Graduate Program

All applicants for the M.S. in ECE program must have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or a closely related field. All applicants must meet Idaho State University Graduate School M.S. admission requirements.

For priority consideration, applicants with B.S. degrees from other institutions are recommended to supply GRE scores with their application.

We understand that applicants may come from allied disciplines, programs, or technology degree fields. Therefore, to clarify the typical background for competitive applicants we have outlined below a set of coursework that is considered prerequisite knowledge for each track of the MS ECE program. 

In particular, applicants with degree names such as “B.S. Electrical Engineering Technology” (BS EET) and other technology-related degrees should be aware that the MS ECE program is a traditional engineering graduate program designed for students with a strong theoretical background in mathematics and upper division engineering coursework. During admission degrees such as the BS EET would be considered within the technology degree field, not as engineering or closely related degrees. Applicants with such a technology background should pursue the appropriate prerequisite knowledge prior to applying to the MS ECE program.

Assumed Math Background 

The following courses (or equivalents) on a transcript:

MATH 1170 Calculus I

MATH 1175 Calculus II

MATH 2240 Linear Algebra

MATH 2275 Calculus III (For the MS EE track)

MATH 3360 Differential Equations

Applicants without the appropriate mathematics background should enroll as a non-degree seeking (or degree-seeking) undergraduate student to complete the math background. 

Candidates from other engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, or closely related fields with the mathematical background above are also suggested to take the following courses, depending on the desired MS track.

Applicants for the MS Electrical Engineering track should have taken MATH 2275 (Calculus III) and are suggested to demonstrate coursework in at least 4 of the 5 following areas:

• ECE 3340 Electromagnetics
• Equivalent courses must have MATH 2275 prerequisite
• ECE 3310 Signals and Systems
• Equivalent courses must have MATH 3360 prerequisite
• ECE 4410 Automatic Control Systems
• Equivalent courses must have MATH 3360 prerequisite
• ECE 4420 Advanced Electronics
• Equivalent courses must have MATH 2240 somewhere in the prerequisite chain
• ECE 4412 Communication Systems
• Equivalent courses should have a rigorous course on Signals and Systems (ECE 3310) prerequisite

Applicants for the MS Computer Engineering track are suggested to demonstrate coursework in at least 3 of the 4 following areas:

• ECE 4460 Advanced Computer Architecture
• Or CS 1137 or equivalent
• ECE 4451 Embedded Systems Engineering
• Equivalent courses must have computer architecture as a prerequisite
• ECE 4450 Advanced Digital Logic Design
• Equivalent courses should be upper-division courses with another digital system course as a prerequisite (e.g. ECE 2250).
• CS 3337 Secure Systems and Networks
• Equivalent courses should be upper-division courses with prerequisites of computer architecture (e.g. ECE 4460, CS 1337) and CS 2235 Data Structures and Algorithms (or equivalent)

Applicants with a mathematics background could also take suggested EE/CpE courses as non-degree-seeking students, or seek admission to the MS ECE program and take such courses as part of a performance requirement plan (before enrolling in graduate-level coursework). It is recommended to take these courses before applying for GTA funding in order to make a competitive application.

Please contact the graduate program director for additional information.

For priority admission into Fall semester enrollment, please apply by February 1. Applications will be reviewed in bulk after February 1 and students may expect a decision rendered in early March.

For priority admission into Spring semester enrollment, please apply by October 1. Applications will be reviewed in bulk after October 1 and students may expect a decision rendered in early November.

There is no guarantee that funding will be available, however, students should be aware of the following:

A limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) positions are available for very strong candidates on a competitive basis. As GTA funding is typically awarded on a yearly basis, students seeking GTA funding are recommended to apply for the Fall semester before the priority deadline for consideration.

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) funding may be available for exceptional candidates with demonstrated research track records. For these opportunities, please directly contact a prospective faculty adviser with your credentials and relevant research accomplishments.

Application for GTA and GRA funding is available here Teaching Assistantship and Research Assistantship Application. 

For students applying to ISU with external funding or self-funding, please directly contact the graduate program director. Candidates with external funding will be considered for priority admission.

• Faculty
• MS ECE Catalog
• ECE Graduate Courses Offered
• Application for Admission