Electrical & Computer Engineering Programs

The MS degree has both research and professional tracks. The research track provides the student the opportunity to work on a thesis (applied or basic in nature) under the close supervision of a faculty adviser.

The minimum requirements for the research track are 24 credits of graduate course work and preparation and defense of a thesis on a topic in the student's primary area of interest. For the professional option, the minimum requirement is 30 credits of graduate course work.

The M.S. degree program can usually be completed in 1 to 1½ years on a full-time basis. More details about the specific programs and requirements can be found in the current Orientation Notes for Graduate Students.

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is a research degree leading largely to careers in teaching and research in academia and in industry.

Students who have an M.S. in electrical engineering, or a related area, and pass the Ph.D. Preliminary Exam are admitted to the Ph.D. program. After a student has been formally admitted, a faculty program committee is established for the purpose of advising and approving an appropriate plan of study for the student. A minimum of 72 credits, including 18 credits of research, beyond the B.S. degree is required.

The Ph.D. student is expected to pass a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation embodying an independent and original investigation of a problem of significance in his or her major area of specialization.

The validity and contributions of the dissertation work are then defended in a final oral examination.

Completion of the Ph.D. degree usually takes three years beyond the M.S. degree.

More details about the specific programs and requirements can be found in the current Orientation Notes for Graduate Students.

Are you seeking a fast-track management career with a significant engineering and/or technological focus? The MBA/Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Dual-Degree Program is the answer, with full-time and part-time options available to suit your needs.

Offered by the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business and Swanson School of Engineering, the program enables students with an undergraduate degree in engineering or the hard sciences to pursue management roles in organizations with an engineering and/or technological focus.

Solving problems in today's complex and dynamic global business environment requires more than just technical savvy or business acumen. Hence, manufacturing and service companies value graduates with both management and technical skills.

For more information please see program page at the Katz School of Buisness:

MBA - MSE Program

The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering has established an Electric Power Engineering Post-Baccalaureate/Graduate Certificate Program that rises to the challenge of meeting the nation's critical development needs for electrical energy professionals. This is the only distance-enabled program in electric power engineering that allows students to attend classroom lectures in real time, and also allows synchronous participation remotely via the Internet.

The program is deeply rooted in core electric power engineering principles and focuses on the expansion and enhanced reliability of electric power grid infrastructure through application of power electronics and advanced control technologies, as well as renewable energy integration and smart grids. Program content - combined with innovative distance-enabled delivery and collaborative program components - makes this program an attractive and unique choice in graduate engineering, particularly for individuals in industry and business.

Electric Power Systems Group Website