Embedded Systems Master of Science Degree
Overview for Embedded Systems MS
Why Study Embedded Systems at RIT?
STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
Hands-On Experience: Gain real-world career experience that sets you apart from the competition by participating in an optional co-op and working in hands-on hardware-algorithm co-design laboratories.
Three Future-Focused Options: Choose from concentrations in Intelligent Systems and Personalized Healthcare, Embedded Photonic Systems, or Embedded Sensing and Communication.
High-Value Career Outcomes: Develop indispensable engineering skills that seamlessly bridge physical hardware with artificial intelligence. Graduates are equipped for high-demand, AI-resilient roles at leading companies like NVIDIA, Tesla, L3Harris, and Intuitive Surgical.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly migrating from centralized cloud servers to the physical edge. From autonomous vehicles and surgical robotics to industrial IoT, the core engineering challenge lies in deploying sophisticated AI models directly onto power-, memory-, and compute-constrained edge hardware (Edge AI & TinyML). Mastering this bridge between physical hardware and digital intelligence requires deep expertise in hardware chip architectures, model quantization, real-time sensing, and closed-loop control—creating a highly defensible technical skill set that cannot be easily replaced by generative AI.
Embedded Systems Master of Science
The MS in embedded systems prepares the next generation of technical leaders to drive innovation in embodied intelligence and edge computing. This program is designed for engineers seeking core R&D and leadership roles in smart devices, autonomous systems, medical robotics, and semiconductor applications.
Re-engineered to meet contemporary industry demands, the curriculum focuses on Edge AI Inference & Model Quantization, Hardware-Software Co-Design, Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), and Intelligent Sensor Networks.
To help you achieve your career goals, the program offers three tailored concentration options:
- Intelligent Systems and Personalized Healthcare: Focuses on surgical robotics, wearable diagnostic devices, and biomedical Edge AI signal processing.
- Embedded Photonic Systems: Integrates RIT's established legacy in fiber optics and photonics into modern high-speed edge computing and optical processing architectures.
- Embedded Sensing and Communication: Covers distributed Edge AI nodes, intelligent sensor fusion, and high-reliability communication networks.
Careers and Cooperative Education
Typical Job Titles
| Client Services Engineer | Cloud Support Associate | Information Technology |
| Network Operations Center Engineer | Network Engineer | Network Automation Engineer |
| Systems Network Administrator |
Cooperative Education
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Cooperative education is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the communication networks MS degree.
Featured Work and Profiles
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Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Embedded Systems MS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
The Communication Networks MS program will be retitled to Embedded Systems MS, effective fall 2027. To align with emerging industry demands, the curriculum has been redesigned to emphasize Edge AI, TinyML, real-time operating systems, and hardware-software co-design. Students will choose from three concentrations to tailor the degree to their career goals: Intelligent Systems and Personalized Healthcare, Embedded Photonic Systems, or Embedded Sensing and Communication.
Students are also interested in
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | Yes |
| Part‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Embedded Systems MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in engineering technology, engineering, or a related area. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
Duolingo (DET): 120
IELTS: 6.5
LanguageCert Academic: 70
PTE Academic: 56
TOEFL: 79/4.5
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
Additional Information
Bridge Courses
Applicants with a bachelor's degree in fields outside of engineering technology, engineering, or related fields may be considered for admission, however, bridge courses in Computer Programming may be required to ensure the student is adequately prepared for the program.
Contact
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology