Program Overview

Program Overview

Embedded systems are an essential part of modern technology, and understanding their design and operation is critical for engineers working in a wide range of industries. Embedded systems are used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics like smartphones and smart appliances to automotive and aerospace systems. They can be found in everything from electronic toys and home automation systems to medical devices and industrial automation equipment.

One of the main characteristics of embedded systems is that they are designed to operate in real-time, with deterministic response times and minimal overhead. This means that they are optimized for performance and reliability, rather than general-purpose computing tasks.

Embedded systems play an essential role in the design and development of many products. Embedded systems engineers may work on the hardware design, firmware development, or software programming for an embedded system.

This multidisciplinary program will cover both the technical and management aspects of embedded systems design, with core courses on design and optimization of embedded software, embedded hardware, networking and distributed systems, and a hands-on hacking lab. Students also have the choice to learn about emerging topics in embedded systems including security and privacy, low power and energy efficient design, project management, data science and machine learning, as well as specific embedded systems in smart grid, smart home, medical devices, and vehicular systems.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree, GPA of 3.0 or better, in a STEM field from an accredited institution.

Degree Requirements

Master of Engineering: 30 Credits or 10 Courses

Students pursuing a Master of Engineering in Embedded Systems are required to take four Embedded Systems core courses, two Embedded Systems electives, and four technical electives as outlined on the degree planning sheet. Any non pre-approved technical electives must be approved by MAGE prior to registering. There is no research or thesis required for this degree.

Graduate Certificate in Engineering: 12 Credits or 4 Courses

Students pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Engineering in Embedded Systems are required to take ENPM615 Embedded Systems and three Embedded Systems electives as outlined on the degree planning sheet.

Program Content Advisor

Gang Qu

Full Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Institute for Systems Research
Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering
Maryland Energy Innovation Institute

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee information is available upon request.

Program Details

• The program covers both technical and management aspects of embedded systems design.
• Core courses include design and optimization of embedded software, embedded hardware, networking and distributed systems, and a hands-on hacking lab.
• Emerging topics in embedded systems include security and privacy, low power and energy efficient design, project management, data science and machine learning.
• Specific embedded systems covered include smart grid, smart home, medical devices, and vehicular systems.