Graduate Handbook - 2. Master of Science Degree Program

2.1 Degree Requirements

2.2 The Master's Thesis Option

Students are encouraged to complete a Master's Thesis under the supervision of a WPI ECE Department faculty member. Completing a thesis is strongly encouraged for students who intend to continue in the Ph.D. degree program and for students who are seeking in-depth knowledge in their chosen area of study.

The M.S. Thesis option is not restricted to full-time students. Although it is easier to complete the independent Research that is an inherent component of the M.S. Thesis as a full-time student, part-time students can also elect the thesis option if they have the flexibility to work on a regular basis with their advisor.

Any student interested in selecting the thesis option to complete their M.S. degree requirements should consult their academic advisor or the Department Graduate Coordinator, Prof. Fred J. Looft (fjlooft@ece.wpi.edu). Students are also encouraged to discuss possible thesis topics with individual faculty members. For students completing the M.S. thesis as part of their degree requirements, a thesis committee will be set up during the first semester of thesis work. This committee will be selected by the student in consultation with his/her major advisor and will consist of the thesis advisor (who must be a full-time WPI ECE faculty member) and at least two other faculty members whose expertise will aid the student's Research program. Finally, students who are unsure of their interest in the thesis option should consider a preliminary three credit Directed Research program. (ECE-598).

2.3 Combined BS/MS Degree Program

Overview

Outstanding WPI ECE undergraduates who wish to continue their studies toward a Master's Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at WPI are encouraged to plan a combined program which will accelerate their progress. The field of study for the M.S. degree is usually, but need not be, in the same discipline as that for the B.S. degree.

Students in the combined program continue to be registered as undergraduates until they have completed all requirements for the B.S. degree. Up to 40% of the credits submitted for candidacy for the graduate degree may be from courses, acceptable for graduate credit, taken while an undergraduate. All courses used to satisfy the graduate degree requirements will be recorded on both the student's undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

A student may use up to a maximum of twelve credit hours of work to count towards both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. At most, six credit hours may be derived from 4000-level courses with a grade of "B" or better, while at least six credit hours will be obtained from 500-level courses with a grade of "B" or better. Note that listed courses with grades of "C" will not be counted toward the graduate degree, but the applicant may still be admitted to the program.

Students taking advantage of this program have a 1.5 year time limit to complete all degree requirements when double counting 12 credits. Conversely, the time limit is extended to 2 years for students transferring less than 12 credits. A maximum of 3 credits can be transferred in from another degree or program at the graduate level, although the student must have achieved a grade of "B" or better to be considered for transfer. All transfers must be petitioned to the Graduate Program Coordinator for permission.

Application Process

Students who intend to pursue this program must submit an Application for Graduate Admission through Graduate Admissions. Applications (including recommendations) should be completed by the early part of the last term (usually D-term) of the junior year. Early applications will not be considered if submitted prior to the second half of the junior year.

Applications (including recommendations) should be completed by the early part of the last term (usually D-term) of the junior year. Students must define 12 credit hours of work at the time of application to B.S./M.S. program by also submitting a BS/MS Course Designation Form (80 KB PDF).