Graduate programs, handbooks, iPOS and register for classes

The EE MSE program is a professional degree requiring 10 courses of at least 3 or 4 credits each, and a portfolio project as your culminating experience.  In successfully completing ten courses that are 3 credit hours each, your total program credit hours would be 30.  With this being said, if you take any 4 credit hour courses, like EEE 591, you will go over the 30 credit hour number, which is okay, just something to keep in mind.

The MSE program allows our students a lot of flexibility as to which courses they are interested in taking.  Below is a guide of how the 10 courses could be utilized.

• Students must successfully complete 10 courses, and those courses could be taken as all EEE 500-level and EEE 598 (EEE 591 courses not included here as these are upper division undergraduate level coursework).

  • • • Some additional options to consider in using your 10 classes:

        • • • Students can potentially take classes outside of ECEE.  Students must complete a minimum of five 500-level EEE courses.  If you are interested taking courses outside of the ECEE department, please see your academic advisor.

            • Another option to consider is whether you are interested in taking upper division undergraduate course work?  If the answer is yes, then you can take a total of four courses from the following cluster:  EEE 591/400-level upper division undergraduate courses, EEE 590 (Reading and Conference), or a FSE 500-level course.

• The above information comes from the ECEE Graduate Program Handbook.

• Click here to review the ECEE graduate courses summary and prerequisite website (pro tip:  use the 'control' 'F' keys for a keyword seach)

• click here for information & instructions for the MSE portfolio. 

Changing to thesis

The MS (thesis) program is a research degree.  Student's interested in pursuing research while under the supervision of a faculty member, can apply for this change of program after one semester in the MSE program.  Students are required to have a GPA of 3.0 or better before switching to thesis, and must have approval from an EE faculty member to oversee your thesis research.  The advising team recommends that you connect with a professor who has the same area of interest as you.  Take a look at our faculty page, which is categorized by area of specialization. The degree requirements are almost the same. Students must take 8 classes (no more than 4 591s, at least 4 EEE classes, at least 3 full graduate level classes) + 6 thesis credits. 

• Information about a defense from Graduate College 

• Important deadline dates from Graduate College 

• Information about thesis paper formatting requirement with Graduate College 

The Direct PhD in Electrical Engineering is the highest degree a student can obtain in this area.  Students who have graduated with their bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or closely related field) will begin this program following the course requirements of the MSE program (in consultation with their professor) .  After completing the required ten classes, students would hold their qualifying examination.  This exam is a written and oral presentation to a committee of faculty who will determine whether they believe you would be successful in the PhD program.  Upon passing this exam, you would proceed in taking an additional four courses, completing your research credit hours, and your dissertation credit hours.  Students would then proceed to present their comprehensive exam and dissertation defense. 

Here is a quick break-down of the course requirements with the Direct PhD program:

• • 14 classes (speak with your professor for course recommendations)

  • 18 "flex" credits - can be research hours or classes 

  • 12 credit hours of research 

  • 12 credit hours of dissertation 

Research based examinations: 

• Qualifying exam - this presentation will test a student's research and written skills, and a committee of faculty will determine whether they believe a student may be successful in the program.  This exam is expected to be presented during the semester of their tenth course or fourth semester. 

• Comprehensive exam (oral, written and prospectus presentations) - this exam is to be completed towards the end of the student's program and presented in a separate semester from the dissertation defense.

• Dissertation defense - in this culminating examination, the student presents their research work in an oral & written presentation to their faculty committee.

Resource links:

• ECEE website which includes link to the Graduate Program Handbook, prerequisite course guide and 3-year projected course plan 

• Information about a defense from Graduate College 

• Important deadline dates from Graduate College 

• Information about thesis paper formatting requirement with Graduate College 

The Regular PhD in Electrical Engineering is the highest degree a student can obtain in this area.  Students who have graduated with their master's degree in closely related engineering field would begin their course work (consult with your professor).  After a student's first semester, they would hold their qualifying examination.  This exam is a written and oral presentation to a committee of faculty who will determine whether they believe you would be successful in the PhD program.  Upon passing this exam, you would proceed with your coursework and research.  Towards the end of the program, students would proceed with their last two milestone examinations, the comprehensive exam and the dissertation defense. 

Here is a quick break-down of the course requirements with the Direct PhD program:

• • 6 classes (speak with your professor for course recommendations)

  • 12 "flex" credit hours for either research hours or classes 

  • 12 credit hours of research 

  • 12 credit hours of dissertation 

Research based examinations: 

• Qualifying exam - this presentation will test a student's research and written skills, and a committee of faculty will determine whether they believe a student may be successful in the program.  This exam is expected to be presented during the semester of their tenth course or fourth semester. 

• Comprehensive exam (oral, written and prospectus presentations) - this exam is to be completed towards the end of the student's program and presented in a separate semester from the dissertation defense.

• Dissertation defense - in this culminating examination, the student presents their research work in an oral & written presentation to their faculty committee.

Resource links:

• ECEE website which includes link to the Graduate Program Handbook, prerequisite course guide and 3-year projected course plan 

• Information about a defense from Graduate College 

• Important deadline dates from Graduate College 

• Information about thesis paper formatting requirement with Graduate College 

This program is a professional degree which requires coursework in the following sections:  core, concentration and elective courses.  Students must complete two core courses, two courses in the concentration section (which includes EEE 582).  The remaining coursework will be filled as electives and can be selected from the approved elective courses list (see below).  

This program also allows students to have the flexibility to choose from three culminating experiences:

• Project portfolio:  this culminating experience is based on 3 projects/accomplishments/assignments from the courses you have completed in the program. Refer to the handbook for more information.

• Applied Project:  this culminating experience is based on research and requires the registration of the 3 credit hours course, EEE 593.  With this brief research experience (limited to one semester), students write a research paper and present their findings.  It is required for students to obtain a grade of B or better.

• Thesis:  this culminating experience is based on research (typically two semesters) and students need to register for a total of 6 credit hours of Thesis (EEE 599).  A written document and a thesis defense is required. 

Below is a link to the program handbook, read through the handbook for details about the course requirements.

Resource links:

• RAS program handbook

• Robotics and autonomous systems approved elective list

• RAS program check sheet

• RAS portfolio instructions

The MS CEN (portfolio) program is a professional degree which requires completion of coursework in the following sections:  core, area courses and electives.  Students must complete two core courses, four area courses, and up to four courses as electives.  These courses must be selected from the approved area course list and from the corresponding electives courses list (see website links below).  

Here is a further review of the course degree requirements: 

• • • Core classes:  CSE 551 and EEE 554 

    • Area courses:  a total of 4 courses (selected from the approved area course list) which consist of the following - 

• 3 courses consisting of either EEE or CEN course prefix, and 1 course consisting of either CSE or CEN course prefix.

*of these 4 courses, one must be outside of your area of concentration (see CEN website link titled "CEN area course list").

• Elective courses:  3 or 4 elective courses. 

  *Certain EEE 591 and/or 400 level courses have been approved (see CEN website link titled "CEN elective list")

• The culminating experience to the MS CEN (portfolio) program is a portfolio project.  Students are required to attend three seminars hosted by the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence or the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering.  Students need to show proof of attendance and answer the seminar questions accordingly.   Students are expected to synthesize the information from the seminar with their education and demonstrate an understanding of how this applies to their personal and professional computer engineering goals.

• First-year students are not required to attend seminars; however, attendance is encouraged.  This is a great way to learn more information about your field of interest, network with those in the field, and this experience may help in learning about research and potentially finding a thesis advisor as well - contact your academic advisor regarding committee chair/faculty thesis oversight.

CEN website:  MS program handbook, non-thesis iPOS check sheet, approved area and elective courses lists

Changing to thesis

After your first semester, you can change to the thesis program if you have a faculty member that agrees to oversee your research. The degree requirements are almost the same as the non-thesis program. The difference is that instead of two elective courses, you will take 6 thesis credits, complete research, and defend your thesis.  The advising team recommends that you look to connect with a CEN faculty member who has a similar area of interest as you.  Take a look at our CEN faculty page.

• CEN website:  MS program handbook, thesis iPOS check sheet, approved area and elective courses lists

• Information about a defense from Graduate College 

• Important deadline dates from Graduate College 

• Information about thesis paper formatting requirement with Graduate College 

The PhD in Computer Engineering (CEN) is the highest degree a student can obtain in this area.  Students who have graduated with their bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or closely related field) will begin this program following the course requirements as stated in the handbook, reference resource of the PhD iPOS check sheet, and in consultation with their professor.  

After completing your ten classes (fourth semester), you would then hold your qualifying examination.  This exam is a written and oral presentation to a committee of faculty who will determine whether they believe you would be successful in the PhD program.  Upon passing this exam, you would proceed in completing your coursework, your research credit hours, and your dissertation credit hours.  Students then proceed to present their comprehensive exam and dissertation defense in separate semesters. 

Here is a quick break-down of the course requirements with the Direct PhD program:

• • 16 classes (speak with your professor for course recommendations)

  • 24 credit hours of research 

  • 12 credit hours for dissertation 

Research based examinations: 

• Qualifying exam - this presentation will test a student's research and written skills, and a committee of faculty will determine whether they believe a student may be successful in the program.  This exam is expected to be presented during the semester of their tenth course or fourth semester. 

• Comprehensive exam (oral, written and prospectus presentations) - this exam is to be completed towards the end of the student's program and presented in a separate semester from the dissertation defense.

• Dissertation defense - in this culminating examination, the student presents their research work in an oral & written presentation to their faculty committee.

Resource links:

• CEN website - access to PhD program handbook, PhD iPOS check sheet, approved area and elective courses lists

• Information about a defense from Graduate College 

• Important deadline dates from Graduate College 

• Information about thesis paper formatting requirement with Graduate College 

The PhD in Computer Engineering (CEN) is the highest degree a student can obtain in this area.  Students who have graduated with their master's degree in electrical engineering (or closely related field) will begin this program following the course requirements as stated in the handbook, reference resource of the PhD iPOS check sheet, and in consultation with their professor.  

With this program, students will complete coursework in the following sections:  core, area courses, research and dissertation credits.  The area courses must be selected from the approved area course list (see website link below).  

Here is a further review of the course degree requirements: 

• • • Core classes:  CSE 551 and EEE 554 

    • Area courses:  a total of 4 courses (selected from the approved area course list) which consist of the following - 

• 3 courses consisting of either EEE or CEN course prefix, and 1 course consisting of either CSE or CEN course prefix.

*of these 4 courses, one must be outside of your area of concentration (see CEN website link titled "CEN area course list").

• Elective courses:  2 elective courses. 

  *Certain EEE 591 and/or 400 level courses have been approved (see CEN website link titled "CEN elective list")

• 24 credit hours of Research (CEN 792)

• 12 credit hours of Dissertation (CEN 799)

After completing your first semester, student's are expected to present their qualifying examination to their committee.  This exam is a written and oral presentation to a committee of faculty who will determine whether they believe you would be successful in the PhD program.  Upon passing this exam, you would proceed in completing your coursework, your research credit hours, and your dissertation credit hours.  Students then proceed to present their comprehensive exam and dissertation defense in separate semesters. 

Research based examinations: 

• Qualifying exam - this presentation will test a student's research and written skills, and a committee of faculty will determine whether they believe a student may be successful in the program.  This exam is expected to be presented during the semester of their tenth course or fourth semester. 

• Comprehensive exam (oral, written and prospectus presentations) - this exam is to be completed towards the end of the student's program and presented in a separate semester from the dissertation defense.

• Dissertation defense - in this culminating examination, the student presents their research work in an oral & written presentation to their faculty committee.

Resource links:

• CEN website:  PhD program handbook, PhD iPOS check sheet and the approved area courses link

• Information about a defense from Graduate College 

• Important deadline dates from Graduate College 

• Information about thesis paper formatting requirement with Graduate College 

The MS DSAE program is a professional degree with multiple concentrations to choose from.  Each concentration area has different degree requirements, it is important to review the program handbook to reference your specific concentration area. ECEE Advises the DSAE-EE MS program. 

With this program, all students start as non-thesis.  If you have an interest in research and thesis work, you can potentially switch after one semester in the program.  Before a student can switch to thesis, they will need to connect with a faculty member to inquire whether they will oversee their research work.  If you are interested in connecting with one of our faculty about this, here is a link to our faculty page.

The DSAE program has a set selection of common core courses that are required for all concentration areas.  The program is broken down into four categories:  common core, concentration, elective, and culminating event.  Again, please refer to the handbook regarding your area of concentration and the required courses.  It is important to note that students may need to submit override requests for certain classes, following that academic program’s policies and procedures. 

📌Important item to point out -- the CMD and BML concentrations are advised through the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (SoMSS).   Students should reach out to their advisor at grad.math@asu.edu.  Technically speaking, these concentrations are under ECEE, so students in these concentrations should also be aware of the policies for all ECEE students regarding TA positions and other common resources.

Students will need to refer to handbook for concentration courses, as they are updated frequently.

• DSAE website, which includes copy of updated handbook

The MS AIE degree combines advanced study in AI approaches with deep domain expertise in the student’s chosen branch of engineering. Students will learn how to develop and customize relevant AI approaches to engineering problems within their concentration.

With this program, all students start as non-thesis.  If you have an interest in research and thesis work, you can potentially switch after one semester in the program.  Before a student can switch to thesis, they will need to connect with a faculty member to inquire whether they will oversee their research work.  If you are interested in connecting with one of our faculty about this, here is a link to our faculty page.

The AIE program has a set selection of common core courses that are required for all concentration areas.  The program curriculum is broken down into four categories of courses--common core, concentration, elective, and culminating event. Please refer to the lists in the handbook for each the list of core courses, the Electrical Engineering Concentration courses, and elective courses.

This program requires at least 30 credits or 10 regular courses (3 credits per course). If students take a course with less than 3 credits, they need to take an additional course to ensure that at least 30 credits have been completed.

• Common Core Courses (12 credits)

  • FSE 561: Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Social Responsibility

  • AI Engineering Foundations (select one course from the list of options)

  • AI Systems and Tools (select one course from the list of options)

  • Data Collection and Evaluation for AI Systems (select one course from the list of options)

• Electrical Engineering Concentration (9 credits)

  • EEE 554: Probability and Random Processes

  • EEE 560: Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning

  • Additional approved course

• Electives (3 or 9 credits, depending on culminating experience)

• Culminating Experience

  • Portfolio (0)

  • EEE 599 Thesis (6)

Resource Links:

• AIE Resource Page (includes link to handbook)

• AIE Faculty Page

• ECEE Graduate Resources Page