Graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon
Graduate study in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) prepares students for leadership roles in research, development, design, and leadership positions that require the use of skillful and imaginative solutions to engineering and societal problems. The department offers two graduate degree programs that either lead to a M.S. or a Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Ph.D. in ECE
Students who have earned a B.S. or M.S. and whose intention is to obtain a Ph.D. degree may apply to the Ph.D. program. The Ph.D. program is a research-oriented degree. Those students in the Ph.D. Program who do not already have an M.S. degree are required to complete an academic course of study that usually results in the awarding of a M.S. degree prior to the Ph.D.
Fulfillment of the Ph.D. requirements takes three to four years beyond an M.S. degree and requires passing a qualifying examination, completing two internships in university teaching, writing a thesis that describes the results of independent research, and passing an oral defense of the research. All full-time Ph.D. students engage in research under faculty guidance. Currently, the department has 63 faculty members; all are actively engaged in research in addition to their regular teaching responsibilities.
Professional M.S. Program
The Professional M.S. program is more course-intensive than the research-oriented Ph.D. program. The Professional M.S. Program is for students who already have a B.S. degree and are interested in further professional development. Students in this program are provided with a thorough background in the fundamentals of electrical and computer engineering, as well as the opportunity for in-depth specialization in some particular aspect of this field. Upon enrollment in the department, students are given the opportunity, with the help of a faculty advisor, to choose an educational program that is consistent with their backgrounds and is best suited to their own academic goals.
Contact Us
For additional information, email us or call 412-268-6327.
A top-ranked school
January 2007 Rankings for graduate engineering programs at Carnegie Mellon University:
- Top Engineering Schools: College of Engineering (#6)
- Engineering Specialties: Computer Engineering (#4)
- Engineering Specialties: Electrical/Electronic (#9)
Engineering continues to be a leader in undergraduate education. Our college has created innovative curriculum which provides our students with the skill-set to be competitive in the global marketplace.
- Pradeep Khosla, Dean, College of Engineering
Many ways to get involved
Many organizations are available to ECE students who would like to participate in activities with other students or alumni in the department or college. The university offers several groups that promote student involvement in the engineering college.
- ECE Graduate Student Organization (EGO)
- ECE Student Advisory Council (ECE SAC)
- Eta Kappa Nu: Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society (HKN)
- Graduate Student Assembly (GSA)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Student Chapter
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) CMU Student Chapter
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Tau Beta Pi: The Engineering Honor Society
- WinECE (Women in ECE)
In addition, CMU offers a wealth of activities for the active student. Visit the Office of Student Activities or the CMU Activities Board for more information.