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Electrical & Computer Engineering MSE

Laure Andre, Doctoral student, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Contact Electrical and Computer Engineering Admissions

John Feldkamp, ECE graduate student recruiter
John Feldkamp

ECE Student Recruiter

Devon Degraffenreed

Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Statistics

Design Immersion students sitting in the Grove on north campus

No. 6

- US News & World Report

$50M

research expenditures

23%

female students

Built

the world’s smallest computer, fastest bipedal robot, and most intense laser

72

72 tenure track faculty

Perfected

LASIK surgery, made holography work, and created the first brain probes of their kind

Why Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan?

As a graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan, you are part of an international community with a long-standing record of innovation and collaboration that has resulted in a wide array of products and services that have had a positive impact on society.

Consistently ranked as a top 10 program, ECE provides a supportive environment for students who are taught by world-class faculty. You will use industry-standard equipment and software and receive an education that will make you a sought-after candidate in the job market.

electrical engineering masters students 2019
electrical engineering student

What can you do with an MSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering?

With your background in electrical and computer engineering, whether in circuits, communication, control, computer architecture, electromagnetics, signal processing, optics, solid state, or power,

you can be part of industries which require your expertise in areas like the automotive industry (designing the next electric motor), next-generation electronics and computers (making them faster, smarter, smaller), information technology and data science (improving medical imaging, finding the source of disease outbreaks), energy and sustainability (incorporating sustainable energy into the grid, designing more efficient lighting and solar cells), robotics and autonomous systems (improving the movement of walking, manipulating, flying robots and their vision), medical technology (devices for personalized health) and space research (remote sensing from Space) to name a few.

engineering graduates 2018
Nano research in electrical engineering at U-M

Areas of Specialization

Master’s students in ECE choose to pursue their MSE degree with one of the 12 listed focus areas below as their area of specialization and align their coursework with the field.

  • Applied Electromagnetics & RF Circuits
  • Computer Vision
  • Control Systems
  • Embedded Systems
  • Integrated Circuits & VLSI
  • MEMS & Microsystems
  • Network, Communication, and Information Systems
  • Optics & Photonics
  • Power & Energy
  • Robotics
  • Signal & Image Processing and Machine Learning
  • Solid State & Nanotechnology

Courses Offered

Individualized plans of study will be developed by students in consultation with an advisor. Refer to the Bulletin for a full list of courses and descriptions.

students
students

Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies Program (SUGS)

The ECE SUGS program was created to offer our best students an opportunity to complete the master’s requirements as part of a seamless program of five years at Michigan. This is done by allowing students to “double count” up to eight hours of credit in graduate-level classes toward both bachelor’s and master’s requirements.

Solar Car team group photo

Practice Your Purpose

There is a rich variety of experiential learning opportunities to help you find your niche, connect with people who share your passion, and gain hands-on experience that’ll set your resumé apart from the stack.

Graduate Student Orgs

Graduate student organization
Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Student Council (ECE-GSC)

Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Student Council (ECE-GSC)

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Eta kappa Nu group photo
Eta Kappa Nu

Eta Kappa Nu

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GEECS organization group photo
Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

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GSBES student organization group photo
Graduate Society of Black Engineers and Scientists

Graduate Society of Black Engineers and Scientists

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IEEE student organization
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

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National Society of Black Engineers conference in Detroit 2019
National Society of Black Engineers - Michigan Chapter

National Society of Black Engineers - Michigan Chapter

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OSUM student group
The Optics Society at the University of Michigan

The Optics Society at the University of Michigan

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GoStem student organization LGBT
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

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Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers group photo
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers - Michigan Chapter

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers - Michigan Chapter

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Graduate Society of Women Engineers group photo
Society of Women Engineers - Michigan Chapter (SWE)

Society of Women Engineers - Michigan Chapter (SWE)

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Tau beta pi organization group photo
Tau Beta Pi - Michigan Chapter

Tau Beta Pi - Michigan Chapter

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Professional Development

Career fair
ECE Career Fair

ECE Career Fair

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Engineering Career Fair on North Campus
Engineering Career Resource Center - Career Fair

Engineering Career Resource Center - Career Fair

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Electrical and Computer Engineering Research

electromagnetics research in the electrical and computer engineering department
Applied Electromagnetics and RF Circuits

Applied Electromagnetics and RF Circuits

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The Michigan Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (MAAV) team prepares for its annual International Aerial Robotics Competition (IARC) with a test run in the Wilson Center on July 22, 2013.
Computer Vision

Computer Vision

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An aerial view of MCity in Ann Arbor, MI on July 17, 2015. MCity is the world's first controlled environment designed for the testing of autonomous vehicles that communicate with each other.
Control Systems

Control Systems

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embedded systems electrical and computer engineering department research
Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems

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female student in a classroom
ECE Education Research

ECE Education Research

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integrated circuits research in electrical and computer engineering
Integrated Circuits and VLSI

Integrated Circuits and VLSI

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MEMS
MEMS and Microsystems

MEMS and Microsystems

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Background digital image of world map with connection lines
Network, Communication and Information Systems

Network, Communication and Information Systems

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photonics research with electrical and computer engineering department.
Optics and Photonics

Optics and Photonics

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plasma research
Plasma Science and Engineering

Plasma Science and Engineering

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wind turbines and solar panels
Power and Energy

Power and Energy

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An artist's rendering of a pulse of circularly polarized light hitting a 2-D semiconductor, exciting the electrons into a specific, preferred momentum, as part of a new computing technology called lightwave valleytronics. The research was conducted by Mackillo Kira, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan, in coordination with researchers at the University of Marburg and the University of Regensburg.
Quantum Science and Engineering

Quantum Science and Engineering

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robotic leg
Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

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image processing basic photo of how it works
Signal & Image Processing and Machine Learning

Signal & Image Processing and Machine Learning

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Wei Lu, Professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Michigan holds a memristor he created. With an approach inspired by biological brains, a new “memristor” computer circuit prototype at the University of Michigan can process images 16 times more efficiently than today’s most advanced systems. Faster image processing could have big implications for machine learning in autonomous systems like self-driving cars, said Wei Lu, U-M professor of electrical and computer engineering. Lu is lead author of a paper on the work published in the current issue of Nature Nanotechnology. Lu’s next-generation computer components use wide-angle pattern recognition to shortcut the energy-intensive process of dissecting images one pixel at a time, as conventional computing systems do. In this new work, he and his colleagues demonstrate an algorithm that relies on a technique called “sparse coding” to coax their 32-by-32 array of memristors to efficiently analyze and recreate several photos.
Solid State Devices and Nanotechnology

Solid State Devices and Nanotechnology

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Research Videos

Alumni Bios

Each of these alumni were once in your shoes, deciding on a master’s degree. Explore their educational path and how it set their life in motion.

Image of Mitchell Rohde

Mitchell Rohde

MSE Electrical Engineering Systems, 1996; MSE Biomedical Engineering, 1997

Quantum Signal

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Image of Hannah Goldberg

Hannah Goldberg

MSE Electrical Engineering, 2004

GomSpace

Senior Systems Engineer

Image of Dawson Yee

Dawson Yee

MSE Electrical Engineering, 1987

Microsoft

Principal Hardware Engineer

Image of Babak Parviz

Babak Parviz

MSE Electrical Engineering, 1997; MS Physics, 2001

Amazon

Vice President

Image of Walter Whipple

Walter Whipple

MSE Computer, Information, and Control Engineering, 1974

Software System Engineer

Image of Yiding Ji

Yiding Ji

MSE Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2016

Boston University

Postdoc

Image of Mitchell Rohde

Mitchell Rohde

University of Michigan, BSE Electrical Engineering, 1994

University of Michigan, MSE Electrical Engineering Systems, 1996

University of Michigan, MSE Biomedical Engineering, 1997

University of Michigan, Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, 2000

Quantum Signal

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Career Summary

My path was (and still is) one of an entrepreneur. I co-founded Quantum Signal while finishing up my Ph.D. in 1999, hoping to bring signal and image processing algorithms into wider application in a variety of fields of application. In the earliest years, the company scraped along doing consulting and minor development work for a very small number of clients, and I was the only full-time team member. As time went on, QS grew into a more full-fledged engineering research and development organization, taking on projects from both the government and the commercial sector, in fields as varied as automotive, defense, consumer products, and even entertainment! 

As the company grew, my role also grew from doing technical work and some business functions to being much more focused on the vision and business aspects. This included learning how to be a manager and leader, filling roles (such as business development, public speaker, and more) that were critical to growing the business into what it is today. Every project, program, and customer had (and still has) special nuances, thus in our business, it was never the same game twice and I am always learning and evolving. Working with team members that have experience from prior lives has also been helpful, and I am deeply appreciative of what I have and will continue to, learn from them. It was much, much harder to start and successfully run a small business than I ever expected when we first set out over 20 years ago, but the experience has been excellent and I will never regret choosing the path that I did.

Reflection on Time spent at UM

When I was in school, we worked on walking robots, created and ran a bagel stand, held weekly tech-talks, pulled engineering pranks, and generally burned the candle at three ends day and night, and that is exactly what someone should be doing as an engineering student. 

Favorite Student Orgs

IEEE- Students interested in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Eta Kappa Nu -Honors Society for Electrical and Computer Engineers, Tau Beta Pi- Engineering Honors Society

Advice to Students

  • I was a heavy participant in a number of student organizations and strongly recommend it to anyone in school. They provide an outstanding way to build experience and create friendships and contacts that will last far longer than you might expect. 
  • If I were to provide really solid advice it is this: dig deep into your engineering education and commit, give it 150%, don’t squander that which is a resource you cannot buy more of (time), and most importantly, have fun!!!
Image of Hannah Goldberg

Hannah Goldberg

University of Michigan, BSE Electrical Engineering, 2003

University of Michigan, MSE Electrical Engineering, 2004

GomSpace

Senior Systems Engineer

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Career Summary

My career started by working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where I held an internship between my undergraduate and graduate years, which turned into a full-time position when I graduated from Michigan. I was able to work on many interesting projects, including the Mars Science Laboratory landing test team, as well as on the instrument team for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory. I then moved to Planetary Resources in Seattle, to be part of a smaller team working on the ambitious goal of asteroid mining, working as a spacecraft systems engineer. 

Later, I decided to move to Europe, working at a CubeSat company called GomSpace located in Aalborg, Denmark. At GomSpace, I began by working on a large commercial communications constellation, but more recently have been working on advanced deep-space CubeSat designs in support of missions for the European Space Agency. My career path has given me the opportunity to work with a diverse set of people across a variety of different space projects and missions, which helps continually challenge me to be a better engineer.

Reflection on Time spent at UM

I love to constantly be learning new things. When I started at the University of Michigan, I knew I wanted to be an electrical engineer, but at Michigan I became involved with the Student Space Systems Fabrication Lab (S3FL) working on the Icarus satellite project, was able to find my passion in working on space projects and my skill as a systems engineer. 

Advice to Students: 

Be involved and try new things. It will still be a valuable experience even if it turns out to be something you find you dislike. As I mature in my career, I find that all of my previous experiences become relevant, no matter how disconnected and unrelated they may seem at the time.

Image of Dawson Yee

Dawson Yee

University of British Columbia, BaSc Electrical Engineering

University of Michigan, MSE Electrical Engineering, 1987

Microsoft

Principal Hardware Engineer

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Career Summary

Engineers are the modern day Wizards, taking the discoveries of the Scientists and apply the science to improving the lives of people and the world.  Electrical Engineering has evolved to include Electronic – I believe we are living in a renaissance of Electronics. Sensors, actuators, (input and output with control systems) have found applications that improve the performance and reliability & usefulness.  Though I have EE education, I owned a very successful project where I started from a description to hiring hundreds of people, architecting and managing a variety of aspects of a company, including: Budget, Electrical, Mechanical, Acoustic, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Procurement, Manufacturing, Reliability, and Contracts. I was uniquely able to do this because over the years I was curious to learn from others and took any opportunity to expand my knowledge.

Reflection on Time spent at UM

    • I am always learning, always curious – always impressed with the ingenuity of others.
    • You will gain the knowledge (and responsibility) to apply your skills for good. Ideas are great, solutions are what we value. You can change the world.

Advice to Students: 

  • Some people focus deep and become specialized – pushing the state of the art.  I’ve always been open to take on new challenges, learning and creating new products.  Either way or other ways are fine, know what passion drives you – leverage that passion and you will excel. Measure your success by your measures and not by external influences.
  • Whichever major you choose, it is up to you how broad your influence expands.
  • It is up to you to define the future and lead where we all go.
  • Look around you, almost everything was “designed” by somebody for some purpose, and time will tell which are useful and elegant.  You can take any opportunity and create your value if you desire – I’ve done it before and so have others. Take Flashlights, Post-it notes, Ear Buds, Speakers, Thermostats, Cameras…all have existed prior yet still improving!
Image of Babak Parviz

Babak Parviz

University of Washington, BA English Literature

Sharif University of Technology, BSE Electronics Engineering

University of Michigan, MSE Electrical Engineering, 1997

University of Michigan, MS Physics, 2001

University of Michigan, Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, 2001

Amazon

Vice President

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Career Summary

At the end of graduate school, Babak spent a year at a startup company (Nanovation) working on integrated photonics devices for telecommunication. Then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University from 2001 to 2003 and became a faculty member at the University of Washington. Babak was with Google from 2010 to 2014, eventually becoming a Director at Google [X] and a Distinguished Engineer prior to moving to Amazon, where he has been with Amazon since 2014 as a Vice President.

Reflection on Time spent at UM

Completing a postdoc in a new field was challenging but extremely rewarding in opening new vistas and creating a new appreciation for chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Image of Walter Whipple

Walter Whipple

Harvey Mudd College, BS Engineering Science, 1962 

University of Michigan, MSE Computer, Information, and Control Engineering, 1974

University of Michigan, Ph.D. Computer, Information, and Control Engineering, 1988

Software System Engineer

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Career Summary

When I found that permanent employment was an oxymoron, I transitioned to job shopping for ten years before retiring at 70.

How does your Master’s degree differentiate you from others?

I combined strong computer HW/SW with communications and control systems in the MSE & Ph.D. programs.  This proved irresistible to clients like Boeing Satellite Systems and Lockheed Martin.

Advice to Students

I enjoyed formal languages, automata theory, control theory, and communications.  I would advise selecting several classes in which one has done well and expand them and the interfaces between them to fashion a career trajectory.  Ensure that relevant learning and experience, even back to high school, is part of that trajectory.  Industry prizes those who can cross discipline boundaries to assist in problems that specialists cannot handle.

Image of Yiding Ji

Yiding Ji

University of Michigan, MSE Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2016

University of Michigan, PhD Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2019

Boston University

Postdoc

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Career Summary

At the University of Michigan, I conducted research under the supervision of Professor Stephane Lafortune. My research interests include theory of discrete-event systems, security and secrecy in cyber-physical systems, formal methods, optimal control and game theory.

How does your Master’s degree differentiate you from others?

It really helped me to lay a solid foundation for my further PhD study. 

Advice to Students

Follow your heart to choose courses at Michigan.

research taking measurements of a cubsat

Industries & Occupations

research taking measurements of a cubsat
  • Aerospace Industry
  • Automotive Industry
  • Bioelectrical Devices
  • Business Management and Consulting
  • Communications Industry
  • Computer Equipment Manufacturing
  • Computer Hardware and Circuit Design
  • Computer Systems Design
  • Data processing and software industries
  • Defense Systems
  • Electric Power/Energy: Renewable Generation, Vehicle Electrification
  • Federal Government
  • Law
  • Navigational, Measuring, Control, and Electromedical Instruments Manufacturing
  • Robotics and Automation
  • Scientific research
  • Semiconductor and Electronic Components Industry
  • Signal Processing Design
  • Sustainable Power Industries
  • Wireless telecommunications industry
Lurie Nanofabrication Lab group photo of 10 people in a clean room wearing suits

Companies

Lurie Nanofabrication Lab group photo of 10 people in a clean room wearing suits
  • Intel
  • Amazon
  • Ford
  • Samsung
  • Analog Devices
  • Qualcomm
  • KLA
  • AMD
  • Apple
  • Facebook
  • IBM
  • BMW
  • Nvidia
  • Tesla
  • Boeing
  • Capital
electrical engineering career fair
ebay recruiter talking to an electrical engineering student

Salaries

Discover the value of a master’s degree!  On average, U-M graduates with a master’s degree in an engineering field can earn 15-25% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.  Use the links below to research average salaries based on a U-M engineering master’s degree, experience level, and desired work location.