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The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers graduate degrees with specializations in Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Systems, and Signals and Systems. Students may elect to complete a Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Management, or Doctor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering.

Program Strengths

• Graduate Co-op Program: Qualified individuals can choose to work in industry on either alternating semesters or during the summer semesters. A rich variety of advanced engineering opportunities are available in the Southeastern Michigan region.
• Design and Project Oriented: Students participate in exciting hands-on projects that integrate theory and application. For example, students currently are working on the design and development of an internationally competitive autonomous vehicle to participate in the International Ground Vehicle Competition (www.IGVC.org). In the 2005 competition, UDM's team placed sixth among 37 entries. (see http://www.igvc.org/deploy/results/2005.html)
• Student Centered: Students take advantage of small class sizes and opportunities for one-on-one contact with professors. Most courses include opportunities to work in teams and advance the professional and personal skills so vital to long term career success in industry.

The Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering may be completed by either a thesis or a non-thesis plan. The thesis plan includes 24 semester credit hours of coursework, six semester credit hours of thesis, and an oral presentation of the thesis to the departmental thesis committee and the public. The non-thesis plan consists of 30 semester credits hours of coursework. A student's plan of study must consist of at least seven courses with a 500 level designation. Furthermore, the student's program of study must consist of no fewer than six courses from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

Doctor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Doctor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering requires that students complete the doctoral core courses, the core courses for one concentration, as well as at least nine semester credit hours in a related discipline and 30 semester credit hours of dissertation. The Doctoral program is divided into three parts: Coursework, Dissertation and Examination.

Coursework
Coursework consists of 51 post-baccalaureate course credits at the graduate level. Up to 36 graduate courses can be transferred but at least 21 additional graduate credits must be accrued at UDM. Coursework is divided into Doctoral Core, Concentration Core, and Discipline Specific courses. There are three Doctoral Core courses (or equivalent): E 502, Design of Experiments; E 520, Optimization; and E 530, Advanced Engineering Mathematics. For Concentration Core courses, each concentration has a number of associated courses, all of which must be taken to fulfill the requirements for the concentration. Discipline Specific courses are those related to Electrical and Computer Engineering and at least nine credit hours must be taken outside the Concentration Core and Doctoral Core courses.

Dissertation
Dissertation credits consist of research credits under the guidance of a Doctoral Dissertation committee headed by a faculty member who acts as the supervisor. Although Doctoral research is independent, novel and advances the state of the art, the committee members can provide guidance, advice and technical expertise. A minimum 30 dissertation credits is required for the Doctor of Engineering degree.

Examination
Examinations comprise three stages: Qualifying, Dissertation Topic, and Final. The Qualifying Examination is administered and interpreted by the college-level Doctoral Graduate Committee. The exam consists of three parts: Mathematics, Computer, and Discipline Specific (in this case, Electrical and Computer Engineering topics relevant to the individual examinee). The Qualifying Exam must be taken as soon as the student has completed the Doctoral Core Courses. Students passing the Qualifying Exam are allowed to advance in the Doctoral Program. Students can repeat the qualifying exam once. Students failing the qualifying exam for the second time are dismissed from the Doctoral program. The Dissertation topic Examination consists of the formal presentation of the dissertation topic to the supervisory committee. The committee provides feedback to the student regarding scope, depth , and relevancy of the topic. With approval of the committee, the student can proceed with the research and subsequent accrual of dissertation credits. The Final Examination consists of the formal and public presentation of the dissertation results. The written dissertation must also be approved and accepted by the supervisory committee. The Final Examination, in concert with submission of the approved version of the written dissertation, constitutes the last step in completion of the Doctor of Engineering degree.

Concentration in Computer Engineering
The computer engineering specialization is a program focused on the design and development of embedded computer/control systems. This focus uniquely addresses the needs of the automotive and aerospace industrial communities. The program seeks to provide students with the ability to design real-time distributed microcontroller-based systems commonly found in automotive and manufacturing environments. Career opportunities in this area are excellent.

Concentration in Signals and Systems
The signals and systems specialization provides a background in digital signal and image processing, and control systems. The advent of high-speed specialized digital signal processor integrated circuits has spurred rapid development in this area (i.e. cellular phones, CD and DVD players, and HDTV systems). The subsequent demand for specialists in this field has created excellent career opportunities. Students completing this program will have both the theoretical background and practical experience to design and develop quality products in this market.

Concentration in Mechatronics Systems
Mechatronics Systems Engineering is a modern discipline that transcends the boundaries between Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering. It is commonly defined as the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering with electronics and intelligent computer control in the design and manufacturing of industrial products and processes. The evolution of this area is particularly a consequence of the tremendous growth in the area of Embedded Electronic Systems. As the power of microcontrollers has improved dramatically even while getting smaller, it is becoming increasingly feasible to design products with embedded intelligence that gives them capabilities that were not possible before. The faculty of the ECE Department, in close cooperation with the Mechanical Engineering Department has designed an innovative world class Mechatronics Systems program that offers a balance of electrical, software, and mechanical content with a focus on Embedded Systems Design.

Remaining course for all master's concentrations are selected (with approval of advisor) from EE, ME, E, MTH, and CSC courses.