Florida Institute of Technology
High Tech with a Human Touch
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Graduate Programs
Master of Science Degree Program
Computer Engineering
The computer engineering program is committed to excellence in teaching, innovative and challenging research programs, and development of the finest faculty. A commitment to innovative research stimulates an excellent teaching and research program that allows graduates to use imaginative solutions to engineering problems.
The program offers opportunities for graduates to pursue positions in private research, development, manufacturing, government and other areas.
The curriculum is flexible to allow opportunities to design an education program that is suited to individual academic goals. A background is provided in a variety of topics, including computer architecture, signal and image processing, high-performance computing and telecommunications. Effective interaction between related topics is an important aspect of the program. The faculty are engaged in research of significance and regularly collaborate with prominent scientists and engineers from industry and government. The low student-faculty ratio fosters a close relationship between faculty and students.
The opportunities for graduate education and research in computer engineering are wide-ranging. Although areas of specialization are listed under "Curriculum," there is a great deal of overlap in both technical content and faculty interest. As a result, there is considerable interaction among students and faculty across these areas, and a student may pursue studies that combine a variety of topics.
Admission Requirements
The applicant should have a bachelor of science degree from an electrical or computer engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET). In evaluating an international application, consideration is given to academic standards of the school attended and the type of undergraduate degree obtained.
Applicants whose bachelor's degrees are in other engineering fields, mathematics or the physical sciences may be accepted, but they will be required to remedy any deficiencies by satisfactorily completing a number of undergraduate courses in preparation for graduate study in computer engineering.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Computer Engineering is offered with both thesis and nonthesis options. Each option requires a minimum of 30
credit hours of approved graduate study. Prior to the completion of nine credit hours, the student must submit for approval a master's
degree program plan to indicate the option chosen and the
specific courses to be taken. Up to six credit hours of thesis work may be included in the 30-credit-hour requirement. The nonthesis
option requires that the candidate satisfactorily complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work and the master's final program
examination.
Electrical Engineering
All master of science
areas of specialization can be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. A two-year projection of course offerings is available
on request. Course offerings are arranged to permit the master's program to be completed in three semesters for full-time students and
in two calendar years for part-time students.
Admission Requirements
The undergraduate backgrounds of applicants for admission to the master's degree programs vary considerably. An applicant from a U.S. school should have a bachelor of science or equivalent degree from an electrical engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In evaluating an international application, consideration is given to academic standards of the school attended and the content of the courses leading to the degree obtained.
Applicants whose bachelor's degrees are in other engineering fields, mathematics, or the physical sciences may be accepted, but will be required to remedy any deficiencies by satisfactorily completing a number of undergraduate courses in preparation for graduate study in electrical engineering.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is offered with four possible fields of specialization and both thesis and nonthesis degree paths. Each specialization requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of approved graduate study; however, within each specialization, course choices vary considerably. Prior to the completion of nine credit hours, a student must submit for approval a master's degree program plan to indicate the specialization and path chosen and the specific courses to be taken. Up to six credit hours of thesis may be included in the 30-credit-hour requirement. A nonthesis candidate must pass a master's final program examination.
Master's Degree Program for Individuals without Electrical Engineering Degrees
A student admitted to this program is expected to have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent, with an undergraduate major in an engineering discipline, mathematics or the physical sciences, and an academic and/or professional record indicating a high probability of success in graduate work. Listed here are preparatory courses required to provide a student with the background necessary for successful graduate study in each of the options previously described. Depending on the individual's background, other courses (e.g., Differential Equations/Linear Algebra) may also be required. Proficiency in these areas may be demonstrated by either successful course completion or by passing an equivalency examination. When possible, a student will be notified of deficiencies at the time of acceptance.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program
Computer Engineering
Admission Requirements
Admission to doctoral
study is granted to a limited number of applicants who have received master's degrees in computer engineering from accredited
institutions or from international institutions that provide suitable preparation for doctoral level studies.
The doctoral program in computer engineering can be completed with a minimum of 48 credit hours beyond the master's degree; however, typically 48 to 54 credit hours are necessary. A list of elective courses is available on request. General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the University Catalog.
Degree Requirements
The degree Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering is conferred primarily in recognition of breadth of creative accomplishment and ability to investigate engineering problems independently, rather than for completion of a definite course of study. The work should consist of advanced studies and research leading to a significant contribution and knowledge of a particular problem. Each student should
- pass the preliminary examination;
- complete an approved program of study beyond that required for a master's degree;
- pass the comprehensive examination;
- complete a program of significant original research; and
- prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research.
General degree requirements are presented under the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the University Catalog.
Electrical Engineering
Admission Requirements
Admission to doctoral
study is granted to a limited number of applicants who have received master's degrees in electrical engineering or related fields from
accredited institutions or from international institutions that provide suitable preparation for doctoral-level studies.
Degree Requirements
The degree of doctor of philosophy is conferred primarily in recognition of breadth of creative accomplishment and ability to investigate scientific or engineering problems independently, rather than for completion of a definite course of study. The work should consist of advanced studies and research leading to a significant contribution in the field of specialization.
The doctoral program in electrical engineering may be completed with a minimum of 48 credit hours beyond the master's degree; however, typically 48 to 54 credit hours are necessary. Each student must pass the preliminary written examination; complete an approved program of study beyond that required for a master's degree; pass the comprehensive written examination; complete a program of significant original research; and prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research. To assure that all graduates of the doctoral program possess a body of common knowledge, certain courses in electrical engineering and related areas are required. If, in the judgment of the electrical engineering graduate faculty, a student has acquired the equivalent knowledge of a particular subject during previous graduate study at another institution, the student will not be required to take the course at Florida Tech. The requirements depend on the student's chosen area of concentration, as described below.
- Electromagnetics-The student's master's and doctoral course work combined should include 30 credits in electrical engineering and six credits in physics,
- Physical Electronics-The student's master's and doctoral course work combined should include a minimum of 21 credits in electrical engineering, nine credits in physics and nine credits in mathematics, including all courses required in the master's suboption corresponding to the desired area of specialization.
- Systems and Information Processing-The student's master's and doctoral course work combined should include a minimum of 24 credits in electrical engineering and 12 credits in mathematics.
- Wireless Systems and Technology-The student's masters and doctoral course work combined should include all courses in the master's degree core curriculum for this specialization, plus nine additional credits in mathematics and all courses listed for this specialization in the University Catalog.