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