Graduate Study
Computer Engineering
Program Overview
The college offers a master of science degree in computer engineering intended to build upon a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering or a related discipline. The objectives of the MS degree are to provide graduates with a higher level of specialized knowledge in the area of computer engineering, strengthen their ability to successfully formulate solutions to current technical problems in computer engineering and offer a significant independent learning experience in preparation for further graduate study or for continuing professional development at the leading edge of the computer engineering discipline. The MS program is expected to accommodate recipients of BS degrees in other majors, such as electrical engineering or computer science, after some additional bridge courses.
Curriculum Review
The degree requires 45 quarter credits and includes a core curriculum of four courses. The requirements also include three courses within an area of concentration, two graduate electives, subject to a faculty adviser’s approval, and 9 quarter credits of thesis research. Core courses and graduate electives are meant to provide breadth of knowledge. The concentration allows students to pursue an area of specialization in the field of computer engineering by completing a cohesive set of three courses beyond the core degree requirements. This provides students with enough depth to conduct meaningful thesis research. The graduate committee must approve a student’s chosen thesis research topic. The committee consists of at least three faculty members, the majority of whom are computer engineering faculty. The committee chairperson normally serves as the student’s faculty adviser.
The curriculum for the MS degree in computer engineering includes 45 quarter credit hours and includes the following requirements. These courses build on the knowledge a student has previously gained through a BS degree in computer engineering.
Core courses
0306-730 VLSI Design
0306-740 Analytical Topics for Computer Engineers
0306-756 Multiple Processor Systems
Thesis research
One critically 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 the student obtain experience in reviewing related work of others in the field, as well as conduct meaningful independent research under a faculty mentorship. The graduate thesis is the degree component that addresses these issues.
Thesis work begins by selecting a faculty adviser, identifying a topic, forming a committee 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.
Areas of concentration
The following areas of concentration are available in computer engineering:
VLSI and Digital Systems Design
0306-720 Electronic Design Automation
0306-730 VLSI Design
0306-731 VLSI Design Projects
0306-741 Design for Testability
0306-758 Fault Tolerant Digital Systems
0306-759 Principles of Digital Interfacing
Computer Architecture
0306-722 Advanced Computer Architecture
0306-724 High Performance Architectures
0306-756 Multiple Processor Systems
0306-772 Special Topics in Computer Architecture
Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision
0306-784 Digital Image Processing Algorithms
0306-785 Computer Vision
0306-772 Special Topics: Computational Intelligence
Computer Networking
0306-710 Network Modeling, Design and Simulation
0306-715 Wireless Networks
0306-795 Networking Security
0306-772 Special Topics: Wireless Communications
Embedded Systems and Control
0306-763 Embedded and Real-time Systems
0306-775 Robotics
0306-764 Modeling of Real-Time Systems
0306-772 Special Topics: Real-Time Operating Systems
0306-776 Robust Control
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesComputer engineer, hardware design engineer, software design engineer, software engineer, systems consultant
Functions
VLSI design, computer interfacing, digital systems design, realtime systems, image processing, software engineering
Recent Employers
Adobe Systems, Eastman Kodak Co., Intel, Harris Corp., Motorola, IBM Corp., SUN Microsystems
Admission Requirements
Admission into the MS program in computer engineering requires a BS degree in computer engineering or related discipline. For students lacking sufficient background in computer engineering, bridge courses by be required in addition to the regular degree requirements. The evaluation process is primarily based on the student's academic background, undergraduate academic performance, and letters of reference. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) exam is required for all applicants and international students are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Transfer credits
Transfer of graduate course credit from other RIT departments or other appropriate institutions of higher learning is based on the graduate committee recommendation and may not exceed 9 quarter credits. A grade of "B" or better is required for all transfer courses. The total of 600-level courses applicable to the program may not exceed 4 quarter credits, and no graduate credit will be considered for courses below the 600 level.
Graduation requirements
RIT requires graduate students to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher during all quarters of study, a grade of "B" or better for all transfer courses and the completion of all degree requirements within seven years.