The Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a specialization in High-Performance Computing (HPC) at Northwestern University is designed to meet the growing industry demand for professionals skilled in managing and analyzing massive datasets. As fields like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things expand, the need for efficient, parallel computing systems becomes critical. This program equips students with the expertise to leverage HPC clusters for faster, more accurate, and cost-effective data analysis, enabling them to solve complex problems in various sectors. Students will gain practical skills in parallel programming, computer architecture, and distributed computing. The curriculum focuses on the practical application of HPC in industries such as finance, healthcare, and media, where it is used for everything from vaccine development and disease screening to automated trading and creating immersive entertainment. The increasing accessibility of HPC through cloud computing and advancements in hardware makes this specialization highly relevant for students seeking to drive innovation. This specialization prepares graduates for roles in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By understanding the principles and applications of HPC, students will be well-positioned to contribute to cutting-edge research and development, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with computational power.
The curriculum requires students to select a minimum of six core courses and up to six elective courses from a broad list of specialized topics within Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science (CS). This structure allows for a tailored learning experience focused on high-performance computing principles and applications.
Graduates of the High-Performance Computing specialization are prepared for roles that require advanced computational skills to solve complex problems across various industries.
Admission decisions are based on the overall academic record, the quality of the attended institution, and grade point averages (GPA).
Tuition and fees are charged by school and program. For full cost of attendance, visit the Financial Aid Office website.
A strong undergraduate record in a relevant field is expected, along with a Bachelor's Degree. Admission decisions consider your overall academic record, the quality of the institution you attended, and your grade point averages.
Tuition and fees are charged by school and program. For the full cost of attendance, please refer to the Northwestern University Student Financial Services website for current graduate tuition rates. Information on housing and meal plans can be found on the Graduate Housing and Northwestern Dining websites.
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1, 5 PM CST. The application period typically opens in September of the preceding year.
You will need to submit an online application form, Academic Statement, Personal Statement, Resume/CV, original transcripts from all previously attended universities, and 2-3 letters of recommendation. Proof of English proficiency is also required if English is not your native language.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as HPC Engineer, Parallel Programmer, Computer Architect, Data Scientist, and AI/ML Specialist, requiring advanced computational skills to solve complex problems across various industries.