2019-20 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-20 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Electrical and Computer Engineering, MSECE


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The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE) degree program requires a total of 30 credit hours to be completed, with thesis or non-thesis option. It is anticipated that the degree may be completed in two years of full time graduate study. To earn the MSECE degree, students must complete 30 credit hours, with a minimum cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.0 for the courses listed in the Plan of Study.

Special Admission Requirements


  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering from an institution accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET). Other students having adequate mathematical preparation with bachelor’s degrees in non-ECE fields may be admitted on a conditional basis – they must complete 18-27 undergraduate credits in the ECE field with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or better before being considered for full admission to the Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering program. Graduates of non-engineering fields may be admitted to the MSE degree program (see below under MSE degree program) after completing undergraduate math and ECE courses as determined by the ECE Department.
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 or better. Conditional admission may be granted to students with lower GPA’s, with the stipulation that they must receive a grade of B or better for the first 9 credits of graduate work. Some students may be advised to complete prerequisite or additional courses which will not count toward their degree.
  • Post-baccalaureate admission. Students may enroll to meet individual needs for continuing education rather than for pursuing a degree. Enrollment as a post-baccalaureate student does not imply later approval for degree-seeking status, nor does it guarantee acceptance toward a degree of credit taken as a post-baccalaureate student.

Non-Thesis Option


  1. At least 18 credits of ECE primary graduate-level engineering courses
  2. Minimum of 3 credit hours of graduate level mathematics course or equivalent with advisor approval
  3. At most 9 credits of graduate-level courses in engineering, math, computer science, physics, chemistry, and biology with advisor approval
  4. Maximum of one independent study allowed as a related course in Plan of Study

Thesis Option


Allows a student to earn credit for conducting independent research leading to a thesis. The thesis research is undertaken and completed under the supervision of a graduate faculty member and the thesis committee. The student’s thesis committee is responsible for approving the research plan, monitoring progress and reviewing the thesis prior to acceptance. Thesis option is normally available to students only after their completion of 9 credit hours with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better in the degree program.

  • 9 thesis research credit hours
  • At least 18 credits of ECE primary graduate level engineering courses
  • Six of thesis hours are considered as part of primary courses
  • Minimum of 3 credit hours of graduate level mathematics course or equivalent with advisor approval
  • Maximum of one independent study allowed as a related course in Plan of Study
  • Updated requirements can also be found at webs.purduecal.edu/ece/engineer-ing-graduate-program/graduation-requirements.

List of Some Primary ECE Courses


Total 30 Credits Required


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