M.A. in Communication
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program th...
M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hammond, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at PNW is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed in two years of full-time study. It offers flexibility with both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their academic journey to their career aspirations. The curriculum is broad, encompassing areas within computer, electrical, and even industrial engineering. Students have the opportunity to specialize in various fields such as communications, control systems, digital systems, software engineering, power and energy systems, and mathematics.
STEM-Designated: Purdue University Northwest's M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering is a STEM-designated program. This designation is highly beneficial for international students, as it allows for an additional 24-month extension to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, enabling them to gain more work experience in the U.S. after graduation. This reflects the program's focus on critical scientific and technical fields that are vital to innovation and economic growth.
ABET Accreditation: While individual master's degree programs are generally not directly accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), Purdue University Northwest's undergraduate Bachelor of Science programs in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering are indeed accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This foundational accreditation of the undergraduate programs reflects the rigorous standards and quality expected within the broader ECE department at PNW, ensuring that the graduate program is built upon a strong, recognized engineering education framework.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering offers flexibility through course selection. Students are required to complete a minimum of 18 credits of ECE primary graduate-level engineering courses in the non-thesis option, or a combination of coursework and research credits for the thesis option. Sample courses include "Computer Network Security," "Power Systems," "Control Theory," "Digital Signal Processing," and "Advanced Electric Drives." The program allows students to select courses across various engineering disciplines or to specialize deeply in a few chosen areas, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern ECE.
Research Focus: Purdue University Northwest's ECE department boasts graduate faculty members with Ph.D. degrees from major universities who are actively engaged in research. The M.S. program strongly encourages students to participate in faculty-supervised research opportunities, particularly for those pursuing the thesis option. This engagement provides students with hands-on experience in exploring cutting-edge innovations in electrical and computer engineering. Opportunities exist to present thesis work at national and international research conferences and to publish peer-reviewed research papers with faculty, preparing students for careers that involve innovation and problem-solving. Research areas often align with modern technological advancements like smart technologies, data analysis, and advanced control systems.
Industry Engagement: Purdue University Northwest's College of Engineering and Sciences, which houses the ECE department, maintains strong connections with industry leaders in the region and beyond. The university emphasizes providing students with experiential learning opportunities, often involving collaboration with multidisciplinary teams from industry. This engagement helps ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to industry demands and that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. The strong track record of alumni employment at notable companies like Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, and National Semiconductor attests to the program's effective industry engagement.
Global Perspective: While not explicitly highlighting specific "global" courses within the M.S. ECE curriculum, Purdue University Northwest's engineering programs implicitly foster a global perspective. The quality of its education, evidenced by ABET accreditation for its undergraduate programs and the faculty's diverse backgrounds, prepares graduates for careers anywhere in the world. The program aims to equip students with skills to solve engineering problems, design systems within realistic constraints, and understand the economic, environmental, and societal impact of engineering, which inherently requires a broader, often global, understanding of these contexts. The opportunity for students to present thesis work at national and international conferences further encourages engagement with a global engineering community.
Location
Hammond, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
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 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse talents. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make quality education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: PNW offers several merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded automatically during the admissions process or through a separate application.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Purdue University Northwest provide scholarships specific to their fields of study. These awards reward outstanding students pursuing degrees in areas such as engineering, business, health sciences, and more. International students are encouraged to contact their department of interest for detailed scholarship opportunities.
Renewable Scholarships: Some scholarships at PNW are renewable annually, provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA and meet specific academic requirements. This offers ongoing financial support throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Graduates of Purdue University Northwest's Master of Science (M.S.) in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) are highly sought-after professionals, equipped with advanced technical skills and a strong foundation in both electrical and computer engineering principles. The program's STEM designation and emphasis on applied research prepare them for leadership and innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The job outlook for electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, with numerous openings projected each year.
Software Developer/Engineer: Many ECE graduates, particularly those with a computer engineering focus, pursue careers in software development, creating and maintaining software applications, operating systems, and network control systems for various industries.
Computer Hardware Engineer: These professionals design, develop, and test computer hardware components, including circuit boards, processors, memory devices, and other electronic devices, playing a crucial role in creating the next generation of computing technology.
Electrical Engineer: Graduates can work as electrical engineers, focusing on the design, development, testing, and supervision of the manufacturing of electrical equipment, from power generators and motors to navigation systems and telecommunications.
Systems Engineer/Architect: Systems engineers oversee the entire lifecycle of complex engineering projects, integrating various components (hardware, software, networks) to ensure that systems function cohesively and meet specified requirements.
Control Systems Engineer: Specializing in control systems, these engineers design and implement automated systems that regulate the behavior of devices or processes, essential in manufacturing, robotics, and aerospace industries.
Computer Network Architect/Engineer: With expertise in computer networks, graduates design and implement network solutions, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable data communication for organizations.
Power Systems Engineer: Focused on electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution, these engineers work on designing and maintaining electrical grids, renewable energy systems, and power electronics.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer: DSP engineers develop algorithms and hardware for processing digital signals, finding applications in telecommunications, audio and video processing, medical imaging, and radar systems.
Embedded Systems Engineer: These engineers specialize in designing and programming embedded systems – dedicated computer systems designed for specific functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems – commonly found in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial controls.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Many ECE master's graduates, especially those with a thesis background, pursue roles in R&D, working on cutting-edge technologies, inventing new products, and advancing the fundamental understanding of electrical and computer engineering principles.
