Electrical Engineering

The Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Program at Boston University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for innovative careers in technology and engineering. This program provides a strong foundation in fundamental principles of electrical and electronic systems, including circuit analysis, digital logic design, electromagnetics, and signal processing. Students also gain practical experience through hands-on laboratory work, design projects, and opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and applied skills, enabling graduates to develop, analyze, and implement complex electrical systems across various industries such as telecommunications, power generation, robotics, and consumer electronics.

Throughout the program, students explore advanced topics like control systems, microprocessors, communications, and renewable energy systems, ensuring they are well-equipped for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning by integrating courses in computer engineering, software development, and data analysis, fostering versatile expertise. Students are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, faculty who are active researchers, and opportunities for collaborative projects. Additionally, the program offers pathways for specialization and research, including options for undergraduate research projects, internships, and partnerships with industry leaders. Graduates of the Electrical Engineering degree program at Boston University leave with a solid technical foundation, critical thinking skills, and the ability to adapt to continuous technological change, preparing them for successful careers or further graduate study in electrical engineering or related fields.

The MS curriculum in electrical engineering requires completion of 32 graduate-level credits, while satisfying a specialization requirement and a practicum requirement. The remaining credits can be selected from a broad range of graduate electives. The credits of a course can only be used to fulfill the MS requirements if the student receives a grade of C or better in the course. Students should also maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 across all graduate-level courses taken while enrolled in the MS program.

The specialization requirement is met by taking four structured graduate courses from a specialization. Students with appropriate prerequisites may petition to use two 700-level courses to meet the specialization requirement.

The graduate electives can be Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) graduate courses, non-ECE College of Engineering graduate courses, or College of Arts & Sciences graduate courses in scientific/technical areas. Graduate electives may include at most 8 credits of courses at the 9XX level.

The MS program in Electrical Engineering also requires at least one 4-credit ECE course at the 700 level.

MS Specialization Areas in Electrical Engineering

The course listings for the various MS specialization areas in Electrical Engineering are listed below. Please consult the ECE Department for the most current updates to these listings.

Signal Processing and Communications

• ENG EC 505 Stochastic Processes
• ENG EC 508 Wireless Communications
• ENG EC 515 Digital Communication
• ENG EC 516 Digital Signal Processing
• ENG EC 517 Introduction to Information Theory
• ENG EC 520 Digital Image Processing and Communication
• ENG EC 702 Recursive Estimation and Optimal Filtering
• ENG EC 715 Wireless Communications
• ENG EC 716 Advanced Digital Signal Processing
• ENG EC 717 Image Reconstruction and Restoration
• ENG EC 719 Statistical Pattern Recognition
• ENG EC 720 Digital Video Processing

Systems and Control

• ENG EC 501/ME 501 State Space Control
• ENG EC 505 Stochastic Processes
• ENG EC 517 Introduction to Information Theory
• ENG EC 524/ME 524 Optimization Theory and Methods
• ENG EC 701/ME 764 Optimal and Robust Control
• ENG EC 702 Recursive Estimation and Optimal Filtering
• ENG EC 710/ME 710 Dynamic Programming and Stochastic Control
• ENG EC 724/ME 724 Advanced Optimization Theory and Methods

Solid-State Circuits, Devices, and Materials

• ENG EC 571 VLSI Principles and Applications
• ENG EC 574 Solid-State Devices
• ENG EC 575 Semiconductor Devices
• ENG EC 577 Electronic Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials
• ENG EC 578 Fabrication Technology for Integrated Circuits
• ENG EC 579/ME 579 Microelectronic Device Manufacturing
• ENG EC 580 Modern Active Circuit Design
• ENG EC 582 RF/Analog IC Design Fundamentals
• ENG EC 770 Guided-Wave Optoelectronics
• ENG EC 771 Physics of Compound Semiconductor Devices
• ENG EC 772 VLSI Graduate Design Project
• ENG EC 774 Semiconductor Quantum Structures and Photonic Devices
• ENG EC 775 VLSI Devices and Device Models
• ENG EC 777 Nano-Optics

Electromagnetics and Photonics

• ENG EC 560 Introduction to Photonics
• ENG EC 563 Fiber-Optic Communication Systems
• ENG EC 566 The Atmosphere and Space Environment
• ENG EC 568 Optical Fiber Sensors
• ENG EC 570 Lasers
• ENG EC 573 Solar Energy Systems
• ENG EC 591 Photonics Laboratory I
• ENG EC 707 Radar Remote Sensing
• ENG EC 731 Applied Plasma Physics
• ENG EC 760 Advanced Topics in Photonics
• ENG EC 762 Quantum Optics
• ENG EC 763 Nonlinear and Ultrafast Optics
• ENG EC 764 Optical Measurement
• ENG EC 765/BE 765 Biomedical Optics and Biophotonics
• ENG EC 770 Guided-Wave Optoelectronics
• ENG EC 773/BE 773 Advanced Optical Microscopy and Biological Imaging
• ENG EC 777 Nano-Optics

Bioelectrical 
(If this specialization is selected, two of the graduate electives must be ENG BE 5XX or ENG BE 7XX)

• ENG EC 505 Stochastic Processes
• ENG EC 516 Digital Signal Processing
• ENG EC 520 Digital Image Processing and Communication
• ENG EC 571 VLSI Principles and Applications
• ENG EC 580 Modern Active Circuit Design
• ENG EC 582 RF/Analog IC Design Fundamentals
• ENG EC 716 Advanced Digital Signal Pressing
• ENG EC 717 Image Reconstruction and Restoration
• ENG EC 720 Digital Video Processing
• ENG EC 765/BE 765 Biomedical Optics and Biophotonics
• ENG EC 772 VLSI Graduate Design Project
• ENG EC 782 RF/Analog IC Design

Requirements

• Application
• $95 Application fee
• Uploaded Transcripts.  On the application, you will have the opportunity to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript. Please note you will be required to submit official transcripts if you accept our offer of admission..
• Two official letters of recommendation. Recommendations should be submitted through the online recommendation system. Photocopies and other facsimiles, such as scanned/emailed or faxed documents will not be considered official. 
  Most departments ask for three letters;
• Official GRE General scores, sent by ETS to institution code 3087.
  Some departments may also require the Subject Test; contact your department for details. Applicants applying to MFA programs are not required to submit GRE scores.
• Official TOEFL scores sent by ETS to institution code 3087.
• Personal Statement
• Resume or CV (highly recommended, not required)
• International Student Documents

The Electrical Engineering program at Boston University offers a comprehensive range of financing options to assist students in managing the costs of their education. Undergraduate students enrolled in the program can apply for various forms of financial aid, including federal and institutional scholarships, grants, and loans. The university encourages prospective students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for need-based aid. Boston University also provides merit-based scholarships specifically for outstanding students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership qualities, or research achievements in electrical engineering.

In addition to scholarships, students may qualify for federal Direct Stafford Loans, which include subsidized and unsubsidized options, to help cover tuition and living expenses. Graduate students in the program can explore teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and departmental fellowships, which often include stipends and tuition remission to support their studies. The university’s Financial Assistance Office offers personalized advising services to help students navigate their financing options, complete necessary paperwork, and understand repayment responsibilities.

Boston University also participates in external scholarship programs and professional organization funding opportunities relevant to electrical engineering, such as the IEEE scholarships. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning and research projects often provides additional funding avenues through research grants and external sponsorships. Moreover, students are encouraged to seek part-time employment opportunities on campus to supplement their income.

Overall, Boston University’s financial support system is designed to ensure that qualified students have access to the necessary resources to complete their electrical engineering degrees without undue financial burden. The university’s commitment to affordability and student success means that a variety of financial solutions are available to meet diverse needs and circumstances.

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Boston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of electrical systems, electronics, and electromagnetism. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in industries such as telecommunications, power systems, embedded systems, and renewable energy. Students will acquire knowledge in circuit analysis, digital systems, signals and systems, electromagnetics, control systems, and computer programming. The curriculum includes laboratory work and projects that foster hands-on experience and problem-solving skills essential for innovation in electrical engineering.

Boston University’s Electrical Engineering program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to engage with fields like computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. The faculty comprises experienced researchers and industry professionals committed to excellence in teaching and research. The program offers opportunities for internships and cooperative education (co-op) experiences, aiding students in gaining real-world exposure and building professional networks.

The department promotes student participation in research activities, often involving cutting-edge topics such as renewable energy integration, nanotechnology, and smart grid development. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce directly, with many alumni securing positions at leading technology companies, government agencies, and startups. Boston University also offers resources such as state-of-the-art laboratories, dedicated faculty mentoring, and career services to support students throughout their educational journey.

Additionally, the program adheres to ABET accreditation standards, ensuring that the curriculum meets high-quality educational criteria recognized nationally and internationally. The combination of rigorous coursework, practical labs, research opportunities, and industry engagement aims to produce competent electrical engineers ready to address contemporary technological challenges. This program reflects Boston University’s commitment to fostering innovation, academic excellence, and preparation for ongoing professional development in the fast-evolving field of electrical engineering.