Graduate Program

Teaching Assistantship and Research Assistantship Application

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Applied Science

Masters of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

About
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The program offers two tracks, depending on your interests (1) Electrical Engineering (2) Computer Engineering.

For full-time students there is a thesis track, while working professionals will be well-prepared for the project track. Coursework and faculty will be at both the Pocatello and Idaho Falls campuses, combining elements of both in-person and remote learning modalities.

Admission Requirements

All applicants for the M.S. in ECE program must have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or a closely related field. All applicants must meet Idaho State University Graduate School M.S. admission requirements.

For priority consideration, applicants with B.S. degrees from other institutions are recommended to supply GRE scores with their application.

What if I don’t have a B.S. Electrical Engineering (BS EE) or B.S. Computer Engineering (BS CpE)?

We understand that applicants may come from allied disciplines, programs, or technology degree fields. Therefore, to clarify the typical background for competitive applicants we have outlined below a set of coursework which is considered prerequisite knowledge for each track of the MS ECE program.

In particular, applicants with degree names such as “B.S. Electrical Engineering Technology” (BS EET) and other technology-related degrees should be aware that the MS ECE program is a traditional engineering graduate program designed for students with a strong theoretical background in mathematics and upper division engineering coursework. During admission degrees such as the BS EET would be considered within the technology degree field, not as engineering or closely related degrees. Applicants with such a technology background should pursue the appropriate prerequisite knowledge prior to applying to the MS ECE program.

Assumed Math Background

The following courses (or equivalents) on a transcript:

MATH 1170 Calculus I

MATH 1175 Calculus II

MATH 2240 Linear Algebra

MATH 2275 Calculus III (For the MS EE track)

MATH 3360 Differential Equations

Applicants without the appropriate mathematics background should enroll as a non-degree seeking (or degree-seeking) undergraduate student to complete the math background.

Suggested EE/CpE Coursework

Candidates from other engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or closely related fields with the mathematical background above are also suggested to take the following courses, depending on the desired MS track.

Applicants for the MS Electrical Engineering track are should have taken MATH 2275 (Calculus III) and are suggested to demonstrate coursework in at least 4 of the 5 following areas:

ECE 3340 Electromagnetics

Equivalent courses must have MATH 2275 prerequisite

ECE 3310 Signals and Systems

Equivalent courses must have MATH 3360 prerequisite

ECE 4410 Automatic Control Systems

Equivalent courses must have MATH 3360 prerequisite

ECE 4420 Advanced Electronics

Equivalent courses must have MATH 2240 somewhere in the prerequisite chain

ECE 4412 Communication Systems

Equivalent courses should have a rigorous course on Signals and Systems (ECE 3310) prerequisite

Applicants for the MS Computer Engineering track are suggested to demonstrate coursework in at least 3 of the 4 following areas:

ECE 4460 Advanced Computer Architecture

Or CS 1137 or equivalent

ECE 4451 Embedded Systems Engineering

Equivalent courses must have computer architecture as a prerequisite

ECE 4450 Advanced Digital Logic Design

Equivalent courses should be upper division courses with another digital system course as a prerequisite (e.g. ECE 2250).

CS 3337 Secure Systems and Networks

Equivalent courses should be upper division courses with prerequisites of computer architecture (e.g. ECE 4460, CS 1337) and CS 2235 Data Structures and Algorithms (or equivalent)

Applicants with the mathematics background could also take suggested EE/CpE courses as non-degree seeking students, or seek admission to the MS ECE program and take such courses as part of a performance requirement plan (before enrolling in graduate level coursework). It is recommended to take these courses before applying for GTA funding in order to make a competitive application.

Please contact the graduate program director for additional information.

Priority Deadlines

For priority admission into Fall semester enrollment, please apply by February 1. Applications will be reviewed in bulk after February 1 and students may expect a decision rendered in early March.

For priority admission into Spring semester enrollment, please apply by October 1. Applications will be reviewed in bulk after October 1 and students may expect a decision rendered in early November.

Funding and Support

There is no guarantee that funding will be available, however students should be aware of the following:

A limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) positions are available for very strong candidates on a competitive basis. As GTA funding is typically awarded on a yearly basis, students seeking GTA funding are recommended to apply for Fall semester before the priority deadline for consideration.

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) funding may be available for exceptional candidates with demonstrated research track records. For these opportunities, please directly contact a prospective faculty adviser with your credentials and relevant research accomplishments.

Application for GTA and GRA funding is available here.

For students applying to ISU with external funding or self-funding, please directly contact the graduate program director. Candidates with external funding will be considered for priority admission.

Research Areas

Research opportunities exist in areas of controls, radio frequency engineering, communications, digital systems, machine learning, smart grids, and more.

Links

Master of Science in Measurement and Control Engineering

The engineering departments at ISU offer a Master of Science (MS) program in Measurement and Control Engineering (MCE). This program is designed to provide advanced study in measurements, modeling, simulation, adaptive, intelligent, nonlinear, optimal, robust control, and robotics. The MCE program admits students with a background in Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Mechanical-, Electrical-, Civil-, Nuclear-, and Aerospace-Engineering, as well as students with degrees in Computer Science and Physics. The program prepares the students for advanced placement in the measurement and control engineering field in industry, research, or development areas. Additionally, this program provides a suitable base for entrance into a Ph.D. program in a field related to Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. The program is offered both at the Pocatello and the Idaho Falls campuses, primarily through the use of telecommunications/distance learning, which includes partial in-class instruction. There are 30 credit hours required for an MS in MCE. The required thesis project should consist of study and research that complements the course work selected. Each student must also complete two semesters of seminar, an important component in developing research and communication skills.

Engineering Graduate Students

Graduate Teaching/Research Application

PhD in Engineering and Applied Science

MS Thesis or Special Project Plan

MS Electrical and Computer Engineering Program of Study

MS Measurement and Control Systems Program of Study