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Computer Engineering MS
Program overview
The master of science degree in computer engineering provides students with a higher level of specialized knowledge in computer engineering, strengthening their ability to successfully formulate solutions to current technical problems, and offering a significant independent learning experience in preparation for further graduate study or for continuing professional development at the leading edge of the discipline. The program accommodates applicants with undergraduate degrees in computer engineering or related programs such as electrical engineering or computer science. (Some additional bridge courses may be required for applicants from undergraduate degrees outside of computer engineering.)
Curriculum
The degree requires 30 semester credit hours and includes four core courses, four graduate electives (subject to a faculty adviser’s approval), two to three semesters of graduate seminar, and 6 semester credit hours of thesis research. Core courses and graduate electives provide breadth and depth of knowledge to conduct meaningful thesis research.
The Computer Engineering Graduate Seminar (CMPE-795) provides students with exposure to a variety of research topics presented by researchers from within RIT and from throughout the computer engineering field. Students are expected to conduct graduate level thesis research under the supervision of a primary faculty adviser and thesis committee.
Computer engineering, MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CMPE-610 | Analytical Topics in Computer Engineering | 3 |
| CMPE-630 | Digital Integrated Circuit Design | 3 |
| CMPE-655 | Multiple Processor Systems | 3 |
| CMPE-660 | Reconfigurable Computing | 3 |
| CMPE-795 | Graduate Seminar | 0 |
| Graduate Electives | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Graduate Electives | 6 | |
| CMPE-795 | Graduate Seminar | 0 |
| CMPE-790 | Thesis | 6 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
Thesis research
An important aspect of graduate study is the student’s preparation to lead challenging, state-of-the-art technical projects. To do this effectively, it is essential that students obtain experiences in reviewing related work of others in the field, as well as conducting meaningful independent research under a faculty mentor.
Thesis work begins by selecting a faculty adviser, identifying a topic, forming a committee (which approves the research topic), and submitting a proposal. The thesis topic, formulated by working closely with a faculty adviser, is related to recent technical developments in the field of computer engineering. Upon completion of the research outlined in the thesis proposal, the work is reported in a document submitted to the faculty committee and a thesis defense presentation. A technical paper resulting from the thesis research is submitted to a refereed conference or journal for publication.
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS program in computer engineering, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university in computer engineering or a related field,
- Submit official transcripts (in English) from all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
- Have an GPA of 3.0 or higher,
- Submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE),
- Submit two letters of reference from individuals well qualified to judge the candidate's ability for graduate study, and
- Complete a graduate application.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesComputer engineer, hardware design engineer, software design engineer, software engineer, systems consultant
FunctionsVLSI design, computer interfacing, digital systems design, realtime systems, image processing, software engineering
Recent EmployersAdobe Systems, Eastman Kodak Co., Intel, Harris Corp., Motorola, IBM Corp., SUN Microsystems