M.S. in Engineering Science - Internet of Things

Program Overview

The M.S. in Engineering Science (Internet of Things) at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within three semesters (about 1.5 years) for full-time students. This professional master's degree focuses on practical expertise and applied knowledge in the rapidly evolving IoT landscape. The curriculum emphasizes both the "Internet" aspect (communications and networking) and the "Things" aspect (hardware, sensors, embedded systems). The program culminates in a portfolio of work that showcases the skills acquired throughout the program, preparing graduates for immediate impact in diverse sectors like energy, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Engineering Science (Internet of Things) 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, reflecting its focus on critical technological advancements.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Engineering Science (Internet of Things) is structured into two main categories: "The Internet" and "The Things." For "The Internet" component, students focus on courses in communications and networking, covering topics essential for connecting myriad devices. For "The Things" component, students become familiar with hardware, including courses in sensors, embedded systems, antennas/RF, and power systems. The program's core courses may include "Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT)," "IoT Sensors and Devices," "IoT Networks and Protocols," "IoT Programming and Big Data," and "Cybersecurity and Privacy in the IoT." The curriculum aims to provide a holistic understanding of the IoT ecosystem, from device to cloud.

Research Focus: While the M.S. in Engineering Science (Internet of Things) is largely an applied program, it is built upon the strong research foundations within UB's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, particularly in areas like computer science, electrical engineering, and data science. The program's focus revolves around training students to engineer innovative interactive services, handle data acquisition, fusion, and processing from sensors, actuators, controllers, and other devices, and design architectures for seamless connectivity. Research efforts within UB related to IoT often touch upon smart cities, smart agriculture, healthcare IoT, industrial IoT, and the security and privacy aspects of connected devices. Students are exposed to these research frontiers through advanced coursework and potentially through capstone projects that involve real-world IoT problem-solving.

Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Engineering Science (Internet of Things) program at UB is specifically tailored to address the growing demand from employers for skilled IoT professionals. The program aims to make graduates highly competitive in the job market by providing comprehensive training in various IoT technologies and developing advanced skills directly applicable to industry. UB actively engages with industry through various initiatives, such as hosting events like "Day for 5G and Wireless Internet of Things" and fostering collaborations with companies seeking IoT expertise. This close connection ensures that the curriculum remains current with industry trends and prepares students for the practical challenges and opportunities in the IoT sector.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Engineering Science (Internet of Things) at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing a technology that is fundamentally global in its reach and impact. IoT applications span diverse international sectors, from smart cities in Asia to precision agriculture in Europe and remote healthcare in Africa. The program's curriculum prepares students to design solutions that can operate in a globally interconnected environment. 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 IoT challenges from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to work effectively in multinational teams and contribute to global IoT innovation.