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Program Requirements
You will have the flexibility to develop a plan of study in your area of interest. This degree consists of 30 credits of coursework; no final exam required. Our program is also available online.
- Regular* Course Credit Requirements: 30
- Thesis/Dissertation/Independent Study Credits: not applicable
- Advising: Graduate Committee Chairperson
You will complete a research-orientated plan of study involving a thesis and coursework. Students work closely with a faculty member who supervises your research.
- Regular* Course Credit Requirements: 21
- Thesis/Dissertation/Independent Study Credits: 9 ECE699
- Advising: Faculty Mentor
As a portfolio degree (no research), you can self-advise and select whatever courses are desired, consistent with the program requirements as outlined in the Department’s Graduate Student Handbook.
- Regular* Course Credit Requirements: 32
- Thesis/Dissertation/Independent Study Credits: not applicable
- Advising: Graduate Committee Chair (Note 3)
If you wish to pursue the project version of the M.S. Plan B, then you must secure the agreement of a faculty member to supervise the required three (3) credits of ECE695 – Independent Study.
- Regular* Course Credit Requirements: 27 plus 3 independent study credits
- Thesis/Dissertation/Independent Study Credits: 3 ECE695
- Advising: Faculty Mentor (Note 3)
- Regular* course credits at least: 9 (Note 1)
- Thesis/Dissertation/Independent Study credits (ECE799) at least: 24
- Advising: Faculty Mentor (Note 2)
- Regular* course credits at least: 30 (Note 1)
- Thesis/Dissertation/Independent Study credits (ECE699 and/or ECE799) at least: 33
- Advising: Faculty Mentor (Note 2)
Note 1
Note 2
Note 3
Note 4
Note 1
Students who have at least two full papers accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals or conferences, based on their Ph.D. research performed while enrolled at CSU, may petition to replace 3 credits of the required 9 credits of regular coursework by an “independent study” (ECE 795) course. This petition involves filling out the Independent Study Form listing citations and validating documentation. The form must be approved by the student’s Ph.D. Adviser, and then submitted to the department Academic Advisor for committee review and approval.
Note 2
All Ph.D. students are considered provisional by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering until they successfully complete an oral Qualifying Examination. This examination must be completed before the end of the third semester following admission. An advisory committee must be established before a qualifying examination can be attempted.
Note 3
In the Plan B Masters there are two ways to determine the program of study.
- The student can self-advise and select whichever courses are desired, consistent with the program requirements as outlined in the Department’s Graduate Student Handbook. Please see the Recommended Courses by ECE Topic Area for appropriate courses to take based on the various ECE topic areas.
- If a student wishes to pursue the project version of the Plan B, they must secure the agreement of a faculty member to supervise the required three (3) credits of ECE695 – Independent Study.
For students pursuing the portfolio option, the department will provide a committee. For the project option with an Independent Study, once the student has the agreement of a faculty member to act as their advisor, the student will be responsible for constituting the committee in accordance with the requirements in the Department’s Graduate Student Handbook.
Note 4
All ECE M.S. Plan A, M.S. Plan B, and Ph.D. students must attend ten seminars in ECE or related science and engineering departments during the course of their program. For students completing both the M.S. and Ph.D. program at CSU, a total of ten seminars are required during the student’s graduate program.
*Courses not accepted as “regular” include all courses ending in 82-99 (e.g. 682, 799, etc.)
Application Screening
Department's process for determining eligibility for admission
ECE will review each applicant’s materials and enter a decision (admit, deny, or withdraw) after:
- unofficial documents have been uploaded by the applicant
- application fee has been paid
- applicant has submitted the application
- two letters of recommendation have been received
Additional Requirements for International Students
To be eligible for admission, the department requires the equivalent of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. One of the following academic exams are required:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), minimum 80
- IELTS (International English Language Testing Service), minimum 6.5
- PTE (Pearson Test of English), minimum 58
- Duolingo, minimum 120
Applicants from Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and other select countries are exempt from this requirement. Students who have recently earned a degree at an American university are also exempt.
Before applying, please ensure your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
Recommended Application Deadlines
The ECE department follows a rolling admissions process, which means we evaluate applications as they are received instead of waiting to review all applications after a hard deadline. Students studying on a visa should allow at least three months for visas to be issued.
- Fall: January 15 for M.S.-Thesis and Ph.D. / February 1 for M.E. and M.S. Coursework
- Spring: August 15 for M.S.-Thesis and Ph.D. / September 1 for M.E. and M.S. Coursework
We value the diversity and rich history that different peoples and populations bring to our academic community, which is the embodiment of the University’s land grant mission and heritage. We seek applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, talents, experiences, and viewpoints.
Join Us.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Colorado State University is built on innovation, creativity, and impact.