Student Info > Graduate Student Information > Graduate Studies Manual
Masters Degree Program
The procedures for proceeding to the Master's degree are listed on the web at http://www.ee.washington.edu/academic/graduate/msflow.html.
Please note that students who have already earned a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering are not eligible to earn a second MSEE at the University of Washington, but of course are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. program.
Three Master's Degree Options
Masters students have the option of choosing between three different pathways for pursuing their degree:
- Thesis option: The thesis option is best intended for students who wish to pursue an in-depth research experience with intended preparation for pursuing a Ph.D.
- Project option: Students who wish to combine the written work of a thesis with a more hands-on approach to individual problems may choose the project option.
- Coursework option: A student whose main goal is to work in industry immediately upon graduation may find the coursework option more suitable to their needs.
These three options have several related requirements:
- All students must complete a program of study by their second quarter of study.
- All students must complete a minimum of 45 credits.
- Students must be registered full time (10 credits) per quarter (less in summer)
- Students may apply no more than 3 credits of EE 500. One credit is required.
- Students may apply no more than 5 credits of EE 599.
- Students are required to take 1 credit of EE 592, offered Autumn quarter.
Thesis Option
Of the 45 credits required:
- 9-12 credits of EE 700 must be completed.
- At least 20 credits must be in EE courses numbered 500 and above.
- A maximum number of 12 credits in EE 400 courses are allowed.
- A maximum number of 9 credits from Non-EE courses numbered 300 and above is allowed.
The thesis option is an opportunity to pursue an individual problem in depth and in close collaboration with a faculty member. Typical problems involve basic research or application of classroom principles to a professional problem beyond the routine practice of electrical engineering. Students who choose the thesis option must complete a written thesis and oral examination based upon the thesis material before their degree is granted.
For Thesis Option details, see http://www.ee.washington.edu/academic/graduate/msee.thesis.html.
For Program of Study form, see http://www.ee.washington.edu/academic/graduate/msee/thesis.pdf.
The Graduate School Style and Policy Manual gives the required format requirements for the thesis and is available at http://www.grad.washington.edu/stsv/stylman/00stylman.htm.
Project Option
Of the 45 credits required:
- A minimum of 4 credits EE 600B must be completed
- At least 25 credits must be in EE courses numbered 500 and above
- A maximum number of 12 credits in EE 400 courses are allowed.
- A maximum number of 9 credits from Non-EE courses numbered 300 and above is allowed.
The necessary 4 credits of EE600B must be completed in one quarter and receive a grade of 3.0 in order to pass. It is necessary for students to complete a written report and an oral presentation to faculty before the granting of their degree. NOTE: A student's Supervisory Committee may permit the student to conduct a second project, allowing a total of 8 600B credits. However, students may not continue project work from one quarter to another.
For Project Option details, see http://www.ee.washington.edu/academic/graduate/msee.project.html.
For Program of Study form, see http://www.ee.washington.edu/academic/graduate/msee/project.pdf.
Coursework Option
Of the 45 credits required:
- At least 25 credits must be in EE courses numbered 500 and above.
- A maximum number of 12 credits in EE 400 courses are allowed.
- A maximum number of 9 credits from Non-EE courses numbered 300 and above is allowed.
The coursework option allows students to pursue their MSEE by taking a prearranged course load specific to each of the 7 curriculum areas. A generic coursework option is also available. The curriculum group chair and the Graduate Program Coordinator must approve deviation from these prearranged plans.
For Coursework Option: http://www.ee.washington.edu/academic/graduate/msee.coursework.html.
For Program of Study forms: http://www.ee.washington.edu/academic/graduate/msee/program.html.
Continuation to Ph.D.
Students in the EE Master's program who wish to continue for the Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering must apply for admission to the Ph.D. program no later than one quarter before completion of the Master's degree.
Students should submit a complete application package that includes three reference letters and any information that should be updated from their M.S. application. A clearly written statement of purpose is also needed. This Ph.D. application will be evaluated within the regular admission process for each quarter.
This policy is effective for all students who are accepted to the Master's program Winter 2003 and thereafter.
Return to the Graduate Studies Manual index.
