On-Campus Graduate Degrees
Flexible Options to Match Your Goals
The U of A Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers PhD and MS degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering and Software Engineering– including an ECE Accelerated Master's degree. A customizable curriculum lets you focus on your interests!
Online MS options are also available.
Follow the links on this page to the U of A Graduate College for more information. Additionally, the ECE Graduate Program Handbook expands on program requirements and expectations.
Visit the Software Engineering website for details on the MS and PhD in Software Engineering.
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
- Direct track immediately following bachelor's degree
- Post-MS track
PhD Requirements
Electrical & Computer Engineering Program
PhD students in the Electrical & Computer Engineering program don't just participate in research - these visionary problem-solvers lead the charge, developing new technology and innovating better systems for wireless communication, smart grids, big data, cloud computing, solar energy and more. The program draws from coursework and hands-on, interdisciplinary research, and also connects the student to an entrepreneurial community. In addition, as a tech and bio hub, the University of Arizona maintains long-standing partnerships with industry titans such as Raytheon Technologies, Intel, IBM, Boeing, Pixar, NASA, Microsoft, Honeywell International, General Motors and Texas Instruments.
Computer Science & Engineering Program
The PhD Computer Science and Engineering curriculum applies computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions. It includes substantial coverage of algorithms and complexity, computer science theory, concepts of multiple programming languages, software development, and engineering principles.
Software Engineering Program
The Software Engineering PhD program has a firm engineering foundation that encompasses discovery-based education utilizing an experiential learning approach. As part of the curriculum, students will complete projects in areas that emphasize software engineering, communication, teamwork, critical thinking and engineering professionalism.
Master of Science Programs
- Thesis
- Non-thesis
- Accelerated option available for current U of A undergraduates
MS Requirements
Electrical & Computer Engineering Program
The MS degree program in Electrical and Computer Engineering suits working engineers seeking to excel in the creation and planning of new technologies. A faculty of groundbreaking leaders in disciplines ranging from communications and signal processing to advanced computer systems collaborates with students on a flexible, customizable curriculum. Gain a versatile spectrum of knowledge from multiple technical fields or complete a focused academic plan centered on select subjects. Choose coursework in areas such as: remote sensing; high-performance computing; holography and diffractive optics; simulation modeling and heterogeneous systems design; wireless communications and networks; and detection and estimation.
Electrical & Computer Engineering Accelerated Master's Program
ECE Accelerated Master's Requirements
Computer Science & Engineering Program
The MS Computer Science and Engineering curriculum applies computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions. It includes substantial coverage of engineering principles applied to the design or large, networked, scalable computer systems. Competencies include algorithms and complexity, concepts of multiple programming languages, software development, real time, embedded, and IoT systems design and other broad based engineering principles.
The program has a firm engineering foundation that encompasses discovery-based education utilizing an experiential learning approach. Students will complete projects in areas that emphasize computing theory, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and engineering professionalism. The MS program's flexibility allows students to design their course of study/research from a diverse pool of courses and research opportunities in software, computer science and computer engineering domains such as web and mobile applications, embedded systems, cybersecurity, machine learning, Quantum computing, systems, and other interdisciplinary areas.
Software Engineering Program
Software engineering is key to how to engage with digital devices, and skills in programming and design to pioneer advancements in this dynamic field. The MS program in Software Engineering broadens one's understanding of existing software architecture across a variety of technologies and teaches one how to build and adapt software, leveraging the software developer degree to emerging technologies.
Courses
See the Department of ECE's graduate courses and associated syllabi for detailed information.