Electrical and Computer Engineering

Supervisory Committee: By the beginning of the second semester of study, students must file a Request for Supervisory Committee form with the department office. Generally, the committee consists of five members.

Program of Study: By the beginning of the second semester of study, students must submit to the department office, on the appropriate form, a program of study approved by the student’s supervisory committee. The form may be obtained from the department website.

Proficiency Requirement: All students seeking graduate degrees in electrical and computer engineering must demonstrate proficiency in three basic areas: circuits, electronics, and either electromagnetic fields or systems.

Proficiency must be demonstrated within one year after enrollment in the program either by:

• Holding a BSEE or BSCE degree from an accredited school or by any combination of the following:

  • Completing, with a grade of B or better, an undergraduate course in each area. The classes which currently satisfy each area are: circuits-ECE 2270; electronics-ECE 2280 or 3110; electromagnetic fields-ECE 3300; and systems-ECE 3500 or 3510.

  • Taking all of the regular exams (including the final) in one of the undergraduate courses listed and completing the exams with an average grade of B or better.

  • Completing an advanced course in the area and receiving a grade of B or better. Advanced courses that qualify in each area are: circuits - ECE 5710 or 5720; electronics - ECE 5201, 5202, 5710 or 5720; electromagnetic fields - ECE 5320, 5324 or 6310; and systems - ECE 5510, 5520, or 5530.

Ph.D. Qualifying Examination: All Ph.D.-degree aspirants must pass the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination in accordance with Graduate School and departmental regulations. This examination consists of a written part and an oral part and must be taken during the second semester of study. Upon successfully passing the examination, the student is recommended to the Graduate School for admission to candidacy.

Research Comprehensive Exam: Candidates seeking research degrees must pass a Research Comprehensive Examination administered by their supervisory committee at a time determined by that committee but no later than the fifth semester of study for Ph.D. students. The Research Comprehensive Examination will ordinarily include the defense of a written formal research thesis proposal. The comprehensive examination and thesis defense may not be taken during the same semester.

Thesis Final Examination: The thesis final examination (oral thesis defense) is conducted by the supervisory committee. Ph.D. students must defend at least two semesters after their comprehensive exam.

Credit Limitations: Up to nine hours of nonmatriculated coursework may be included on a student’s program of study if approved by the supervisory committee and the Department Graduate Committee. For graduation, the cumulative GPA on the courses listed on the program of study must be at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C-. For more detailed information, see the Graduate Information section of this catalog.

Check the department Ph.D. handbook online for further requirements.