Program Description
The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering students receive a broad background in areas such as electromagnetics and optics, signal processing and systems, and micro-systems and nano-systems.
The Department of Electrical Engineering (Electrical Engineering Program) supports a number of technical (research) areas in which a Master of Science student may specialize. These technical areas are: Electromagnetics and Optics (EO), Signal Processing and Systems (SPS), and Micro-Systems and Nano-Systems (MNS). The Micro-Systems and Nano-Systems area covers the typical Electrical Engineering topic areas of Electronics, Power Electronics, and Micro-Electronics, while the Signal Processing and Systems area covers the typical electrical topic areas of communications, controls, and signal processing. All MSEE programs offer a thesis and a nonthesis option, as well as an Accelerated BS to MSEE program. Students in the program receive a broad background in the various technical areas while specializing in a research area of their interest.
The specific research area that each one of the EE faculty conduct can be found at the Department of EE website (www.ece.ucf.edu/).
This program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please visit https://apq.ucf.edu/files/Licensure-Disclosure-CECS-Electrical-Engineering-MS-June2020.pdf.
Program Tracks
- Electrical Engineering MSEE, Accelerated BS to MSEE Track
Curriculum
The master’s program offers both a thesis option and a nonthesis option in a technical specialization area. The thesis option requires 30 credit hours of courses that includes 24 credit hours of formal coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis. The nonthesis option requires 30 credit hours of coursework with 24 credit hours of formal coursework with a possibility of 6 credit hours of Independent Study (e.g., XXX 6908) based on availability of interested faculty.
Total Credit Hours Required: 30 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree
Articulation
Undergraduate articulation courses are required to be completed prior to admission for students who do not hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. In particular, the articulation courses specified below, plus all of the prerequisite string which any of them require, must be completed prior to admission. Grades of “B” or higher must be obtained in each articulation course specified below. Articulation courses are not eligible for inclusion on a graduate Program of Study.
- EEL 3123C - Network and Systems
- EEE 3307C - Electronics I
- EEL 3470 - Electromagnetic Fields
- EEL 3552 - Signal Analysis and Communications
- EEE 3350 - Semiconductor Devices I
In addition, choose one of the following:
- EEL 3657 - Linear Control Systems
- EEE 4309C - Electronics II
- EEL 4750 - Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals
Elective Courses: 24 Credit Hours
There are no required courses within a specialization area, however, all students (thesis and nonthesis) must choose at least 24 credit hours of formal courses, excluding research-related courses and Independent Study (XXX 6908) that emphasize their specialization area. Courses from outside specialization areas could also be chosen if they are approved by the student’s adviser and incorporated into the Program of Study for the student.
The Program of Study (POS) form must be approved by an adviser in the selected specialization area no later than the end of the second semester after admission. The program of study must meet all the university requirements specified in the graduate catalog and must also receive departmental-level and college-level approval.
Suggested Courses for the MSEE Program
The Electrical Engineering Program supports a number of specialization areas. These technical areas are: Electromagnetics and Optics (EO), Signal Processing and Systems (SPS), and Micro-Systems and Nano-Systems (MNS). The Micro-Systems and Nano-Systems area covers the typical Electrical Engineering topic areas of Electronics, Power Electronics and Micro-Electronics, while the Signal Processing and Systems area covers the typical electrical topic areas of communications, controls, and signal processing.
For each one of these areas there is a suggested list of courses stated below. Students are also allowed to take courses from other specialization areas, but the majority of their courses should be chosen from courses in their specialization area.
Electromagnetics and Optics (EO)
- EEE 5542 - Random Processes I 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5557 - Introduction to Radar Systems 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 5437C - Microwave Engineering 4 Credit Hours
- EEL 5439C - RF and Microwave Active Circuits 4 Credit Hours
- EEL 5462 - Antenna Analysis and Design 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 5432 - Satellite Remote Sensing 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6425C - RF and Microwave Measurement Techniques 4 Credit Hours
- EEL 6481 - Numerical Techniques in Electromagnetics 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6482 - Electromagnetic Theory I 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6489 - Advanced Topics in Electromagnetics and Microwaves 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6504 - Communications Systems Design 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6530 - Communication Theory 3 Credit Hours
- MAP 5426 - Special Functions 3 Credit Hours
- MAP 5435 - Advanced Mathematics for Engineers 3 Credit Hours
- MAP 6424 - Transform Methods 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 5041 - Introduction to Wave Optics 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 5414 - Fundamentals of Optoelectronic Devices 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 6111 - Optical Wave Propagation 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 6143 - Fiber Optics Communication System 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 6211 - Imaging and Optical Systems 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 6421 - Integrated Photonics 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 6432 - Guided Waves and Optoelectronics 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 6445 - Fundamentals of Ultrafast Optics 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 6455C - Photonics Laboratory 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 5525 - Laser Engineering 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 6615L - Optoelectronic Device Fabrication Laboratory 3 Credit Hours
- OSE 5525 - Laser Engineering 3 Credit Hours
Micro-Systems and Nano-Systems (MNS)
- BME 5572 - Biomedical Nanotechnology 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 5245 - Power Electronics 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5332C - Thin Film Technology 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5352 - Semiconductor Material and Device Characterization 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5353 - Semiconductor Device Modeling and Simulation 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5356C - Fabrication of Solid-State Devices 4 Credit Hours
- EEE 5370 - Operational Amplifiers 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5378 - CMOS Analog and Digital Circuit Design 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5390C - Full-Custom VLSI Design 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5555 - Surface Acoustic Wave Devices and Systems 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 6317 - Power Semiconductor Devices and Integrated Circuits 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 6358 - Advanced Semiconductor Device I 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6246 - Power Electronics II 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 6326C - MEMS Fabrication Laboratory 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 6338 - Advanced Topics in Microelectronics 3 Credit Hours
Signal Processing and Systems (SPS)
- EEE 5513 - Digital Signal Processing Applications 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5542 - Random Processes I 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 5557 - Introduction to Radar Systems 3 Credit Hours
- EEE 6504 - Adaptive Digital Signal Processing 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 5820 - Image Processing 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 5825 - Pattern Recognition and Learning from Big Data 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 5630 - Digital Control Systems 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 5173 - Linear Systems Theory 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6504 - Communications Systems Design 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6530 - Communication Theory 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6590 - Advanced Topics in Communications 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6812 - Introduction to Neural Networks 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6619 - Nonlinear Robust Control and Applications 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6621 - Nonlinear Control Systems 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6662 - Advanced Robotics 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6667 - Planning and Control for Mobile Robotic Systems 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6671 - Modern and Optimal Control Systems 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6674 - Optimal Estimation for Control 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6616 - Adaptive Control 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6683 - Cooperative Control of Networked Autonomous Systems 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 5669 - Introduction to Robotics and Autonomous Vehicles 3 Credit Hours
- EEL 6026 - Optimization of Engineering Systems 3 Credit Hours
- CAP 5415 - Computer Vision 3 Credit Hours
- CAP 6411 - Computer Vision Systems 3 Credit Hours
- CAP 6412 - Advanced Computer Vision 3 Credit Hours
- CAP 6419 - 3D Computer Vision 3 Credit Hours
Thesis Option: 6 Credit Hours
The thesis option requires 6 credit hours of thesis work (EEL 6971) in addition to the 24 credit hours of formal elective courses.
Please note the following requirements for this option:
- 24 credit hours of courses must be taken in the student’s chosen specialization area.
- No more than 6 credits of thesis (EEL 6971) will be counted toward the degree requirement.
- At least half of the coursework, including Thesis XXX 6971, must be at the 6000-level (typically at least 15 credit hours).
- Thesis students who are full time must continue to enroll in three credit hours of thesis coursework each semester until the thesis requirement is satisfied, beyond the minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis, but only 6 hours total will count toward the degree requirement.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science requires that all thesis defense announcements are approved by the student’s adviser and posted on the college’s website and on the university-wide Events Calendar at the College of Graduate Studies website at least two weeks before the defense date.
- EEL 6971 - Thesis 3 Credit Hours (taken twice)
Nonthesis Option: 6 Credit Hours
The nonthesis option is especially suited for part-time students. Nonthesis students must complete 6 credit hours of electives in addition to the 24 credit hours of formal coursework described above.
If approved by the student’s adviser, the student may include a total of 6 credit hours as an Independent Study (XXX 6908). At least half of the coursework must be at the 6000-level (typically at least 15 credit hours).
Portfolio Requirement
Students are required to complete a culminating experience. The culminating experience for nonthesis MS students is submission of their portfolio of activities by the course withdrawal date of the semester prior to their intended graduation. Portfolio requirements are listed on the EECS website at http://www.eecs.ucf.edu/.
Transfer Credits
Graduate students with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from UCF may transfer up to 9 credit hours of 5000-level or higher coursework, with grades of B or higher, toward the MSEE degree. Alternatively, a maximum of 9 credit hours may be transferred of graduate work conducted elsewhere from an accredited institution.
Equipment Fee
Students in the Electrical Engineering MSEE program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay $45 per semester.
Independent Learning
The independent learning requirement is met by successful completion of a master’s thesis or an approved portfolio of activities for nonthesis students.
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
- GRE is not required for MSEE applicants with a BS degree in EE or CpE and with a minor in any of following disciplines of EE, CpE or CS.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Résumé.
- Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
- Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Faculty members may choose to conduct face-to-face or telephone interviews before accepting an applicant into their research program.
Additional courses may also be required to correct any course deficiencies. Students should contact the graduate program director for further information.
Application Deadlines
| Electrical Engineering MSEE | *Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Domestic Applicants | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | Dec 1 |
| International Applicants | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Jul 1 |
| *Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date. |
Financials
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
