The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) offers master of science (M.S.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs and conducts research in the following core areas:

✔ Electronic Circuits and Energy Systems

✔ Photonic and Electronic Devices

✔ Robotics, Control, and Cyber-Physical Systems

✔ Signals, Image Processing, and Communication Systems

For more information about the core areas and associated graduate courses, the department, and its faculty, please visit the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department website.

Students begin the program with the completion of courses in a core area of interest and then proceed to do research in their area of specialization. The M.S. degree can be completed in one year. M.S. students must complete a master’s thesis (Plan I: Thesis), pass the comprehensive examination (Plan II: Comprehensive Examination), or complete a project (Plan II: Project). Part-time study is possible for students working in industry while attending school.

The default track for all admitted students is the comprehensive examination track. Upon enrollment, students are assigned an academic faculty adviser. These advisers will assist in course selection and guidance on program options. Students indicate their core area of study on their admission application. Core areas of study are 1) electronic circuits and energy systems; 2) photonic and electronic devices; 3) robotics, control, and cyber-physical systems; 4) signals, image processing, and communications systems. These core areas determine the broad focus of a student’s study (providing depth) while still providing the flexibility needed within the program to allow for breadth and the desire to meet each individual student’s goals for study.