Degrees offered

The department offers two degrees at the graduate level:

• Master of Science (MS) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Master of Science (MS) in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The MS degree concentrates on establishing a sound theoretical foundation and on exposing students to advanced developments. The critical thinking and high level of mathematical and algorithmic facility required by the abstract nature of graduate courses allow the MS graduate to assume responsibility and supervision beyond that normally given a BS engineer.

MS students study in one of four broad areas:

• Computer Engineering
• Electromagetics
• Microelectronics and VLSI
• Signals and Systems

Students pursuing the MS degree work closely with a faculty advisor and develop the research and design tools necessary to participate in the leading edge developments in the discipline. Students applying for the MS degree sould indicate their research interests and preferred faculty advisor within the application.

MS degree requirements

• Study list submitted during the first semester of graduate study
• Credit hours: 32
• Required courses: 6 credit hours of ECEn 699R (MS thesis), 2 credit ours of ECEn 692 (Professional Writing); 12 additional credit hours from Electrical and Computer Engineering; remaining hours from graduate courses in ECEn or related disciplines, subject to approval by the graduate committee.
• Thesis
• Final oral examination consisting of public presentation of original research described in the thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The PhD student collaborates with a faculty advisor on a topic that may have a lasting influence on theoretical understanding or on professional practice. Although courses on advanced topics in one of the four areas of emphasis are taken, the PhD is primarily a research experience that requires an ability to identify, investigate, formulate, and solve new problems of interest. The results of this exercise are reported in a dissertation and in the research literature. Careers for PhD graduates are characterized by the expectation to act with considerable independence and to assume major responsibilities. The PhD graudate is prepared for a wide range of career choices in industry, government agencies, and academia.

PhD degree requirements

• Study list submitted during the first semester of graduate study
• Credit hours
  • For students entering with a BS degree: 56 hours. 18 hours of ECEn 799R (dissertation); 2 hours of ECEn692 (Professional writing); 36 hours of graduate specialization courses as determined in consultation with your advisory committee and the graduate committee.
  • For students entering with an MS degree: 38 hours. 18 hours of ECEn 799R (dissertation); 2 hours of ECEn692 (Professional writing); 18 hours of graduate specialization courses as determined in consultation with your advisory committee and the graduate committee.
  • For students entering with an MS degree from BYU: 30 hours. 18 hours of ECEn 799R (dissertation); 12 hours of graduate specialization courses as determined in consultation with your advisory committee and the graduate committee.
• Oral competency exam: completed by 2nd semester if entering with an MS degree; 3rd semester if entering with a BS degree.
• Qualifying exam:
  • completed by 3rd year of graduate study
  • Written prospectus
  • Oral presentation of the prospectus
• Advancement to candidacy
• Dissertation
• Final oral examination consisting of public presentation of original research described in the dissertation

This web page is provided for convenience and does not represent the official policy of the University, College, or Department. For official information please consult the graduate catalog at http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/.