allowed: 15 credit maximum.
• Time Limits: Refer to the Graduate School's policy on time limits.
• Grievances and Appeals: The ECE Department, College of Engineering, and University of Wisconsin offer multiple avenues to resolve unfair or inappropriate treatment by faculty, staff, or another student.

Professional Development

• The Graduate School's professional development resources are available to build skills, thrive academically, and launch a career.
• The ECE Department, UWMadison, and the College of Engineering have an abundance of professional development opportunities for students.