Graduate Programs

Master's Programs

These programs have two options—a thesis option and a course work option. A common requirement for each option is 24 hours of core courses.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Apply scientific and engineering principles to identify, formulate, and solve complex problems;
  2. Utilize modern methodologies and tools in the problem solving process; and
  3. Effectively communicate.

Thesis option

The thesis option is open to selected students interested in research or project work. Students interested in this option must petition the department chair, and each student’s thesis committee must be approved by the department chair and the graduate dean. The thesis committee chair must be chosen from the ECE department faculty. In case of an interdisciplinary topic, a faculty member from any Western Michigan University department may be invited as a thesis committee co-chair.

In addition to taking at least 24 hours of approved courses, students will elect six hours of ECE 7000: Master’s Thesis and successfully defend the thesis.

Course work option

Students will take at least 33 hours of approved courses.

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

 Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Within the online application system, applicants must provide general information including educational history details, as well as the following specific program requirements. Applicants must also request official transcripts, and any required graduate test and language proficiency official scores, be sent to WMU.

Application deadlines

For fall semester: April 1; and for spring semester: October 1.

Resume or curriculum vitae

A resume or CV is required; please submit within the online application system.

Graduate test

International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application.

Additional information

Please note that applicants must:

  1. Possess a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an ABET accredited program in the U.S. or a reputable overseas school as certified by the WMU Office of International Student Services.
  2. Have a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate work.

A student with a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or science can be considered for probationary admission into the M.S.E. (electrical) or the M.S.E. (computer) program with full admission granted after completing undergraduate courses in electrical engineering or computer engineering specified by the department.

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Accelerated programs

The accelerated graduate degree program allows qualified undergraduate students in the computer engineering program to complete requirements for the master’s degree at an accelerated pace. Currently, earning 129 undergraduate credit hours is required to receive a bachelor’s degree. The master’s degree requirement is 33 graduate credit hours with the non-thesis option, or 30 hours with the thesis option. In either case, at least 15 hours must be taken at the 6000-level. Having enrolled in the AGDP a student may count up to 12 credit hours of 5000-level courses taken during their undergraduate studies at WMU toward a master’s degree in computer engineering. Full-time students may be able to complete both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a five-year time period.

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

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Doctor of philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy in electrical and computer engineering is designed to provide students advanced electrical and computer engineering education and research opportunities. The program will engage doctoral students in independent research in the field of electrical and computer engineering which will prepare them for research and development positions in the rapidly growing information and electronics sectors.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Develop an understanding of current knowledge i an engineering specialty area;
  2. Discover new knowledge and/or develop novel methodologies that lead to an improved ability to identify, formulate and solve complex problems; and
  3. Effectively communicate.

Ph.D. application information

Within the online application system, applicants must provide general information including educational history details, as well as the following specific program requirements.
Applicants must also request that official transcripts and language proficiency official scores be sent to WMU.

Application deadlines

For fall semester: April 1; and for spring semester: October 1.

Resume or curriculum vitae

A resume or curriculum vitae is required; please submit within the online application system.

Graduate test

International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application.

Written statement

Please prepare a statement which covers the following information, and attach it within the online application:

Summarize your experiences in academic, professional, research, creative, or scholarly activities, and indicate how these experiences make you an ideal candidate for graduate study in your selected program. Also address how these activities align with the strengths of your chosen program and faculty, and with your professional goals, including future job positions. This statement (double-spaced and between 500 – 1500 words) should demonstrate your communication skills and writing competence.

Additional information

Please note that applicants must possess a M.S. in electrical or computer engineering, with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Exceptional applicants with a master’s degree in other closely related quantitative fields such as engineering, mathematics, physics or computer science will be considered on a case by case basis, after completing a prescribed set of prerequisite courses.

Graduate Request Form

How To Guide for Registering for Courses

Qualifying Exam Form

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For additional information or questions contact:

Graduate director

Dr. Janos Grantner
(269) 276-3154
janos.grantner@wmich.edu