The University of Utah online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree is designed to offer the same high-quality education in advanced concepts as on-campus classes. Coursework dives into some of the most relevant and exciting aspects of the field, such as signal processing, microelectronics, optics, microwave engineering, and power systems.
In small classes that are delivered entirely online, students investigate a wide variety of engineering problems and gain valuable problem-solving experience. The master’s program equips graduates with in-depth knowledge of current developments in the field and powerful analytical skills that can be used in many ECE career paths.
Note that the online curriculum allows students to either specialize in a topic area or be more generalized. The generalized program is designed to explore topics across the breadth of electrical engineering applications and prepare graduates to succeed in a variety of leadership positions.
Program Structure
- Online students are automatically enrolled in the M.S. Coursework track, which requires the completion of 30 credits (10 courses). Each class lasts one semester, and students taking a full load of up to nine credit hours per semester can complete the program in two years.
- Students are required to complete assignments on a weekly basis and have opportunities to participate in live faculty office hours
- Anticipate spending five to 10 hours per week on lectures, readings, and assignments for each 3-credit course
- The online curriculum includes no requirement to visit the physical campus, though all online graduates are invited to attend commencement exercises
Course Types
Building next-generation engineering skills means providing course options that explore innovation in the virtual learning environment. The University of Utah offers online courses that are taught in two different formats.
- Online (Section 090) – A class facilitated online, primarily through Canvas, with greater than 80 percent of the required learning activities taking place digitally when a student chooses. An online class does not have required locations or meeting times; although, regular, substantive instructor-student interactions are an expected part of the teaching and learning process.
- Interactive Video Classes (IVC) – A fully digital class that uses same-time delivery using web video technology. The class has a scheduled meeting time. Canvas serves as the class location and includes learning materials and links to join the class video meetings. Most ECE courses are offered with this option, although which courses have an IVC option and when they are taught is at the discretion of the instructor. Most IVC courses are also recorded via Zoom, which allows students to view the class time asynchronously. Discuss with the professor teaching each course if it is a good option for you and your schedule.
Please be aware that tuition and fees will vary significantly based on the course format.
Students who would prefer to earn course credit by undertaking an in-depth engineering project in their individual areas of interest may consider the M.S. Project Track. For students on this track, special study in ECE 6950 substitutes for up to six credit hours of any online courses except the graduate seminars.
Students on the M.S. Project track should plan to enroll in ECE 6950 in the second or third semester of their program, after they have had time to become acquainted with the faculty. Before starting the course, the student is responsible for identifying a faculty advisor who is a specialist in a relevant area and able to provide support throughout the process. Many faculty have ongoing research projects in which students can get involved. The faculty advisor will approve the project proposal and assist in assembling a three-member supervisory committee.
Course Offerings
See below for a sample of online course offerings from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. As the University of Utah strives to remain at the cutting-edge of online learning, please note that course offerings may shift as new online and IVC classes are added.
This class examines the physical characteristics of nanoelectronic devices. Students learn how the modulation of charged carrier velocity and concentration achieves electrical signal detection, amplification, and switching. Other topics include CMOS technology as well as novel nanodevices.
The course is composed of five modules:
- Electronic Materials
- Device Building Blocks
- Transistors
- Solar Cells, Negative Differential Resistance (NDR), Power, Radio Frequencies, and Devices
- Sensors/Actuators for Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
This course introduces the basics of electric power systems and their components. Students learn about:
- Power generation, transmission, and distribution
- Transmission line modeling
- Load-flow analysis
- Balanced and unbalanced fault analysis in power systems
- Smart grids and other branches of modern power systems
Students explore the underlying material concepts and relevant processes, both in theory and practice, for the fabrication of microelectronic and sensor devices. The course largely focuses on silica-based micromachining, but also touches on ceramics and polymer-based fabrication. Topics include:
- Photolithography
- Silicon etching
- Thin film deposition and etching
- Electroplating
- Polymer micromachining
- Bonding techniques
This class examines the intersection between optics and energy generation, distribution, and utilization. Students have opportunities to address exciting real-world engineering challenges and generate novel ideas. Their solutions can lay the groundwork for business plans and commercialization.
See the up-to-date course schedule for the upcoming semester that includes a list of courses available in both online and IVC formats. For students who enter the MS ECE program without a BS ECE/EE Degree, proficiency in electrical engineering is required. Please review the Fulfillment of Proficiency Requirement instructions.
For any questions on course offerings or further clarification regarding online and IVC courses, please contact an admissions counselor at (888) 684-8510 or ecemsonline@utah.edu.
Students on the M.S. Project Track must also complete the following course (up to six credits):
ECE 6950 Special Study
This is an opportunity to get involved directly in research at the University of Utah. Students may work with any faculty in the department, and projects are often chosen in association with ongoing research with the faculty mentor. The project option fulfills some credits for the degree requirement through a research project of the student’s own design. The project must be approved by the faculty mentor, the supervisory committee and submitted in a formal report. Students are also required to present the project publicly. Online students may plan with their committee to visit campus in person, present through Zoom, submit a video of their presentation, or make other arrangements.
Request Information
You can learn more about the University of Utah’s online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program by filling out the fields below to download a free brochure. You can also call us toll-free at (888) 684-8510 to talk with one of our admissions counselors.