Electrical and Computer Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in electrical and computer engineering
Advance your engineering skills with a master’s concentration in electrical and computer engineering and focus your experience in areas like: computer and cyber-physical systems; medical device design and implementation; sustainable energy systems; communications; modeling; data analytics; electromagnetics; or micro- and nano-electronics.
Non-thesis students can also learn valuable research, design, leadership and communication skills through the VCU College of Engineering’s Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP), a course-based experiential learning program with real-world applications.
Our dedicated career services team can help match you with summer internships and help you discover exciting career opportunities at one of the many institutions that partner with the College of Engineering. You can also engage in research with VCU Engineering’s nationally-recognized faculty if your goal is a career in academia or research.
The VCU College of Engineering is among the best graduate programs in the nation as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Combined with our industry connections and access to Richmond-area businesses, VCU Engineering is a solid choice for your continuing education.
What you’ll learn
Our 30-credit program can be completed in just over two years by full time students. Expand your foundational engineering skills through specialized coursework and mentored experiential learning opportunities while also developing professional skills, like communication, team management and leadership, by working in the labs of our nationally-recognized research faculty. A VCU College of Engineering education is your catalyst for new career opportunities, providing a mechanism for lifelong learning and professional development.
The master’s in engineering with a concentration in electrical and computer engineering develops specialized technical skills complemented by an ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and apply advanced problem solving to engineering challenges in cross-disciplinary teams to meet the needs of our changing society and advance the quality of human life.
Focus areas include:
- Communications
- Cyber-physical systems, cybersecurity, machine learning
- Data Analytics
- Medical devices
- Micro- and nano-electronics
- Smart technologies
- Sustainable power systems
Etched into the landscape of Richmond, the VCU College of Engineering provides students access to a vibrant and culturally diverse city full of potential. We focus on developing close partnerships with public institutions and private businesses to provide our students with unique learning and job opportunities.
Master’s program students concentrating in electrical and computer engineering will:
- Become a well-rounded engineer, developing skills in a broad range of electrical and computer engineering specialties applicable across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, government and defense.
- Specialize in electrical or computer engineering by curating your curriculum through choosing technical electives from other engineering disciplines as well as computer science, mathematics and physical or biological science.
- Develop your teamwork, leadership, mentoring and project planning skills through our graduate-level Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP).
- Access a dedicated Career Services department that provides internship and employment opportunities.
- Connect with industry experts through our partnerships with public and private institutions.
- Collaborate with engineers outside your study field and gain important interdisciplinary experience valuable to employers.
Reference the VCU Bulletin for a full list of electrical and computer engineering classes. Master’s program courses are 500 level and above (for example, EGRE 510). Below are a few signature courses from the program:
- Internet of Things (EGRE 510)
- Digital Signal Processing (EGRE 535)
- Introduction to Cyber-Physical Systems (EGRE 536)
- Sustainable and Efficient Power Systems (EGRE 573)
- Wireless Communications (EGRE 644)
- Intelligent Linear Systems (EGRE 651)
- Nanophotonics (EGRE 627)
A graduate degree with a concentration in electrical and computer engineering can facilitate career advancement in a number of industries such as:
- Automobile
- Aerospace
- Communication
- Construction
- Cybersecurity
- Defense
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
Consider possibilities like:
- Cyber Security Analyst: Scan for vulnerabilities to validate security controls in order to provide guidance for improving security systems.
- Research and Development Project Engineer: Support research and development teams with all aspects of the product development process, driving improvements and efficiency by generating technical documentation standards and procedures. Create design solutions by applying engineering methods with good documentation processes, develop solutions that integrate software and hardware platforms, improve operational efficiencies and support designs with prototype, analysis and testing results.
- Nuclear Energy Systems Engineer: Provide innovative solutions through hardware and software design of equipment, electronic circuits, control systems or electric power systems. Facilitate system upgrades with power plant and instrumentation and control modifications. Design and implement robotic control systems.
- Communication Engineer: Plan, develop, test, release and support wireless networking systems with innovative spectrum-sharing methodologies that can be used in a variety of wireless systems. Lead lab and field experimentation efforts, including radio frequency hardware prototype experimentation, signal collection and analysis.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Apply machine learning models, tools and techniques to imagery, video, signals and other data products. Lead teams in the development of machine learning solutions for customers. Perform data collections and running simulations to create, curate and label machine learning data sets.
Through our Career Services team, VCU College of Engineering graduates have many opportunities to network with alumni and industry professionals. Our students work at companies like:
- Cisco
- Intel
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
- National Institute of Standards & Technology
- NAVSEA
- Occam Systems
- Serco
- Woodward, Inc.
Application Requirements
VCU offers an online self-managed application process. This information outlines items needed to apply for a graduate program with the VCU College of Engineering. Additional information is listed on the Office of Admissions and International Admissions webpages.
Program-specific information can be found in the University Bulletin and additional inquiries can be made to the respective Graduate Program Directors listed below, or to the Office of Graduate Studies gradengr@vcu.edu.
Application materials include:
- Statement of intent
- Transcripts
- English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
- Application fee