This schedule summarizes the requirements and due dates for the MS Degree – Coursework Option. Students who have not completed requirements or submitted required forms to the Graduate Coordinator by the due dates may be dropped from the program. Students should graduate in the semester in which 30 hours of coursework are completed. All students who are on visas must be registered for at least 9 credit hours of coursework in every semester (excluding summer), including their final semester, unless they receive permission from the Department Graduate Committee prior to the beginning of the semester.

Program of Study

After consulting with the approved supervisory committee chair, the student must plan a program of study. They must complete and submit the Program of Study Form by the drop deadline of the second semester of study. After approval of the Department Graduate Committee, the program of study is submitted to the Graduate School for their approval. In preparation to submit a Program of Study form, it is recommended that students use the MS Electrical Engineering checklist and/or meet with the Graduate Coordinator.

Modifications to the Program of Study may be made by re-submitting a Program of Study Form for approval prior to registering for added courses with the supervisory committee and obtaining required approval before enrollment in any added courses. Completed courses cannot be removed from the program of study. Credit towards obtaining a degree will not be granted for classes taken prior to approval of the form, unless the student is changing degree status.

Requirements

Master of Science Electrical Engineering students should graduate in the semester in which 32 hours of coursework are completed. All students who are on visas must be registered for at least 9 credit hours of coursework in every semester (excluding summer) unless they receive permission from the Department Graduate Committee prior to the beginning of the semester.

All coursework is to be completed within four consecutive calendar years. Coursework listed on the program of study must total a minimum of 30 hours of graduate coursework including:

• 2 hours of Graduate Seminar (ECE 6900/6910) required in first year
• 2 hours of Robotics Seminar (CS 7939) for all new students in the first year
• 4 Core Robotics Classes (see table below)
• 2 courses taken from the Pre-Approved Robotics Electives List (see table below)
• 3-6 hours of ECE 6950 Special Study (ECE 6970 Thesis Research NOT permitted)
• A minimum of 18 hours of ECE courses must be at the 6000 or 7000 level
• Up to 12 credit hours of 5000-7000 level allied courses will be accepted (Math, Science, or other College of Engineering courses)

*Thesis Research (ECE 6970) is not permitted on the Project Option Program of Study.

Additional Criteria

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on coursework listed on the program of study with no grade lower than C- is required for graduation. A student who receives a grade lower than C- in a course listed on the program of study must repeat that same course and receive a higher grade. Courses cannot be removed from the program of study after they are taken.
• Students who receive an “Incomplete” grade in a class must complete the class by the following semester, even if the semester is the summer semester.
• Coursework cannot be used for more than one degree on the same level.
• Cross-listed courses must be registered through the ECE course numbers.
• A course taken for 5000-level credit cannot be taken again for 6000-level credit.
  • Where a course has both a 5000- and 6000-level number, the 5000-level version is intended for undergraduates and the 6000-level version for honors and graduate students. The two versions of the class will meet together, but extra work will be expected of honors and graduate students.

Robotics Areas of Emphasis and Courses

A student’s supervisory committee will guide the student’s graduate program and must be selected by the beginning of the second semester of study. If a student does not choose a committee, they will be placed with the default supervisory committee.

A supervisory committee consists of three faculty members. The chair of the committee is chosen by the student, and the two remaining members are assigned by the Graduate Committee.  Typically the other members include one member from the Graduate Committee and the Department Associate Chair.

Any regular Electrical & Computer Engineering faculty member may serve as a supervisory committee chair. After the faculty member has agreed to chair a supervisory committee, the student should submit a completed Request for Supervisory Committee. The form can be re-submitted if an amendment needs to be made to the committee. The Graduate Committee approves all supervisory committee forms; final approval is granted by the Graduate School.

Report of Final Examination (Coursework and Project Options)

The department has an approved list of 6000-7000 level courses that incorporate either an oral presentation or a written report as a required component of the class. Students will select their course by completing the Course Designation for Final Exam form.  Once completed, the course instructor or a designated department representative must approve it to signify that the student has passed the final exam.

Additional Examination (Project Option)

The completion of the ECE 6950 Project could include a formal presentation or report. This combination could serve as the final exam. These decisions are dependent on the student’s committee

If the student’s supervisory committee requires it: The topic and scope of the project must be approved in advance by a faculty advisor (i.e. the ECE 6950 instructor). The completion of the project requires that a formal report be submitted to the advisor and that a public presentation be given. The combination of the report and the presentation serves as the final exam. Students must complete the top portion of the Final Exam Verification Form and attach a copy of their abstract. The Graduate Coordinator will obtain the signature of the Project Advisor or designated department representative to signify that the student has passed the final exam.

• Robotics Track Checklist
• Request for Supervisory Committee – resubmit form to amend
• Program of Study (Application for Admission to Candidacy) – resubmit form to amend
• Course Designation for Final Exam
• ECE 6950 Project Form
• MS Project Final Exam Verification Form
• Fulfillment of Proficiency Requirements – for non-EE/ECE BS degree students
• Application for Graduation

Safety and Wellness

Your safety is our top priority. In an emergency, dial 911 or seek a nearby emergency phone (throughout campus). Report any crimes or suspicious people to 801-585-COPS; this number will get you to a dispatch officer at the University of Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS; dps.utah.edu). If at any time, you would like to be escorted by a security officer to or from areas on campus, DPS will help — just give a call.

The University of Utah seeks to provide a safe and healthy experience for students, employees, and others who make use of campus facilities. In support for this goal, the University has established confidential resources and support services to assist students who may have been affected by harassment, abusive relationships, or sexual misconduct. A detailed listing of University Resources for campus safety can be found at https://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/campussafety.php

Your well-being is key to your personal safety. If you are in crisis, call 801-587-3000; help is close.  The university has additional excellent resources to promote emotional and physical wellness, including the following:

• Counseling Center https://counselingcenter.utah.edu
• The Wellness Center https://wellness.utah.edu
• Women’s Resource Center https://womenscenter.utah.edu
• Counselors and advocates in these centers can help guide you to other resources to address a range of issues, including substance abuse and addiction.

You may also call the ECE department at 801-581-6941 if you need help or have questions.