2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Electrical Engineering, MS


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Program Director

Qinru Qiu, 315-443-2652; eecsadmissions@syr.edu

Master of Science Programs


For students who want to expand their technical expertise beyond their undergraduate major, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) offers master of science (M.S.) degrees in computer engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering. EECS has a long and distinguished record of graduate education, with many of our graduates placed in key positions in industry. Graduates from our master’s programs are well represented in such corporations as IBM, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Intel. In all of these degrees, students have the option of completing the M.S. degrees by taking only courses, or by combining coursework with a master’s thesis.

The M.S. programs consist of at least 30 credits beyond the B.S. degree. A thesis is optional. Students who are contemplating continuing their studies at the Ph.D. level are encouraged to complete an M.S. degree with the thesis option. A maximum of 9 credits of transfer credit may be included in M.S. programs. Professionals having a baccalaureate degree in fields other than computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering who are seeking a career change may take advantage of an opportunity to obtain an M.S. degree in one of these fields by combining suitable remedial undergraduate coursework with the regular program of graduate study.

Admission Requirements

Each of these master’s programs has its own admission committee that evaluates the overall academic record of an applicant. Each of these committees uses the following guidelines during the evaluation process:

  • GRE Verbal score of 150 or better (using New GRE Score System);
  • GRE Quantitative score of 155 or better (using New GRE Score System);
  • GRE Analytical (multiple choice) score of 650 or better, or a score of 3.5 or better in the new Analytical Writing;
  • for international students: TOEFL computer-based score of 223 (Internet-based score 85; paper-based score 563) or better;
  • grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 or better.

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Ability to apply advanced electrical engineering theory and methods to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems

2. Ability to analyze and design an electrical system with constraints and specifications, and at the same time consider its societal, economic, and environmental influences

3. Proficiency in modern engineering tools to simulate and/or conduct experiments on complex electrical systems

4. Ability to present advanced technical contents effectively through various media

5. Proficiency in the use of advanced mathematical and analytical techniques to analyze, model and optimize electrical systems

M.S. in Electrical Engineering


Course Requirements


1. Graduate Work Beyond the B.S. Degree


A minimum of 30 credits of graduate work beyond the B.S. degree is required.

2. Cumulative Total GPA


The student must maintain a cumulative total GPA of at least a 3.0 in those courses to be credited towards the M.S. degree, and a minimum cumulative total GPA of 2.8 in all graduate courses taken at Syracuse University.

3. A Maximum of 9 Credits of Transfer Credit of Graduate Coursework


A maximum of 9 credits of transfer credit of graduate coursework taken at an other university with a grade of B or better may be included in M.S. programs.

4. A Maximum of 12 Credits Taken at Syracuse University


A maximum of 12 credits taken at Syracuse University before the semester of admission may be included in an M.S. program provided they are relevant to a program in electrical engineering and have a grade of B- or better.

5. To Maintain Full-time Status in the EECS Department


To maintain full-time status in the EECS Department, students must register for 9 credits per semester. Part-time students must complete at least 6 credits per academic year.

6. Core Course Requirements


Each student is required to take four required courses which are composed of:

7. Programs must include a minimum of 21 credits of ELE courses


8. Final Examinations


Candidates are required to complete the final examinations in all core courses with an average grade of B- or better.

9. No more than 6 credits or 500-level courses may be included in the M.S. program


10. Students may select a thesis option


Students may select a thesis option. For students choosing the thesis option, at least 3 credits must be from a 700 or higher level ELE course. For students choosing the non-thesis option, at least 9 credits must be from 700 or higher level courses, of which at least 6 credits must be ELE courses. Independent study courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement. Students must get prior approval to take courses from other programs/departments.

11. Preparation of Theses and Dissertations


The master’s thesis must be prepared in accordance with the Graduate School’s instructions for the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations and must be approved by the thesis advisor. Theses must be presented orally and defended before a faculty panel.

12. Student Electing the Thesis Option


Students electing the thesis option must include ELE 997 - Masters Thesis  (normally 6 credits) in their programs of study.

13. Students Who Do Not Hold a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering


Students who do not hold a B.S. degree in electrical engineering or a related field may be admitted to a 60-credit program. This program includes the following remedial undergraduate courses.

The following eight courses:

  • ELE 231 - Electrical Engineering Fundamentals I and
  • ELE 232 - Electrical Engineering Fundamentals II

 

  • ELE 291 - Electrical Engineering Laboratory I and
  • ELE 292 - Electrical Engineering Laboratory II

 

  • ELE 346 - Semiconductor Devices
  • ELE 331 - Digital Circuits and Systems
  • ELE 324 Electromagnetics I
  • ELE 333 - Analog Circuits

One of the following two courses:

  • ELE 351 - System and Signal Analysis or
  • ELE 352 - Digital Signal Processing

At least two technical elective courses such as:

  • ELE 416 - Electromechanical Devices
  • ELE 424 - Transmission Lines for Computers and Communications
  • ELE 425 - Microwave Engineering
  • ELE 431 - Analog Circutes and Systems
  • ELE 458 - Data Networks: Basic Principles
  • ELE 512 - Linear Control Systems  
  • ELE 514 - Electric Power Systems  
  • ELE 524 - Introduction to Applied Optics  
  • ELE 541 - Integrated Circuits  
  • ELE 551 - Communication Systems  

Additional Information


In addition, students, depending on their background, may need to take remedial physics and mathematics courses.

Students who have demonstrated competence in any of the above subjects may request a waiver of the corresponding courses. The remedial coursework must be completed prior to registering for graduate courses. The remaining 30 credits must satisfy the requirements for the MSEE program.

Electrical Engineer Degree


The degree of electrical engineer allows qualified students to pursue their graduate education beyond the M.S. The program is designed to provide mastery of a field of knowledge and familiarity with related fields, as well as to develop a capacity for independent study.

Admission Requirements

  1. B.S. in electrical or computer engineering or a related field with an average of 3.0 or better on a scale of 4.0 from an accredited institution, or
  2. M.S. in electrical or computer engineering or a related field.

Applicants are informed of any additional requirements when their applications are processed.

Guidance

Each student is assigned a guidance committee to help plan the program of study.

Program Summary

The program consists of coursework, qualifying examinations, and a project. The minimum program consists of 60 credits beyond the B.S. including 6 credits for the Engineer Degree Project (ELE 995 ). The student must maintain at least a 3.0 average.

Required Courses

A student’s program must include the coursework required for the M.S. degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or an acceptable related area completed either at Syracuse University or elsewhere. In addition, the student must take at least 4 ELE/CSE courses at or above the 700 level beyond M.S. degree; Independent study courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

Qualifying Examinations

Students working toward an electrical engineer degree must pass the written qualifying examinations required for the Ph.D. Students are examined on basic undergraduate and graduate material in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and applied mathematics. The current list of areas and descriptions of the nature and scope of these examinations can be obtained from the department office. The examinations may not be taken more than twice. Credit granted for work at other approved institutions does not exempt a student from the qualifying examinations.

The Electrical Engineer Degree Project

ELE 995 - Engineer Degree Project  ELE 995  carries 6 credits. The student undertakes an investigation which may be original research, an application of the state-of-the-art, a solution of a set of related problems, or a critical survey of a special topic. The student is assigned a project advisor who must approve the topic and agree to direct the work. Students with engineering employment may make arrangements to carry out the project work at the employer’s premises or laboratory, provided the advisor has unrestricted access to the work. A formal project report and a final oral examination on the project are required after completion of all graduate work.

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