Electrophysics, M.S.

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Requirements for the Master of Science

The entrance requirements for a Master of Science in Electrophysics are a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited institution, with a superior undergraduate record, including undergraduate courses in differential equations, electromagnetic theory, quantum and solid-state physics and linear systems. Students with deficiencies in these areas may be admitted if they take appropriate introductory courses to remedy these deficiencies. Outstanding students are advised to apply for financial aid in the form of research fellowships, teaching fellowships or partial tuition remission.

To satisfy the requirements for an MS in Electrophysics, students must complete 30 credits, as described below, and maintain a GPA equal to or greater than 3.0 in all graduate courses. In addition, a GPA of 3.0 is required in courses in Group 1 and Group 2, as indicated below.

Group 1: 9 Credits

Core Courses
Three courses (3 credits each) from the following:

EL 5513 Electro-Optics I 3 Credits
EL 5733 RF and Microwave Systems Engineering 3 Credits
EL 5753 Introduction to Plasma Engineering 3 Credits
EL 6113 Signals, Systems and Transforms 3 Credits
EL 6583 Fiber Optic Communications 3 Credits
EL 6713 Electromagnetic Theory and Applications 3 Credits

Group 2: 6-12 Credits

Two sequences each containing two courses; one course in each sequence may be a core course in Group 1. Both of these sequences must be in electrical engineering. Approved course sequences for the program are detailed in the ECE Graduate Student Manual.

Group 3: 9-15 Credits

Approved electives, which may include up to 6 credits of courses offered by any science or engineering program.

Minimum Total: 30 Credits

Out-Of-Department Courses:

At least 24 credits must be in EL prefixed courses. A 3-credit course in other science or engineering disciplines may substitute for an EL course with approval by an ECE graduate adviser. Remaining credits can be from any graduate courses in science or engineering.

Thesis, Project, and Reading

A master’s thesis (EL 997x , 6 credits) or an MS project (EL 9953 or EL 9963 , 3 credits each) or a reading course (EL 9933 or EL 9943 , 3 credits each) may be included as part of the elective courses in Group 3. Oral defense of the master’s thesis with at least three professors in attendance is required. The total credits for thesis, projects and readings should not exceed 9 credits within the 30 credits required for the MS degree. At most 3 credits can be taken for reading.

A complete course of study, including the choice of the course sequences, should be arranged in consultation with an adviser. An overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses is required. In addition, a 3.0 average is required in the combination of five to seven courses offered to satisfy Groups 1 and 2 above. Students should consult the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s Graduate Student Manual for detailed rules and procedures, including student status, transfer credits, recommended electives, two-course sequences, current areas of research and disqualification for low grades. Descriptions of graduate courses used in the Electrophysics Program are located in the Electrical Engineering Program section of this catalog.