Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for innovative careers in energy, communications, electronics, and systems. Our program emphasizes a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science, combined with specialized coursework in circuit design, signal processing, electromagnetics, power systems, and control systems. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, enabling hands-on learning and experimentation with the latest technologies. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering design skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to tackle complex challenges in the electrical engineering industry. Our faculty consists of leading experts in their fields, providing mentorship and guidance throughout your academic journey. Students are encouraged to participate in cutting-edge research projects, internships, and cooperative education opportunities that bridge theory and practice. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations, sustainability, and societal impact, preparing students to become responsible engineers who contribute positively to technological advancement and global development. With a broad spectrum of elective courses, students can tailor their education to specific interests such as renewable energy, microelectronics, robotics, or telecommunications. Rensselaer’s strong industry connections and alumni network provide significant advantages for career placement and professional development after graduation. Whether you aspire to innovate in emerging fields, pursue graduate studies, or lead future technological breakthroughs, our Electrical Engineering program offers the rigorous education and research opportunities needed to succeed in a dynamic and rapidly evolving field.

Requirements

• On-line application 
• A well-written Statement of Background and Goals
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended with official English translations (if necessary); documentation showing award of degree
• Minimum two letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty)
• Resume or curriculum vitae (Be sure to list all publications and presentations)
• $75 application fee (not required for RPI students and alums)
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores that are less than two years old (required of all international applicants unless you have been studying for at least two years in the United States immediately prior to your study at Rensselaer)
• Official GRE scores that are less than five years old (required of all applicants)

Scholarships

Financial aid is available in the form of Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA) and Graduate Fellowships. These are awarded to top applicants who are interested in pursuing the MS and/or PhD and are a good match with our research and our faculty. It should be noted that preference on aid is given to those who already possess a master's degree and are seeking the PhD. The largest amount of aid is awarded to those starting in the fall semester, but TA and RA awards may also be made in the spring as they become available. It is also important to note that financial aid is given only to full-time students and is based on previous academic performance, not on need. Students must have a minimum 3.3 GPA to be eligible for TA consideration. Master's only students, particularly those seeking the MEng, should expect to fund their own education through personal funds, student loans or other external sources.

Students who enroll without aid may apply for support in future semesters but should be aware that funding opportunities are extremely limited and in no way guaranteed. They should plan to finance their entire education on their own. International students who are admitted without aid must provide official bank documents showing they have enough funds to support their educational expenses (tuition, books, fees and personal living expenses) before an I-20 can be issued.

The amount of the financial aid can vary depending on the type of award, but all are full awards. TA's are awarded on an academic year basis and include a minimum stipend of $18,500 and full tuition. RA's may be awarded on a calendar year basis (academic year plus summer) and include a minimum stipend of $18,500 and full tuition. TA's and RA's are expected to work up to 20 hours per week. The stipends for Fellowship winners can vary widely depending on the fellowship but are usually at least $20,000 for the year with full tuition, plus all fees. Information on the IGERT Fellowship may be found here. Students who are awarded financial aid with their admission can expect to continue receiving aid in some form provided they meet all the department and Institute guidelines for continuing aid and based on the availability of funding.

Decisions on applications requesting aid consideration will be made following the application deadline so that all applications that are complete as of the deadline will compete as a group for whatever aid is available. Students who apply for aid will be notified by email as the decisions are made. Students may be informed the aid decision is pending and may remain pending until all potential for aid is exhausted. There is no final deadline date for notification of aid awards. Rensselaer and the ECSE department abide by the April 15 deadline for a response by the student on all first round aid awards. Awards made after that will have a deadline response date set by the department.

Graduate Education Program (Russia)

Selected GEP Scholarship students are eligible for a renewable scholarship in the amount of 1,38 mln. rubles per year. Students in science and engineering fields are eligible for GEP funding. For application details and deadlines, please visit http://educationglobal.ru/en/. Applicants must be admitted to Rensselaer prior to finalizing the application for the GEP program.

Electrical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving field of electrical and computer engineering. The program emphasizes foundational principles such as circuit analysis, electromagnetics, digital systems, and signal processing, alongside specialized tracks in areas like power systems, communications, control systems, and computer engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, fostering hands-on learning and innovation. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills through projects, internships, and collaboration with industry partners, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for careers in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, electronics, robotics, and computing. RPI's strong emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches encourages students to develop problem-solving abilities, entrepreneurial thinking, and technical leadership. The program also offers opportunities for undergraduate research, participation in design competitions, and engagement with cutting-edge technologies like embedded systems, microelectronics, and renewable energy sources. Graduates of the Electrical Engineering program at RPI are recognized for their technical expertise and readiness to excel in diverse roles across academia, industry, and government agencies. The program's faculty members are renowned researchers, committed to mentoring students and advancing knowledge within the field. With a curriculum regularly updated to include emerging trends and innovations, the Electrical Engineering program at RPI maintains its reputation as a leading source of engineering excellence.