Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Program Overview
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Program Overview
The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program at the University at Albany is designed to educate the next generation of professionals and innovators. The master’s program provides a high degree of specialization in one of three technical concentration areas: signal processing and communications, electronic circuits and systems, and control and computing systems.
Program Highlights
- Flexibility: Study full-time or part-time; choose the thesis option or non-thesis option
- Choice: Select from a wide variety of courses and the ability to build your program of study to meet your career goals
- Expert faculty: Learn from world-class, research-active faculty who are experts in their disciplines
- Diversity: Our faculty is also incredibly diverse, including a higher representation of female faculty than in most other ECE programs
- Research: With the thesis option, work closely with faculty to perform cutting-edge research
- Location: Live in proximity to New York’s Tech Valley and take advantage of numerous internship and job opportunities available within the public and private sectors of this innovative region
- Value: Save with tuition rates lower than those at most private universities
Career Outlook
Electrical and Computer Engineering graduates typically enjoy some of the highest starting salaries across disciplines. Getting an MS in ECE is a good way to open new job opportunities, get a promotion, gain a new area of expertise, and/or increase your salary. UAlbany ECE students have completed internships and gone on to careers at regional, national, and global organizations.
International Students
This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options
If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.2 GPA, you can save time and money by beginning your MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree coursework as early as your junior year. Up to 6 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you can complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: January 15
- Spring: September 1
- Summer: Not Available
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: Rolling
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal statement
Students are expected to have an appropriate undergraduate degree such as a B.S., B.Tech, B.E., M.S., M.Tech, or M.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields. Students with other backgrounds may be admitted on a conditional basis and need to take additional courses to build up their background before starting their program.
Student Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge in one area of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Apply their knowledge in the science, mathematics, and engineering disciplines to solve problems
- Read, interpret, and utilize information in the published literature in an area of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Present technical information in a variety of formats, including written reports and oral presentations
Supplemental Degree Programs
Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.
Supplemental programs available with this degree:
- Africana Studies CGS
- Community College Leadership CGS
- Demography CGS
- International Education Management CGS
Program Outline
The program offers three technical concentration areas:
- Signal processing and communications
- Electronic circuits and systems
- Control and computing systems Students can choose full-time or part-time study and select either a thesis option with research experience or a non-thesis option with a project.
Objectives:
- Equip students with extensive knowledge in a chosen area of ECE.
- Enable students to apply their knowledge in various disciplines to solve problems.
- Train students to read, interpret, and utilize information from published literature in their field.
- Hone students’ presentation skills for technical information in written and oral formats.
Program Description:
The program offers a flexible and customizable approach, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career aspirations. With diverse faculty, including a higher than average representation of female professors, students receive guidance from experts in their respective disciplines.
Additional Features:
- Internship and job opportunities available in the Tech Valley region
- Lower tuition rates compared to private universities
- Thesis option for in-depth research experience
Overall:
The Master of Science in ECE at UAlbany provides a comprehensive and well-rounded foundation for aspiring professionals in the field. Its flexible structure, research opportunities, and diverse faculty make it an attractive choice for those seeking to advance their careers or further their studies.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program offers a variety of courses covering various topics in electrical and computer engineering. Students can choose from a wide range of electives to specialize in their chosen concentration area.
Structure:
Students can choose full-time or part-time study, depending on their individual needs. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires a multiple-semester research project under the guidance of a faculty member. However, the program offers courses in various areas, including:
- Signal processing
- Communications
- Electronic circuits
- Embedded systems
- Control systems However, students can expect to be evaluated through various methods such as:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Projects
- Presentations
- Research papers
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs various teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Laboratory sessions
- Project-based learning
Faculty:
The program boasts a diverse and highly qualified faculty with expertise in different areas of ECE. Students benefit from the faculty's real-world experience and research expertise.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory sessions and project-based work, preparing students for practical application of their knowledge in the professional world.
Careers:
Career Outlook:
Graduates of the program typically enjoy high starting salaries and numerous job opportunities in various industries. The program opens doors for career advancement, new areas of expertise, and salary increases.
Career Paths:
Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:
- Semiconductor design
- Telecommunications
- Robotics
- Embedded systems
- Software development
- Research and development
Opportunities:
The program offers internship opportunities with regional, national, and global organizations, providing students with valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Other:
International Students:
The program is designated as a STEM program, allowing international students to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. Additionally, the program is eligible for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension, allowing students to extend their OPT for up to 36 months.
Combined BS/MS Program:
UAlbany undergraduates with at least a 3.2 GPA can begin their MS coursework in their junior year, saving time and money. This combined program allows students to complete both degrees in five years.
Supplemental Degree Programs:
Students can pursue supplemental degrees in various fields, including Africana Studies, Community College Leadership, Demography, and International Education Management.
Overall:
The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UAlbany offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education for students seeking to advance their careers in the field. Its flexibility, research opportunities, diverse faculty, and career support make it a valuable investment for aspiring professionals.
Entry Requirements:
Academic Background:
- bachelor's degree
- other backgrounds
Transcripts:
- all schools attended
3. Letters of Recommendation:
- Three letters of recommendation are required.
Resume:
- A current resume is required.
Personal Statement:
- A personal statement outlining the applicant's academic and professional goals, and how the MSECE program aligns with these goals, is required.
Minimum GPA:
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following means:
- A minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT test.
- A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS test.
- A minimum score of 100 on the Duolingo English Test.
Note:
- Applicants who have completed a degree program at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from the English proficiency requirement.
- The specific English proficiency requirement may vary for international applicants depending on their country of origin and the specific degree program to which they are applying.
