Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Engineering program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the design, development, and optimization of computer systems, as well as hardware-software integration. Combining elements of traditional electrical engineering and computer science, this program equips students with a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and real-world engineering applications. The curriculum covers everything from mathematical and scientific principles to cutting-edge engineering practices, preparing graduates for leadership roles in industries such as digital systems design, embedded systems, robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and beyond.

The program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their studies to align with their career goals. Students can choose between a thesis plan, ideal for those interested in research and academic pursuits, or a project plan, which focuses on solving real-world engineering challenges through a culminating project.

Program Highlights

• Specialized Core Courses: Gain in-depth knowledge in areas such as system-on-chip (SoC) design, FPGA/ASIC development, computer architecture, microcontroller, and computer arithmetic.
• Diverse Elective Options: Customize your learning experience by selecting from a wide range of electives in Computer Science (COMP) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), including topics like machine learning, image processing, computer security, robotics, and VLSI design.
• Hands-On Learning: Engage in laboratory-based courses and projects that provide practical experience with industry-standard tools and technologies.
• Culminating Experience: Complete either a graduate thesis or a project, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise and contribute to the field.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the M.S. in Computer Engineering program are well prepared for careers in:

• Computer hardware system design
• Embedded systems development
• Computer hardware and software integration
• Robotics and automation
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Cyber physical systems

With access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and a collaborative learning environment, students are empowered to innovate and lead in the rapidly evolving field of computer engineering.

A. Requirements for Admission to the Program

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
2. A minimum GPA of 2.7 in the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of undergraduate coursework.
3. International students are also required to submit a brief statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation.
4. 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.

COMP 110/L Introduction to Algorithms and Programming and Lab (3/1)
COMP 182/L Data Structures and Program Design and Lab (3/1)
COMP 282 Advanced Data Structures (3)
ECE 240 Electrical Engineering Fundamentals (3)
ECE 240L Electrical Circuits Lab (1)
ECE 309 Numerical Methods in Electrical Engineering (2)
ECE 320/L Theory of Digital Systems and Lab (3/1)
ECE 340/L Electronics I and Lab (3/1)
ECE 350 Linear Systems I (3)
ECE 351 Linear Systems II (3)
ECE 420 Digital Design with VHDL (3)
ECE 422 Computer Organization and Design (3)
ECE 422L Computer Organization and Design Lab (1)
ECE 425/L Microprocessor Systems and Lab (3/1)
ECE 442/L Digital Electronics and Lab (3/1)
ECE 450 Probabilistic Systems in Electrical Engineering–Design and Analysis (3)
MATH 150A Calculus I (5)
MATH 150B Calculus II (5)
MATH 250 Calculus III (3)
MATH 280 Applied Differential Equations (3)
PHYS 220A Mechanics (3)
PHYS 220AL Mechanics Lab (1)
PHYS 220B Electricity and Magnetism (3)
PHYS 220BL Electricity and Magnetism Lab (1)

B. Admission Procedure

Application forms can be accessed through Cal State Apply and are submitted online. The code number for the MSCompE is 562445M. 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 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 Computer Engineering by filling out a change of objective form. Such students must still satisfy all admission requirements for the M.S. in Computer Engineering program. 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 ECE or COMP courses.
3. Repeat of course rules.
4. Advancement to candidacy.
5. Academic leave.
6. A 7-year time limit for the completion of the degree.
7. 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 an M.S. degree must be approved by the committee chair and the graduate coordinator.

C. Classified Graduate Status

The candidate must:

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

D. For the Degree

1. Completion of 30 units under either the Thesis Plan or the Project Plan.
2. Formal approval of granting of the degree by the Engineering faculty.

E. Graduate Program

The 30 units of coursework in the graduate program must form a cohesive plan of graduate study and must be approved by the faculty advisor and the graduate coordinator. Inclusion of a course not in the Computer Engineering suggested or elective course list must have the written approval of the graduate advisor prior to enrollment in the course.

F. 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 Courses (14 units)

2. Electives (10-13 units)

Students opting for the graduate project plan must complete a minimum of 13 elective units, while those choosing the graduate thesis plan must complete a minimum of 10 elective units. These elective units can be selected from the courses listed below in either Computer Science (COMP) or Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) subjects. Students may select any of the ECE or COMP 500-level courses listed below. For 400-level courses or courses not included in the list, prior approval from the ECE Graduate Coordinator is required before enrollment.

A. Computer Science Electives

COMP 429 Computer Network Software (3)
COMP 440 Database Design (3)
COMP 442 Machine Learning Principles (3)
COMP 469 Artificial Intelligence (3)
COMP 484/L Web Engineering I and Lab (2/1)
COMP 485 Human-Computer Interaction (3)
COMP 522 Embedded Applications (3)
COMP 524 Cryptography and Computer System Security (3)
COMP 528 Mobile Computing (3)
COMP 528L Mobile Computing Laboratory (1)
COMP 529/L Advanced Network Topics and Lab (2/1)
COMP 541 Data Mining (3)
COMP 542 Machine Learning (3)
COMP 560 Expert Systems (3)
COMP 565 Advanced Computer Graphics (3)
COMP 587 Software Verification and Validation (3)
COMP 620 Computer System Architecture (3)

B. Electrical and Computer Engineering Electives

ECE 420 Digital Design with VHDL (3)
ECE 420L Digital Design with VHDL Lab (1)
ECE 422/ECE 422L Computer Organization and Design and Lab (3/1)
ECE 425/L Microprocessor Systems and Lab (3/1)
ECE 427/L Digital Design with Verilog and System Verilog and Lab (3/1)
ECE 442/L Digital Electronics and Lab (3/1)
ECE 443/L Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design and Lab (3/1)
ECE 524/L FPGA/ASIC Design and Optimization Using VHDL and Lab (3/1)
ECE 527/L Application Specific Integrated Circuit Development and Lab (3/1)
ECE 528/L Robotics and Embedded Systems and Lab (3/1)
ECE 537 Deep Learning for Pattern Recognition (3)
ECE 546 Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit Design (3)
ECE 551 Image Processing (3)
ECE 562 Data Communication Networks (3)
ECE 621 Computer Arithmetic Design (3)
ECE 622 Digital Systems Structure (3)
ECE 623 Diagnosis and Reliable Design of Digital Systems (3)
ECE 624 Digital Systems Design Automation and VHDL Modeling (3)
ECE 635 Error Detection and Correction Systems Design (3)
ECE 698C Thesis or Graduate Project (3)
ECE 699A Independent Study (1)
ECE 699C Independent Study (3)

3. Culminating Experience (3-6 units)

A. Thesis Plan

ECE 698C Thesis (3-3)

Successful defense of the thesis before the thesis committee is required. Students who select the Thesis will complete 14 units of core courses, 6 units of ECE 698C, 6 units of Computer Science graduate electives, and an additional 4 units of electives from the list of courses in A. Computer Science Electives and B. Electrical and Computer Engineering Electives above to total 30 units.

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 14 units of core courses, 3 units of ECE 698C, 6 units of Computer Science graduate electives, and an additional 7 units of electives from the list of courses in A. Computer Science Electives and B. Electrical and Computer Engineering Electives above to total 30 units.

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