Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Overview

As technology evolves at an astounding pace, skilled engineers who can find innovative solutions to emerging problems will find themselves consistently in demand in the global marketplace. Electrical and computer engineers can apply their technical expertise to create the next wave of advanced equipment and improve existing products. The expert faculty at the University of Arizona built the online Master of Science (MS) in Electrical and Computer Engineering with the input of industry leaders to help you gain critical skills and lead the design and development of complex systems.

Ranked among the top 50 electrical and computer engineering departments in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the ECE department at the University of Arizona contributes to the state’s status as a national center of the high-tech industry. Our faculty and students achieve groundbreaking technological solutions that address the pressing needs of industries and communities.

The electrical and computer engineering master’s degree program is a perfect fit for working engineers who want to excel in a design-oriented role by playing a central part in the creation and planning phases for new technologies. Through the flexible, customizable curriculum, you’ll develop well-rounded technical skills while exploring the areas of the discipline that interest you most. Learn from our faculty of cutting-edge thinkers and experienced educators in fields ranging from communications and signal processing to advanced computer systems and networks.

You can choose to take courses in a variety of topical areas. Gain a versatile range of knowledge across multiple technical fields or complete a focused academic plan by taking courses in:

  • High-performance Computing
  • Digital Signal Processing, Communications, and Control
  • Computer Networks
  • Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence
  • Circuit Design, VLSI, and CAD
  • Computer Vision, Control, and Robotic Systems
  • Detection and Estimation
  • Holography and Diffractive Optics
  • Electromagnetics, Microwaves, and Antennas
  • Simulation Modeling and Heterogeneous Systems Design
  • Remote Sensing
  • Wireless Communications and Networks

Courses can be completed in a 100% online format, with some offering live lectures recorded in the classroom and uploaded to the digital learning platform within the day. The online MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering connects you directly to the same curriculum that defines our traditional, on-campus experience. With the convenience of online learning, you can complete the program on your own schedule while continuing to work full-time.

Prepare for a Career at the Forefront of Technology

Electrical and computer engineers pursue careers focused on developing and implementing the systems that empower organizations to solve vital problems and address emerging challenges. That can mean refining the schematics for a processor to achieve greater speed or monitoring the manufacturing process for the next wave of highly efficient power generation equipment. The University of Arizona online master’s in electrical and computer engineering provides a comprehensive path to professional development for engineers in a variety of industries.

Through our longstanding partnerships with some of the foremost technology companies in the country, including Raytheon, Intel, IBM, Qualcomm, Motorola, Microsoft, Honeywell, Texas Instruments, GM, Agilent, NASA, Boeing, and Pixar, University of Arizona ECE graduates have gone on to pursue advanced positions at innovative organizations.

Top Employers for Electrical Engineers

  • Engineering services
  • Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
  • Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
  • Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing

Top Employers for Computer Hardware Engineers

  • Computer systems design and related services
  • Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
  • Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
  • Federal government
  • Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

You can prepare to reach your career goals as an electrical or computer engineer by applying the latest tools and technology to a wide range of challenges. Earning your Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering online will equip you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that make an impact across multiple industries.

The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum is elective based and customizable, giving you the flexibility to build an individual course of study that suits your academic and professional goals. Every course reflects the University of Arizona’s high standards of academic rigor, preparing you to design and implement electrical or computer systems that meet specifications and demonstrate mastery of your chosen areas of interest.

All graduate students must submit a Plan of Study detailing their proposed coursework plan by the end of the first year of the program. All Plans of Study must consist of 30 units (10 courses) and will be approved by the Director of Online Programs. Your Plan of Study may consist of a single focus area, or you may choose to diversify your electives to encompass a variety of interests. Learn more about your options on our interest areas page.

You may also submit a revised Plan of Study for approval at any time. The Plan of Study is then finalized and submitted to the Graduate College for approval.

This plan must comprise 30 units of required graduate coursework (500- or 600-level) and fulfill the following requirements:

  • All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed within six years to ensure currency of knowledge. Time-to-degree begins with the earliest course listed on the Plan of Study, including credits transferred from other institutions. Work more than six years old is not accepted toward degree requirements.
  • Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Only nine units can be taken outside of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department.

We encourage students to include courses within multiple areas of interest as part of their study plan. Taking a range of courses, rather than focusing on a single topical area, will broaden your skills and knowledge. A varied technical background will deepen your understanding of complex systems so you can adapt to emerging challenges and qualify for more positions as you take the next step in your career.

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Course List (30 units)

View our interest areas and sample Plans of Study to learn how you can customize our program to fit your career goals. For further guidance on which courses may benefit you professionally, please contact an admissions counselor at onlineengineering@arizona.edu.