Online Course Offerings
Choose Your Schedule and Your Pace
Make Your Learning Your Own
We understand that many students are eager to move through their studies and complete their degree quickly. Students can graduate in fewer calendar years by transferring previously earned graduate credits and/or choosing the project option and completing it during the summer term. For further advisement, please contact our program’s Graduate Student Coordinator.
Every student has different goals and challenges as well as strengths and capabilities. Because of this we offer students the ability choose each semester how many courses they wish to take. Whether it is just 1-2 courses at a time or a full course load of 3-5 courses, students can choose the pace of their learning. We do not use cohorts so students are not locked in to any schedule. The following examples are just guidelines to show how a student could plan out their degree:
3 Semesters | 1-1.5 Years
This schedule is designed for students who have the time and capacity to complete the program full-time (9+ credits).
Coursework
Full course load of 3-4 courses per semester with technical and professional course options
| Semester | Courses | Credits |
| 1 | 3 | 9.0 |
| 2 | 4 | 12.0 |
| 3 | 3 | 9.0 |
| TOTAL | 10 | 30.0 |
Project
1 professional and 3 technical courses per semester with a summer project
| Semester | Courses | Credits |
| 1 | 4 | 12.0 |
| 2 | 4 | 12.0 |
| Summer | Project | 6.0 |
| TOTAL | 8 | 30.0 |
5 Semesters | 2-2.5 Years
A schedule like this is for students who are currently working and don’t have the capacity to be full-time students but feel capable of managing a steady pace of courses (2 per semester).
Coursework
A part-time schedule of 5 semesters of coursework, with 2 courses each term
| Semester | Courses | Credits |
| 1 | 2 | 6.0 |
| 2 | 2 | 6.0 |
| 3 | 2 | 6.0 |
| 4 | 2 | 6.0 |
| 5 | 2 | 6.0 |
| TOTAL | 10 | 30.0 |
Project
A part-time schedule of 4 semesters of coursework, with 2 courses each term, and a project during the summer semester
| Semester | Courses | Credits |
| 1 | 2 | 6.0 |
| 2 | 2 | 6.0 |
| 3 | 2 | 6.0 |
| 4 | 2 | 6.0 |
| Summer | Project | 6.0 |
| TOTAL | 8 | 30.0 |
9 Semesters | 4 Years
Slow and steady wins the race. This schedule is designed for students who prefer the flexibility to pace themselves to avoid burnout to reach educational goals whether its because they are working full-time with many responsibilities or even for those who prefer to take things slow to stay on top of the material.
Project
A reduced and extended part-time schedule of 8 semesters of coursework, with 1 course per term, and a summer project
Year 1
| Semester | Credits |
| Fall |
3.0 |
| Spring |
3.0 |
Year 2
| Semester | Credits |
| Fall |
3.0 |
| Spring |
3.0 |
Year 3
| Semester | Credits |
| Fall |
3.0 |
| Spring |
3.0 |
| Summer |
6.0 – Project |
Year 4
| Semester | Credits |
| Fall |
3.0 |
| Spring |
3.0 |
| TOTAL |
30.0 |
ONLINE
Majorly asynchronous courses that can be completed nearly anytime and anywhere
REMOTE REAL-TIME
Have the experience of being in class anywhere in the US with same-time delivery via Zoom
This list is provided as a guide to our course offerings. Semester offerings are subject to change based on instructor availability and enrollment. You can view current course offerings for upcoming semesters by viewing the University of Utah General Catalog & Class Schedules for the appropriate semester.
*Note: MST courses come with a differential tuition of an additional $300.58 per credit.
| Course | Type | Offered | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 5201 Phys of Nano-Elec. Devices | Allied | Fall | Online |
| ECE 5510 Random Process | Allied | Fall | Online |
| ECE 5520 Digital Communication Systems | Allied | Spring | Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 5620 Power Systems Analysis | Allied | Spring | Online |
| ECE 6221 Fundamentals of Micromachining | Advanced ECE | Fall, Spring | Online |
| ECE 6310 Advanced EM Fields | Advanced ECE | Spring (even years) | Online, Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 6322 Microwave Engineering I | Advanced ECE | Fall | Online |
| ECE 6323 Microwave Engineering II | Advanced ECE | Spring (odd years) | Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 6324 Antenna Theory & Design | Advanced ECE | Spring | Online |
| ECE 6331 Optics for Energy | Advanced ECE | Fall | Online, Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 6340 Comp. EM w/ Code Writing | Advanced ECE | Spring (even years) | Online |
| ECE 6520 Information Theory | Advanced ECE | Spring (odd years) | Online |
| ECE 6530 Digital Signal Processing | Advanced ECE | Fall | Online |
| ECE 6590 Software Radio | Advanced ECE | Fall (odd years) | Online |
| ECE 6630 Power System Economics | Advanced ECE | Spring | Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 6670 Control of Electric Motors | Advanced ECE | Spring | Online |
| ECE 6671 Electric Generators | Advanced ECE | Fall | Online |
| ECE 6710 Digital VLSI Design | Advanced ECE | Fall | Online |
| ECE 6720 Fundamentals of Analog IC Design | Advanced ECE | Fall | Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 6735 Data Converters | Advanced ECE | Spring | Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 6950 Special Study (MS Project Option) Contact the Graduate Student Coordinator to register | Advanced ECE | Spring, Summer, Fall | Online |
| ECE 6960 Special Topics: Power | Advanced ECE | Spring | Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 6960 Professional Development (LEAN Canvas) | Advanced ECE | Spring 2024 | Online, Remote Real-Time |
| ECE 6960 Special Topics: Neural Data Analysis and Modeling | Advanced ECE | Fall | Online |
| ECE 6961 Fundamentals of Wireless Communications | Advanced ECE | Spring | Online |
| *MST 6200 Professional Development for Engineers | Allied | Fall | Online |
| *MST 6210 Operations & Project Management | Allied | Spring | Online starting 2025 |
| *MST 6110 Business Development Engineers | Allied | Summer | Online starting 2025 |
| ME EN 6160 Fund. of Systems Engineering | Allied | Fall | Online |
| ME EN 6183 Discrete Event Systems Simulation | Allied | Fall | Online |
| ME EN 6165 Requirements of Engineering & Management | Allied | Spring | Online |
| CS 5530 Database Systems | Allied | Spring | Online |
| CS 6490 Network Security | Allied | Spring | Online |
| CS 6491 Software & System Security | Allied | Spring | Online |
| CS 6968 Special Topics: Designing Citizen Science Systems | Allied | Spring | Online |
Online Curriculum
CURRICULUM
Program Overview
The degree is completed at 30 credits (approx. 10 courses). Classes lasts one semester, and full-time students taking 9 or more credit hours per semester can complete the program in less than 2 years.
As students complete assignments on a weekly basis they will have opportunities to participate in virtual faculty office hours.
The online curriculum includes no requirement to visit the physical campus, though all online graduates are invited to attend in-person commencement exercises as they choose.
Our Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering has two paths
to choose from to match a student’s educational and professional goals
COURSEWORK
The coursework option is the default and does not contain additional research or writing outside of what is required from their courses. This track is ideal for students who prefer the regular schedule of coursework and are pursuing a Master’s degree for the advantage of enrolling in additional upper-level coursework to broaden their knowledge base.
PROJECT
The project option can be used to fulfill up to 6 of the 30 credits required for the degree through an individualized learning experience. This track is ideal for students who want to perform an in-depth research project with faculty or apply current industry experience towards their degree.
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.
– Remote Real-Time – 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. Many remote real-time courses are also recorded, allowing 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 may vary based on the course format.
ONLINE PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! Our courses are offered via remotely in real-time or completely asynchronously online via Canvas with per-recorded videos. Not all courses are offered with both options. It is up to you to decide which option would work best for you to decide which courses to take.
Unfortunately, no. But we are working constantly to expand our course selections for our students. Some classes also require group or in-person lab work and cannot be offered online.
You can use our Tuition Estimator, otherwise:
Full-time status is considered 9 credits for a graduate student, but a majority of online study usually take 3-6 credits each semester.
Unfortunately, our online program is only available for applicants residing within the United States. We are not authorized to charge tuition and conduct classes for individuals residing outside of the United States. If an international candidate is already living in the US with a valid visa they are welcome to apply.
Detailed information about the ECE Department, faculty’s research interests, ongoing research projects, and recent technical papers are located at www.ece.utah.edu. Applicants should check the website regularly for updated information.
Online Master's FAQ
If do not meet initial admissions requirements (3.0 GPA or higher) there is an alternative pathway that you can take to be considered for the MS Program. You should complete the following steps:
- Apply as a non-matriculated student
- After being accepted please schedule an appointment with the Graduate Student Coordinator to review the proficiency requirements
- The Graduate Student Coordinator will enroll you in ECE courses
- After completing the proficiency courses with a B+ grade or higher you may apply to the program.
- Any courses taken 5000- level or above can be counted toward your MS degree requirements. See Graduate Transfer Credit page for more details.
Students with allied (i.e. Other Engineering, CS, Math, Physics) or non-ECE degrees are welcome to apply! Here are the steps to ensure you are admitted and properly prepared to be successful in our ECE MS Program:
- Apply as a non-matriculated student
- After being accepted please schedule an appointment with the Graduate Student Coordinator to review the proficiency requirements
- The Graduate Student Coordinator will enroll you in ECE courses
- After completing the proficiency courses with a B+ grade or higher you may apply to the program.
- Any courses taken 5000- level or above can be counted toward your MS degree requirements. See Graduate Transfer Credit page for more details.
Yes! Our courses are offered via Interactive Video Content (IVC or “Zoom”) or completely asynchronously online via Canvas with per-recorded videos. Not all courses are offered with both options. It is up to you to decide which option would work best for you to decide which courses to take.
Unfortunately, no. But we are working constantly to expand our course selections for our students. Some classes also require group or in-person lab work and cannot be offered online.
You can use our Tuition Estimator, otherwise:
Full-time status is considered 9 credits for a graduate student, but a majority of online study usually take 3-6 credits each semester.
Graduate Online Faculty and Staff
Online ECE Directory
The faculty for the University of Utah MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering operate on the frontiers of their specialties. They are active researchers – and in many cases entrepreneurs – who pave the way for theoretical innovations and practical applications in their respective fields. They lead teams exploring areas like high-performance computing, digital signal processing, nanotechnology, and wireless microsystems. The instructors in the online MSECE program are the same world-class faculty who teach on-campus courses at Utah. Their experience with the real-world applications of engineering concepts inform high-quality online lectures and individualized mentorship. Students benefit from small classes with opportunities for one-on-one meetings with highly knowledgeable faculty. The ECE faculty engage with students’ individual projects and research interests, guiding them toward achieving professional excellence and finding commercial applications for their ideas.
John Bolke
B.S. in Electrical Engineering Students | Tuition Benefits
Academic Advising Coordinator
- Phone: 801-581-6943
- Email: john.bolke@utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2262
Liz Rowberry
Advisor: BS/MS, MS, and PhD; Graduate Admissions
Graduate Student Coordinator
- Phone: 801-587-9710
- Email: liz.rowberry@utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2266C
Rong Rong Chen
Associate Professor
- Phone: 801-585-7367
- Email: rchen@ece.utah.edu
- Office: MEB 3106
- Website: Prof. Chen's Profile
Signal processing and communication systems: efficient utilization of multiple antennas for high-rate communications in wireless networks, statistical detection methods for underwater acoustic communications, and other fields related to communication systems and statistical signal processing.
Behrouz Farhang
Professor
- Phone: 801-587-7959
- Email: farhang@ece.utah.edu
- Office: MEB 3240
- Website: Prof. Farhang's Profile
Filter bank multicarrier communications for underwater acoustic channels, cognitive radios, and multiple access networks; detection algorithms for MIMO and OFDM; implementations on hardware platforms.
Cynthia Furse
Director of Graduate Studies, ACES Fellow
Distinguished Professor
- Phone: 801-585-7234
- Email: cfurse@ece.utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2280
- Website: Prof. Furse's Profile
Electromagnetics, Intermittent fault location for aircraft wiring, antenna design and optimization, communications, bioelectromagnetics, and engineering education.
Hanseup Kim
Department Chair; Director, Utah Nanofab; H. Kent Bowen Endowed Professor
USTAR Professor
- Phone: 801-587-9497
- Email: hanseup.kim@utah.edu
- Office: SMBB 3709
- Website: Prof. Kim's Profile
Biological nano- and micro-systems in moving fluids for medical applications including micro- pumps and valves. System integration in robotics and energy harvesting for micro- robots, actuators, hydraulics, energy harvesting systems, and manufacturing technology
Rajesh Menon
USTAR Professor
- Phone: 801-585-1058
- Email: rmenon@eng.utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2256
- Website: Prof. Menon's Profile
Optics and nanotechnology: absorbance modulation optical lithography, patterning via optical saturable transitions, optical nanoscopy, and ultra-high frequency solar energy via a nanostructured polychromatic concentrator
Neda Nategh
Associate Professor
- Phone: 801-213-3675
- Email: neda.nategh@utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2220
- Website: Prof. Nategh's Profile
Visual computation and computational vision: Research in our lab employs an interdisciplinary approach to understand the real-time, robust, and efficient visual computations performed by our natural vision and to translate this knowledge into computational vision frameworks for machine vision applications, artificial vision solutions, and imaging systems.
John Palmer
Associate Professor (Lecturer)
- Phone: 801-581-7350
- Email: john.a.palmer@utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2130
Power System Protection: cause and origin analysis of electrical accidents, electrical equipment failures, electrical fires, structural fires, vehicle fires, and explosions
Masood Parvania
Roger P. Webb Endowed Associate Professor
- Phone: 801-585-0030
- Email: masood.parvania@utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2222
- Website: Prof. Parvania's Profile
Operation and planning of cyber-physical power and energy systems, with emphasis on the modeling and integration of distributed energy resources, as well as sustainable renewable energy integration
Mike Scarpulla
Professor
- Phone: 801-585-1231
- Email: scarpulla@eng.utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2138
- Website: Prof. Scarpulla's Profile
Semiconductors and photovoltaics: earth-abundant, benign compound semiconductors for thin film photovoltaics such as Cu2ZnSnS4. Other sulfide semiconductors for PV, light management for thin film PV, CIGS, laser processing of semiconductors, and the physics of semiconductor alloys and transition metal and rare earth additions to semiconductors.
David Schurig
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor
- Email: david.schurig@utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2274
- Website: Prof. Schurig's Profile
Metamaterials: Design, analysis and fabrication of metamaterials in frequency ranges from megahertz to petahertz. Transformation design of devices implementable with metamaterials. Applications include: remote sensing, near-field imaging, biological imaging, implantable devices, electro-mechanical devices and invisibility cloaking.
Florian Solzbacher
Gerald and Barbara Stringfellow Endowed Professor
- Phone: 801-581-6942
- Email: florian.solzbacher@utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2110C
- Website: Prof. Solzbacher's Profile
Harsh Environment MEMS, including: materials (SiC (on Si), SOI, GaN), metallisation systems for high temperatures and aggressive ambient conditions, and silicon fusion bonding and packaging issues
Armin Tajalli
Associate Professor
- Phone: 801-581-4840
- Email: armin.tajalli@utah.edu
- Office: MEB 2224
- Website: Prof. Tajalli's Profile
Integrated wireline and wireless systems, energy-efficient integrated systems, high-speed wireline systems, RF circuits, data converters, phase-locked loops and frequency synthesisers, analog integrated circuits, extremely low power integrated systems
Tolga Tasdizen
Associate Chair, USTAR Professor
- Phone: 801-581-3539
- Email: tasdizen@ece.utah.edu
- Office: WEB 4893
- Website: Prof. Tasdizen's Profile
Image processing and pattern recognition, specifically: geometry-based and statistics-based methods for image filtering, segmentation and feature extraction using high-order partial differential equations for image and surface reconstruction; applying these methods to problems in biomedical imaging, particularly neural circuit reconstruction from very large-scale microscopy image datasets
Darrin Young
USTAR Associate Professor
- Phone: 801-581-6512
- Email: darrin.young@utah.edu
- Office: SMBB 3741
- Website: Prof. Young's Profile
Low-power integrated circuits design coupled with MEMS-based sensing systems for wearable sensing, biomedical implant, environmental sensing, power transfer, RF communication, and general industrial sensing applications
Electromagnetics
Optics / Optoelectronics
Dr. Rajesh Menon
Email: rmenon@eng.utah.edu
Upcoming Projects: Deep-Neural Networks for Next-generation Imaging
Power
Online Master's
University of Utah
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Remote Learning Master's
30
Credits
Required credits can be filled with a mixture of Virtual Video Classes and Asychronous Online options
3
Semesters
Average taken for full-time students. Many part-time students complete in 3 years or less.
ENGINEER YOUR PERFECT CLASS SCHEDULE
You can now complete your MS degree in electrical and computer engineering online at the University of Utah. This innovative new platform allows non-traditional students and working professionals like yourself the opportunity to get a higher degree on your time and anywhere that’s convenient. It’s the same challenging curriculum you would take on campus but with the flexibility of instruction over the web. Click below to learn more about the program or to apply for the next available semester.
