Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Electrical Engineering
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Electrical Engineering at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. It provides flexibility through two main options: the Thesis Option (requiring original research culminating in a thesis and oral defense) or the Comprehensive Exam Option (focused entirely on advanced coursework and culminating in a written examination). This structure allows students to tailor their academic path to align with their career aspirations, whether they plan to pursue a Ph.D., enter industrial research and development, or advance their technical careers in a wide range of sectors.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Electrical Engineering program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous technical and scientific curriculum.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Electrical Engineering comprises an academic core and a cohesive set of advanced courses. Students can specialize in one of several key areas, including Signals, Communications and Networking; Optics and Photonics; Solid State Electronics; and Energy Systems. The curriculum covers foundational principles and advanced topics such as semiconductor materials, nanotechnology, communication electronics, power systems engineering, and microelectronic device fabrication. The specific course selection will depend on the chosen specialization and program option (thesis vs. comprehensive exam), ensuring a deep dive into the chosen area of study.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Electrical Engineering at UB has a strong research focus, with faculty and students actively engaged in generating knowledge and developing tools to address society's most challenging problems. Research areas within the Department of Electrical Engineering are broad and include Electronics & Photonics (cutting-edge electronic devices and circuits), Power & Energy Systems (energy control, efficiency, renewable resources, smart grids), and Networking & Communications (signal acquisition, data representation, wireless communications). Students pursuing the thesis option work closely with faculty mentors on original research, leveraging state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment to contribute to advancements in these fields.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Electrical Engineering program at UB is designed to prepare graduates for immediate contributions to the workforce and for leadership roles in various industries. The department maintains strong ties with industry leaders, and its graduates are recruited by top employers in sectors such as power generation and distribution, telecommunications, semiconductor manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and defense. The curriculum's emphasis on practical application, coupled with opportunities for hands-on experience and faculty connections, ensures that students gain relevant skills. The department's advisory board, which includes industrial, government, and academic leaders, provides key input to ensure the program aligns with industry needs.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Electrical Engineering at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal technological challenges and opportunities that transcend national boundaries. Electrical engineering is a globally interconnected field, and the program's research often tackles problems with international implications, from global communication networks to renewable energy solutions. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to solving complex engineering problems from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to work effectively in multinational teams and contribute to global technological innovation.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from UB are highly competitive for advanced technical and leadership roles across a vast array of industries, given their specialized knowledge and research capabilities.
Electronics Engineer: Design, develop, and test electronic components, circuits, and systems for various applications, including consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial equipment.
Power Systems Engineer: Design, operate, and maintain electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including smart grids and renewable energy integration.
Control Systems Engineer: Design, develop, and implement control systems for automated processes, robotics, manufacturing, and aerospace applications.
Communications Engineer: Design and develop communication systems, networks (wireless and wired), and signal processing algorithms for telecommunications, broadcasting, and data transmission.
Semiconductor/Microelectronics Engineer: Design, fabricate, and test integrated circuits (ICs), microprocessors, and other semiconductor devices for the electronics industry.
Embedded Systems Engineer: Develop software and hardware for specialized computer systems embedded within larger products, such as automotive systems, smart devices, or industrial controls.
RF/Microwave Engineer: Design and develop radio frequency and microwave circuits and systems for wireless communication, radar, and satellite applications.
Optics and Photonics Engineer: Work with light-based technologies, designing optical fibers, lasers, sensors, and photonic devices for telecommunications, medical imaging, or defense.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer/Scientist: Conduct advanced research to develop new technologies, products, or processes in corporate R&D labs, government agencies, or academia.
Systems Engineer: Oversee the integration of complex electrical and electronic components into larger systems, ensuring their functionality, compatibility, and performance in diverse applications like aerospace, defense, or automation.
