Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Electrical Engineering is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and specialized skills in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of electrical engineering. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing graduates for successful careers in industry, research, or academia.

The program consists of 30 units including either a graduate thesis or project. The thesis option is ideal for students interested in pursuing research or doctoral studies, while the project option provides hands-on experience in solving real-world engineering challenges.

Students have the opportunity to specialize in one or more of the following areas:

Biomedical Engineering

Sample subjects include Biomedical Measurements and Instrumentation, Medical Devices, Biomedical Imaging, Computational Models in Biomedical Engineering, and Biomedical Signal Processing.

Communications

Sample subjects include Digital Communications Systems, Data Communication Networks, Wireless Communications, Radar Systems, and Fiber-Optic Communications.

Controls Engineering

Sample subjects include Digital Control Systems, Fuzzy Control, State Variable Control, Nonlinear Control Systems, Optimal Control, and Stochastic Control

Digital and Computer Engineering

Sample subjects include System on Chip Design, FPGA/ASIC Design and Optimization with HDL, ASIC Development, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Deep Learning, Pattern Recognition, Image Processing, Advanced Switching Theory, Reliable Digital Systems Design and Diagnosis, Digital Systems Design Automation.

Electronics, Solid State Devices, and Integrated Circuits

Sample subjects include Mixed-Signal IC Design, Analog IC Design, RF Integrated Circuits Design, Active Filters Design, VLSI, Solid State Devices, and Semiconductor Device Fabrication.

Microwave and Antenna Engineering

Sample subjects include Electromagnetic Fields and Waves, Microwave and Photonic Devices, RF Active Circuit Design, Microwave and Optical System Design, Photonics, Microwave Engineering, Microwave Circuit Design, and Antenna Engineering.

Power and Energy Systems

Sample subjects include Electrical Machines, Energy Conversion, Power Systems, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy Generation, Power System Protection, Power System Operation and Control, and Power Distribution Systems.

Graduate Program Objectives

The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program at CSUN prepares students for lifelong careers in a field that will allow them to make productive contributions to society and find personal satisfaction in their work. To accomplish this, graduates with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering will meet the following educational objectives:

1. Understand advanced electrical- and computer-engineering principles, including in-depth training in one of the fundamental areas of electrical engineering.
2. Apply advanced analysis, design and research methods to solve problems in electrical and computer engineering.
3. Apply industry practices, emerging technologies, state-of-the-art design techniques and software tools to electrical and computer engineering problems.
4. Communicate clearly through the appropriate communication medium.
5. Appreciate the importance of lifelong learning and be motivated by a sense of exploration to continue learning.

A. Requirements for Admission to the Program

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, with an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
2. A minimum GPA of 2.7 in the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of undergraduate coursework.
3. All applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, are required to pass an English Proficiency exam.

Prerequisite Courses

Some or all of these prerequisite courses may be required depending on an applicant’s prior background. The graduate coordinator will determine the specific prerequisite courses on a case-by-case basis.

B. Admission Procedure

Application forms are available online through Cal State Apply and can be completed and submitted online. The code number for the MSEE is 562440M. Application deadlines for admission are set by the Office of Admissions.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, are required to submit an English Proficiency exam. CSUN currently accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, iTEP, EIKEN, GTEC, and Cambridge Advanced English. The English language tests and minimum scores are listed in the table at International Graduate Students.

Continuing students in either postbaccalaureate or graduate status may change their objective and seek admission to M.S. in Electrical Engineering by filling out a change of objective form. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of all University regulations and restrictions, such as:

1. No more than 9 units of transfer or extension work.
2. No more than 9 units of 400-level courses.
3. Academic notice and disqualification.
4. Repeat of courses rules.
5. Advancement to candidacy.
6. Academic leave.
7. A 7-year time limit for the completion of the degree.
8. Graduation with distinction.

For details on the above, students are advised to meet with the ECE graduate coordinator. Prior to the formation of their graduate committee, graduate students are advised by the graduate coordinator. After the formation of their graduate committee, graduate students are advised by their committee chair. All courses taken toward the M.S. degree must be approved by the committee chair and the graduate coordinator.

C. Classified Graduate Status

The candidate must:

1. Fulfill University requirements for classified status.
2. Complete prerequisite courses with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
3. Submit a tentative program of graduate study to the ECE graduate coordinator.
4. Have a minimum grade of “C” or better in any course taken while maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

D. For the Degree

1. Completion of 30 units under either the Thesis Plan or the Project Plan.
2. Approval of graduate project/thesis on the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) website by the Electrical Engineering faculty.

E. Graduate Program

The 30 units of coursework in the graduate program must form a cohesive plan of graduate study that consists of core courses and elective courses from one or more of the seven specializations currently offered in the ECE department. Inclusion of a course not in the ECE suggested or elective course list must have the written approval of the graduate coordinator prior to enrollment in the course.

F. Special Requirements

Students from nontechnical fields must fulfill most of the undergraduate prerequisite courses in math and physics outlined above with a 3.0 GPA or higher before applying for admission to the ECE program. No time limit applies to courses taken to satisfy M.S. prerequisite requirements.

G. Course Requirements

All coursework in the student’s graduate program must be completed with a “C” or better, while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

1. Required Core Courses (13 units)

Engineering Mathematics

Select one course from the following:

ECE 580 Digital Control Systems (3)
ECE 582 State Variables in Automatic Control (3)
ECE 650 Random Processes (3)

Engineering Physics

Select one course from the following:

ECE 545 Solid State Devices (3)
ECE 571 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves II (3)
ECE 578 Photonics (3)
ECE 610 Power System Operation and Control (3)

Engineering Circuits

Select one course from the following:

ECE 524/L FPGA/ASIC Design and Optimization Using HDL and Lab (3/1)
ECE 527/L Application Specific Integrated Circuit Development and Lab (3/1)
ECE 540/ECE 540L Analog Integrated Circuit Design and Lab (3/1)

Engineering Systems

Select one course from the following:

ECE 501/L Biomedical Measurements and Instrumentation and Laboratory (2/1)
ECE 511 Distributed Energy Generation (3)
ECE 561 Digital Communication Systems (3)

2. Elective Courses (11-14 units)

The remaining 11 to 14 units may be selected from any 400-, 500-, or 600-level ECE courses. These can include additional core courses mentioned above or electives from one or more specialty areas listed under Graduate Programs on the ECE department website. Please note that no more than 9 units of 400-level courses approved for graduate credit may be counted toward the degree.

3. Culminating Experience (3-6 units)

A. Thesis Plan

ECE 698C Thesis (3-3)

Successful defense of thesis before the thesis committee is required. Students who select the Thesis will complete 13 units of core courses, 6 units of ECE 698C, and 11 units of electives with no more than 9 units of 400-level courses approved for graduate credit and/or from the suggested electives in one or more of the specialty areas mentioned above.

B. Project Plan

ECE 698C Graduate Project (3)

The Graduate Project will culminate in a comprehensive report. Students who select the Graduate Project will complete 13 units of core courses, 3 units of ECE 698C, and 14 units of electives with no more than 9 units of 400-level courses approved for graduate credit and/or from the suggested electives in one or more of the specialty areas mentioned above.

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 30