UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 32Total Credit Hours Required
- 8Minimum Thesis Research Hours (ECE 599)
- 24Elective Course Hours Required
- 3.00Minimum GPA for Last Two Years of Undergraduate Study
- 3.50GPA Rarely Admitted Below (for competitive admission)
- OptionalGRE Requirement
The Master of Science (MS) in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers advanced study for students with a bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, or related fields like physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science. This program provides a strong foundation for research and specialized careers in ECE. Students can pursue a thesis-based MS or, for those interested in direct doctoral studies, apply to the PhD program. An optional graduate concentration in Computational Science & Engineering is also available, allowing for interdisciplinary specialization. The department is home to numerous research centers and interdisciplinary programs, offering rich opportunities for hands-on research experience.
Curriculum
The MS program requires a total of 32 credit hours. This includes coursework in thesis research, a colloquium, and elective courses. Specific requirements ensure students gain in-depth knowledge in at least one sub-area of ECE.
- Year 1
- Thesis researchECE 599
- ECE ColloquiumECE 500
- Elective courses
Careers
Graduates of the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program are prepared for a wide range of roles in industry and academia. The strong research focus and interdisciplinary opportunities at Illinois equip students with advanced technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Electrical Engineer
- Computer Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Systems Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Software Engineer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program?
- A Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 for the last two years of undergraduate study. A GPA of 3.50 is rarely achieved for admission. The GRE is optional, and official TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for non-native English speakers.
- How much does the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program cost?
- Tuition rates should be confirmed with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate College and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. International applicants must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
- What is the structure and duration of the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program?
- The MS program requires a total of 32 credit hours, including 8 credit hours of thesis research and 24 credit hours of elective courses. Specific program duration depends on individual student progress.
- Are there opportunities for financial aid or scholarships for international students?
- Financial aid in the form of fellowships and research assistantships is available to international applicants and may include tuition and fee waivers. Teaching assistantships, which also include tuition waivers, require demonstrated spoken English proficiency.
- What are the application deadlines for the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15, and the deadline for Spring admission is July 15. Applications are submitted through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate College.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer, Research Scientist, Systems Engineer, Hardware Engineer, and Software Engineer in industry and academia.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeIn Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a substantially equivalent curriculum. Graduates in physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science may be considered if they possess the necessary background.
GPAA minimum GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) for the last two years of undergraduate study is required. Applicants with GPAs below 3.50 are rarely admitted due to space limitations.
TOEFLOfficial scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English. Minimum requirements are set by the Graduate College.
IELTSOfficial scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for admission.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate College and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for current tuition rates.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate College and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for current tuition rates.
LivingInternational applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses. Specific estimated costs are available from the Graduate College.
Financial aid in the form of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships (which may include tuition and fee waivers) is available for a majority of admitted students. International applicants are eligible for fellowships and research assistantships.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including transcripts, GRE scores (optional), English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS), and letters of recommendation.
2. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the graduate application form through the Graduate College admissions portal.
3. Pay Application FeeA non-refundable application fee is required.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload transcripts and other required documents directly to the application portal. Official scores for English proficiency tests must be sent by the testing agency.
5. Financial DocumentationInternational applicants must provide documentation of sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses to be eligible for visa processing.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program?
+
A Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 for the last two years of undergraduate study. A GPA of 3.50 is rarely achieved for admission. The GRE is optional, and official TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for non-native English speakers.
How much does the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program cost?
+
Tuition rates should be confirmed with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate College and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. International applicants must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
What is the structure and duration of the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program?
+
The MS program requires a total of 32 credit hours, including 8 credit hours of thesis research and 24 credit hours of elective courses. Specific program duration depends on individual student progress.
Are there opportunities for financial aid or scholarships for international students?
+
Financial aid in the form of fellowships and research assistantships is available to international applicants and may include tuition and fee waivers. Teaching assistantships, which also include tuition waivers, require demonstrated spoken English proficiency.
What are the application deadlines for the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15, and the deadline for Spring admission is July 15. Applications are submitted through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate College.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer, Research Scientist, Systems Engineer, Hardware Engineer, and Software Engineer in industry and academia.