At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    MSE

The Master’s in Computer Engineering will enhance your expertise in Artificial intelligence (AI), computer architecture, distributed systems and more while positioning you for rapid career advancement.

Master's in Computer Engineering

The Master's in Computer Engineering will equip you with the skills to design, develop and optimize cutting-edge computing systems. Whether you're interested in hardware development, software systems or the integration of both, you’ll benefit from the program’s foundational excellence and the flexibility to tailor your education to support your professional goals.

Our program allows you to specialize your Master’s in Computer Engineering degree by selecting concentrations in Computer Networking and Distributed Systems, Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems, Artificial and Machine Intelligence or Multimedia Digital Signal and Image Processing and Applications.

Program Quick Facts

  • GRE Waiver Available
  • Teaching and Research Assistantships Available
  • STEM-Designated Degree Program
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

Master's in Computer Engineering Curriculum

The Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering is a 30-credit master's degree. Graduate students can choose to complete a thesis option.

Please see the core requirements, technical electives and advanced project or thesis requirements in the Academic Catalog.

Concentrations in Computer Engineering

  • Computer Networking Distributed Systems
  • Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems
  • Artificial and Machine Intelligence
  • Multimedia Digital Signal and Image Processing and Applications

For students entering Fall 2023 and beyond.
1. Credit Requirements
Non-Thesis Option
CoursesCredits
Core Requirements9
Technical Electives18
Advanced Project3
Total credit hours30
Thesis Option
CoursesCredits
Core Requirements9
Technical Electives15
Thesis6
Graduate Seminar (EECE.6010) 0
Total credit hours30

Applicants who lack any of the above backgrounds and their pre-requisites are required to make up their deficiencies as conditions for acceptance.

With the approval of the Graduate Coordinator, students in the BS/MS program may use up to six credits of graduate courses with an earned grade of B or better for both graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Technical electives are Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate course and concentration courses. Students may choose their technical electives in their area of concentration and across other areas to establish a broad knowledge base. Graduate courses in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and other engineering disciplines may be taken as technical electives only if they are pre-approved by the Graduate Coordinator for non-thesis option, or concurrently by the Graduate Coordinator and the student’s thesis advisor for thesis option.

The credits for Advanced Graduate Project (EECE.7330) cannot be counted toward the requirement for the thesis-option. It can be replaced with a 3-credit technical elective for the non-thesis option.

2. Core Requirement

The objective of the core requirement is to guarantee broad analytical strength for the MS Engineering students. Students in Computer Engineering must take three of the below courses that may be pertinent to their area of concentration.

3. Concentration
A concentration is generally defined by a coordinated and approved sequence of at least four graduate courses. Each student can choose to work out a concentration either with the graduate coordinator or with his/her academic advisor. Completion of a specific concentration is not required for graduation. The course sequences in the concentrations serve as a starting point for establishing a program of study in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator or the student’s academic/thesis advisor to meet his/her educational objectives. It is expected that the courses comprising the concentration will complement the work the student will undertake in fulfillment of the research requirement. 

Required Courses (Choose 3 of the Following) 
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EECE.5530Software Engineering3
EECE.5610Computer Architecture and Design3
EECE.5620VHDL/Verilog Synthesis and Design3
EECE.5730Operating Systems and Kernel Design3
EECE.5740Advanced Logic Design3
EECE.5830Network Design: Principles, Protocols, and Applications3
Total 9
Concentration Courses (Choose 3 of the Following)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
Information Systems (Telecommunications)
EECE.5100Digital Signal Processing3
EECE.5110Medical Imaging Diagnosis3
EECE.5460Computer Telecommunications3 
EECE.5480Coding and Information Theory 3
EECE.5820Wireless Communications3
EECE.5860Stochastic Modeling in Telecommunications3
EECE.6170Modeling and Simulation Techniques for Communications Networks3
EECE.6180Performance of Wireless Communication Networks3
EECE.6610Local Area / Computer Networking3
EECE.6850Statistical Theory of Communications 3
EECE.6870Stochastic Estimation3
EECE.6880Theoretical Acoustics3
Information Systems (Communications Engineering)
EECE.5330Microwave Engineering3
EECE.5460Computer Telecommunications3
EECE.5480Coding and Information Theory3
EECE.5710Radar Systems3
EECE.5820Wireless Communications3
EECE.5860Stochastic Modeling in Telecommunications 3
EECE.6170Modeling and Simulation Techniques for Communication Networks3
EECE.6180Performance of Wireless Communications Networks3
EECE.6610Local Area/Computer Networking3
EECE.6840Time Series Analysis3
EECE.6850Statistical Theory of Communications3
EECE.6870Stochastic Estimation 3
Power and Energy Engineering 
EECE.5140Power Systems Transmission 3
EECE.5150Power Electronics3
EECE.5160Advanced Machine Theory 3
EECE.5250Power Systems Distribution3
EECE.5280Alternative Energy Sources3
EECE.5290Electric Vehicle Technology3
EECE.6150Solid State Drives Systems3
EECE.6160Computational Power Analysis 3
Opto-Electronics
EECE.5080Quantum Electronics for Engineers3
EECE.5180Electromagnetic Materials for Optical Engineering3
EECE.5190Engineering of Submicron Machines3
EECE.5230/4230Introduction to Solid State Electronics3
EECE.5320Computational Electromagnetics3
EECE.5830Wave Propagation in Plasmas3
EECE.5900Fiber Optic Communications3
EECE.5950Solid State Electronics3
EECE.6070Electromagnetics of Complex Media3
EECE.6080Scattering and Diffraction of EM Waves3
EECE.6100Optics for Information Processing3
PHYS.6310Non-Linear Optics3

Opto-Electronics is an option in cooperation with the Department of Physics, and may be pursued by students enrolled in the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program. This option contains required and recommended courses designed to provide a fundamental background in optical devices and systems, as well as in optical physics and in the electro-optical properties of materials.

In addition to the required three core courses, students pursuing this option must take 16.568 Electro-Optics and Integrated Optics and two other courses from the above list.

Other concentrations in Electrical Engineering can be found from the clusters of courses specified as ECE certificates in the "Graduate Certificates" section.

  • Computer Networking and Distributed Systems
  • Multimedia Digital Signal and Image Processing and Applications
Updated 5/24/24

The Electrical & Computer Engineering Department participates in the Graduate Master's Co-op Option in Engineering. 

A Co-op work Experience offers an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in new, authentic contexts. Co-op participation at the graduate level is voluntary, and most students seek out the professional experience to deepen their education, develop new skills, and determine how theory and practice work together. The policies below are specific to the Engineering Graduate Co-op Program.

For detailed information about the Co-op Program and Curriculum requirements, please see the Graduate Catalog Engineering Co-op page.

Why Study Computer Engineering at UMass Lowell?

Thomas Cecelya working on microscope during his Zoll co-op.

Co-Op Opportunities

Apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, deepening your knowledge and skills. Learn more about the Graduate Engineering Co-Op Option.

Jay Weitzen is the Interim Chair and a Professor in the Electrical & Computer Engineering DEPARTMENT at UMass Lowell.

Experienced Faculty

Our exceptional faculty are all leaders in their fields. They bring real-world experience and pioneering research to the classroom to enrich your learning experience.

People wearing lab coats in labs working on computers.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Gain hands-on experience in our cutting-edge labs equipped with the latest technology. With five research centers and over 15 labs, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department covers a variety of specializations that reflect the diversity of the disciplines.

Student posing next to a sign for a cybersecurity conference at UMass Lowell

Research Opportunities

Our research is funded by the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Office of Naval Research, as well as industry partners such as Raytheon and Intel.

Computer Engineering Career Outlook

  • +7%

    Projected new job growth

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

  • $158,070

    Mean annual wage for Computer Engineers in Mass.

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Raytheon
  • BAE Systems
  • Analog Devices
  • Eversource Energy
  • MITRE
  • Axcelis Technologies
  • Mercury Systems
  • ColdSnap

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required.
  • Test Scores: Please send test scores to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all Doctor of Philosophy programs and for the Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. It is accepted but not required for other master's applicants.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

International Applicants

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

For the TOEFL, please send your scores to EngineeringCAS using the school code B887.

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email: 
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu