Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Overview
As an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Master of Science) student, you have the flexibility to specialize in an area of interest with eight concentrations (see below), research areas, and experiential learning options. You will receive deep fundamental and practical knowledge in the various disciplines of electrical and computer engineering through a strong curriculum and research opportunities.
Research ranges from the design, analysis, and optimization of high-performance computing systems, to the fabrication of cutting-edge microelectromechanical actuators, to new research frontiers on smart power grids, metamaterials, biomedical signal processing, and communication systems. Students also have the opportunity to gain up to eight months of professional experience as part of the academic curriculum though our top-ranked cooperative education program. Located in Boston, a hub of high tech, biotech, academia, the department has strong ties to local industry and the world-famous hospitals and medical centers, and is involved in many joint research projects with them, others across the nation, and has significant government-funded research.
The department educates the next generation of highly skilled engineers and researchers with necessary skills to address the future needs of industry, government, and humanity.
Innovative Curriculum - MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Some full-time students are supported by research assistantships which are awarded competitively during the application process, and which are occasionally available at other times. Part-time students will find that many graduate courses are offered by video streaming to allow them to maintain a full-time career.
The program may be pursued full time or part time. Part-time students will find that many graduate courses are offered by video streaming to allow them to maintain a full-time career.
Students also select from 8 concentrations to personalize their education.
The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering is offered in Boston. The Computer Networks and Security concentration is offered in Portland, Maine at the Roux Institute campus and the Hardware and Software for Machine Intelligence concentration and Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Algorithms concentration are available in Seattle, WA.
Note: a subset of electives may be offered at the regional campus.
Northeastern electrical and computer engineering faculty and graduate students conduct world-class research at the forefront of electrical and computer engineering. The department is home to experts in a variety of disciplines spanning the field of electrical and computer engineering. Our faculty and graduate students are deeply connected with the intellectual community of Boston and Cambridge. Our department features numerous collaborations with top-tier institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Draper Labs, and Massachusetts General Hospital to name just a few. Our research is also funded by numerous federal agencies. Additionally, Northeastern is home to several cutting-edge labs and facilities in areas of electrical and computer engineering such as the Institute for Experiential Robotics, the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things, the Institute for Experiential AI and many others in the areas of health, security/cybersecurity, and sustainability.
View our department research areas.
View our research centers.
The MS programs’ student learning outcome is the ability to use basic engineering concepts flexibly in a variety of contexts.
MS thesis students should have a research advisor one year after their matriculation.
Over 15 graduate certificates are available to provide students the opportunity to develop a specialization in an area of their choice. Certificates can be taken in addition to or in combination with a master’s degree, or provide a pathway to a master’s degree in Northeastern’s College of Engineering. Master’s programs can also be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate. Students should consult with their faculty advisor regarding these options.
Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership
Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership
Students may complete a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering in addition to earning a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership. Students must apply and be admitted to the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program in order to pursue this option. The program requires fulfillment of the 16-semester-hour curriculum required to earn the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership, which includes an industry-based challenge project with multiple mentors. Further semester hours may vary based on Electrical and Computer Engineering concentration.
Concentrations
At the time of applying to the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program, the applicants select their preferred track as well as their concentration of study from the eight concentrations offered by the ECE department.
Experiential Learning
Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real world engineering challenges. The Cooperative Education Program, also known as a “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a Co-op Program for Graduate Students. Through this program students gain industry experience in a wide variety of organizations, from large companies to entrepreneurial start-ups, while helping to finance their education.
Academic Advising
The Academic Advisors in the Graduate Student Services office can help answer many of your questions and assist with various concerns regarding your program and student record. Use the link below to also determine which questions can be answered by your Faculty Program Advisors and OGS Advisors.
Admissions & Aid
Ready to take the next step? Review degree requirements to see courses needed to complete this degree. Then, explore ways to fund your education. Finally, review admissions information to see our deadlines and gather the materials you need to Apply.
Student News
PlusOne Leads to Head Start on Career Success
Nicolas Tedori, E’20, computer engineering, ME’21, electrical and computer engineering, didn’t arrive at Northeastern intending to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. But when his academic advisor told him about the PlusOne program during his third year of study in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, it made immediate sense […]
Creating a Human Avatar in Remote Locations
A group of Northeastern University students led by MIE Assistant Professor Peter Whitney, has made it to the semifinals of the global Avatar XPrize competition which aims to create an avatar system that can transport human presence to a remote location in real-time.
Reaching Ambitious Goals with a PlusOne
Sarah Adamo, E’22, electrical engineering, ME’23, electrical and computer engineering, has ambitious goals for her future, and the PlusOne program is the next step on her path to reaching them. A very driven and passionate person, Adamo reveals “I think you can feel when you’re on the right path… as you can tell I’m very […]
Co-op at Qualcomm Opens New Doors
As a master’s student in electrical and computer engineering, Nagulan Manivelan, ME’21, had to act quickly. A week before he was slated to begin his co-op with a Boston technology startup, the company had to cancel the position due to COVID. What Nagulan did next, embodies the Northeastern ethos of personal and professional resiliency.