Program Overview

Introduction to the Project Track MSECE Professional Master's Program

The Project Track MSECE Professional Master's Program is designed to allow students to build both technical and professional skills. This track is part of the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University.

About the Project Track

Students in this track will take specific Concepts to Innovation coursework, in which they will complete a project that has the same scope and ambition as a nine-credit MS thesis. The project involves student teams consisting of members from different ECE technical areas, who will select and complete a significant design project.

Project Details

• The project is completed over two semesters, with the fall semester focusing on defining project goals and metrics, and the spring semester focusing on design, final demonstration, and testing.
• Processes for project proposals, approvals of project concepts, design reviews, and final reports are modeled on those of leading technology innovation companies.

Degree Requirements

• Total credit hours: 30, including at least 15 credit hours of graduate-level ECE credits; includes the Concepts to Innovation courses.
• Required project-track coursework, 9 credits total:
  • ECE 60001, Concepts to Innovation I (3 credits) and ECE 60002, Concepts to Innovation II (3 credits)
  • ECE 69500, Communication for Engineering Leaders, I2I (1 credit)
  • Additional 2 credits of coursework from a list of specified courses, including:
    • ECE 59500: Ideation Catalyst
    • ECE 50005: Intellectual Property Generation and Management
    • IE 59000: Project Management
    • IE 54500: Engineering Economic Analysis
    • IE 54600: Economic Decisions in Engineering
    • SYS 50000: Perspectives on Systems
    • STAT 514: Design of Experiments
    • ENGR 502: Engineering Leadership
• Required ECE core course: 1 (3 credit hours)
• Required math course: 1 (3 credit hours)

Sample Plan of Study

Most students take 4 semesters to earn the degree, but progression can be quicker if desired. A sample plan of study includes:

• Fall: Concepts to Innovation I, Communication for Engineering Leaders, and ECE courses.
• Spring: Concepts to Innovation II, ECE or Math courses, and selected project track coursework.
• Fall (second year): Selected project track coursework (if not taken in Spring) and ECE courses.
• Spring (second year): Additional ECE coursework or electives to meet curriculum requirements.

Additional Notes

• Project-track students are not required to take ECE 69400, ECE Seminar.
• Project-track students are not allowed to use ECE 69600, Advanced ECE Projects, or ECE 69700, Directed Reading in ECE, on the MSECE plan of study.