Graduate Program Overview
The Department offers three degrees at the graduate level: the Master of Science (MS) in IT & Cybersecurity, the Master of Science (MS) in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate degrees offer advanced study in four broad areas: Computer Engineering, Electromagnetics, Microelectronics, and Signals and Systems.
Master of Science (MS) in IT & Cybersecurity Program
The IT & Cybersecurity Program offers a Masters Degree program. The program is ideal for IT&C professionals and those who have recently completed a technical undergraduate degree who are anxious to delve deep into a specific area of IT&C. Recent graduates often qualify for new positions making 20k more per year or go on to PhD programs at top Universities.
Master's students work closely with a faculty advisor and committee members to complete a thesis, which is based on original research. In all, students must take 30 credit hours including 6 thesis hours and 24 hours of elective credits, including at least 12 credits from IT&C upper-level courses (500 or 600 level). Students often fill some elective credits with appropriate technical and leadership graduate courses from across campus in departments such as Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, and Instructional Psychology & Technology.
The program is highly flexible and IT&C graduate courses are offered in the daytime and evening. A GPA above a 3.0, above average GRE scores, and an appropriate technical background are required for admission. Significant scholarship funds are available for graduate student tuition, as well as travel funds to present research. Interested students are encouraged to speak with an IT&C faculty member in their area of expertise or the Graduate Coordinator.
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 should 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 hours of ECEn 692 (Professional Writing), and 24 credit hours from graduate courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering or related disciplines, subject to approval by the graduate committee. At least 12 of the 24 credit hours must be ECEn courses.
- Attend at least two graduate seminars each Fall and Winter semester.
- 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 ECEn 692 (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 ECEn 692 (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 year if entering with an MS degree; 3rd year 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
- Attend at least two graduate seminars each Fall and Winter semester.
- 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 gradstudies.byu.edu.