M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.S. in Electrical Engineering
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Electrical Engineering at The Catholic University of America, housed within its Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, is a 30-credit-hour graduate program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in key areas of electrical engineering. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in industry, government, research, or for further doctoral studies. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines foundational theory with cutting-edge applications, enabling students to tackle complex problems in fields ranging from telecommunications and signal processing to power systems and microelectronics.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Electrical Engineering program at The Catholic University of America is STEM-designated. This is highly beneficial for international students, as it potentially allows them to apply for an extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, providing additional post-graduation work authorization.
ABET Accredited: While The Catholic University of America's undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, the M.S. in Electrical Engineering program itself is not typically listed as ABET accredited. ABET primarily focuses on undergraduate program accreditation for quality assurance.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Electrical Engineering program offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option. The non-thesis option typically requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate-level courses, while the thesis option requires a minimum of 24 semester hours of coursework plus a master's thesis. Students work closely with their academic advisors to develop individualized study plans. The curriculum includes core courses and electives, allowing for specialization in various areas such as: Telecommunications, Signal Processing, Controls and Robotics, Electromagnetics and Optics, Power Systems, Microelectronics and VLSI Design, and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The program emphasizes advanced analytical and design skills, preparing students for complex engineering challenges.
Research Focus: The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has a robust research focus, with faculty and graduate students actively engaged in cutting-edge research projects. Research interests align with the program's specialization areas and include: Telecommunications (e.g., wireless communications, network security), Signal Processing (e.g., image processing, speech recognition), Controls and Robotics (e.g., automation, intelligent systems), Electromagnetics and Optics (e.g., microwave engineering, photonics), Power Systems (e.g., smart grids, renewable energy integration), Microelectronics and VLSI Design (e.g., integrated circuit design, semiconductor devices), and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (e.g., deep learning applications in various engineering problems). Many research projects are funded by government agencies (like NSF, DoD, NIH) and industries, providing students with opportunities to contribute to significant advancements in the field.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Electrical Engineering program at Catholic University maintains strong ties with industry and government sectors, greatly benefiting from its location in Washington, D.C. The proximity to numerous technology companies, telecommunications firms, defense contractors, government agencies (e.g., NASA, DoD, NIST), and research institutions provides students with excellent opportunities for internships, networking, and career placement. Faculty members often have extensive industry experience and engage in funded research projects with external organizations, ensuring the curriculum's relevance to current industry demands and providing students with real-world exposure.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Electrical Engineering program inherently possesses a global perspective due to the universal nature of electrical engineering principles and the worldwide impact of its applications. Innovations in telecommunications, power systems, and microelectronics have global reach and influence. The program's focus on advanced technologies and methodologies prepares graduates to contribute to solutions for global challenges, such as sustainable energy, ubiquitous communication, and advanced automation, fostering a broad understanding of electrical engineering's role in an interconnected world. The diverse student body and faculty further enrich the learning environment with international viewpoints and experiences.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 34570
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.S. in Electrical Engineering program are highly skilled professionals with advanced knowledge in areas like telecommunications, signal processing, robotics, and power systems. Their expertise makes them critical assets in a wide range of industries that rely on electrical and electronic systems.
Electronics Engineer: Designing, developing, and testing electronic components, circuits, and systems for various applications, from consumer electronics and medical devices to aerospace and defense.
Power Systems Engineer: Working on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, including designing power plants, grid infrastructure (e.g., smart grids), and integrating renewable energy sources.
Control Systems Engineer: Designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems and controls for manufacturing processes, robotics, aerospace systems, and other industrial applications.
Telecommunications Engineer: Developing and maintaining communication systems, including wireless networks, optical networks, and satellite communication systems, ensuring efficient data and voice transmission.
Signal Processing Engineer: Specializing in the analysis, manipulation, and interpretation of electrical signals, often for applications in radar, image processing, audio systems, and data compression.
Embedded Systems Engineer: Designing and developing specialized computer systems embedded within larger devices, such as those found in IoT devices, automotive systems, and industrial machinery.
Microelectronics Engineer: Focusing on the design and fabrication of microscopic electronic circuits and components, crucial for the development of modern integrated circuits and semiconductor devices.
Robotics Engineer: Designing, developing, and integrating robotic systems, often involving advanced control theory, AI, and human-machine interaction for various industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Hardware Design Engineer: Creating blueprints, schematics, and prototypes for computer hardware components, working on the physical design of computer systems and related electronic devices.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Conducting cutting-edge research to develop new technologies, improve existing products, and explore innovative solutions in specialized electrical engineering fields for corporate R&D divisions, government labs, or academia.
