MS Degree Requirements

Below is a brief overview of degree requirements within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. For an full explanation of requirements please visit the Graduate School, Master of Science requirements page.

General Requirements

Choose an Advisor.
Plan your course of study using the Degree Schedule form (M4). Recommended course sequences for various research options.
Complete 30 total approved credits.
1 credit of Advanced Responsible Conduct Research is required for all graduate students who entered the program after Spring 2013. Use the self audit tool to ensure the course you choose to complete the requirement for Advanced RCR is a course that can be counted towards your ECE MS degree.
You must earn a grade of "BC" or better for EE courses; "C" or better for non-EE courses. (BC/C grades may only be used on up to six (6) credits.)
Submit official transcripts showing proof of your previous degrees in not from Michigan Tech.
Completed a Patent, Research and Proprietary Rights form.
Graduate student audit worksheet. (This audit worksheet will calculate if your credits meet the requirements for each plan.)
A graduate student must maintain a university cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

MS Options

Choose an a plan. (A, B, or D)
Present a research/project proposal. (A or B)
Complete a thesis or project. (A or B)
Complete an oral thesis or project defense. (A or B)
Schedule the defense on MyMichiganTech under the Current students tab. File the oral examination form. Use the Verification of Degree Requirements Completion form for all MS degree options.

Thesis Option (Plan A)

This plan requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of an advisor. A thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The minimum requirements are as follows:

A minimum of 30 approved credits is required
20 credit minimum of course work
- 12 credit minimum EE5000-6000 series
- 1 credit of Advanced Responsible Conduct Research; UN5001 is required for all graduate students who entered the program after Spring 2013.
- 9 credit maximum 4000 series
- 3 credit minimum 4000 or higher level courses outside the department
- 3 credit maximum EE 5805 (directed study)
- 3 credit maximum of Co-op credits
Report Option (Plan B)
This plan requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in course work other than the project.
- A minimum of 30 approved credits is required
- 24 credit minimum of course work
  - 12 credit minimum EE5000-6000 series
  - 1 credit of Advanced Responsible Conduct Research; UN5001 is required for all graduate students who entered the program after Spring 2013.
  - 12 credit maximum 4000 series
  - 3 credit minimum 4000 or higher level courses outside the department
  - 3 credit maximum EE 5805 (directed study)
  - 3 credit maximum of Co-op credits
  Coursework Option - No Oral Examination (Plan D)
  This plan requires the minimum of 30 credits be earned through course work. Research credits taken by students in Plan D may not be counted as course-work credits.
  - A minimum of 30 approved credits is required
  - 30 credit minimum of course work
    - 18 credit minimum EE5000-6000 series
    - 1 credit of Advanced Responsible Conduct Research; UN5001 is required for all graduate students who entered the program after Spring 2013.
    - 9 credit maximum 4000 series
    - Seminar not required, but up to 2 credits allowed
    - 3 credit minimum 4000 or higher level courses outside the department
    - 3 credit maximum EE 5805 (directed study)
    - 3 credit maximum of Co-op credits
    En-Route MS Degree
    For students going directly from BS to PhD, the Graduate Program Committee recommends granting an en-route MS degree on completion of the following requirements:
    - 30 Credits of course work (similar to Plan D MS)
    - Successful completion of the PhD qualifying examination
    - Approval of the advisor
    - Send your Degree Schedule and Verification of Degree Requirements Completion form together to the Graduate School. Schedule your defense on MyMichiganTech.