Master’s program · Rossin College of Engineering
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Lehigh University’s master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering prepare you to work across circuits, electromagnetics and photonics, communications, machine learning, semiconductor devices and electric power.
- Credits30
- Typical length1.5–2 years
- DeliveryOn campus
- Degree awardedMaster of Science or Master of Engineering
- GRENeither accepted nor reviewed
On this page
Overview
What the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is
Electrical engineering underlies everything from the chips in a phone to the grid that charges it, and the program is built so that you cannot stay in one corner of the field. The core asks you to take 3 courses from 3 different areas, spanning digital systems and computer architecture, electromagnetics and photonics, circuits, wireless communications and machine learning, electronic devices, and power systems and smart grids. The remaining credits then let you go deep in the area that draws you.
Applicants come from computer or information science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics and the physical sciences, so the cohort brings varied strengths. Each master’s program in the department also carries a required core, which means every graduate leaves with real breadth as well as depth.
Choose the MS if you want the option of thesis or research experience in your degree. Choose the Master of Engineering if you would rather assemble your program from courses alone.
A 30-credit degree, typically 1.5–2 years of full-time study, delivered on campus.
Research areas
Research on the systems society runs on
Across its research areas, the department’s faculty and students work on some of the largest and most complex problems in modern life: delivering clean and reliable electric power, keeping a growing world connected, building faster and more efficient electronics and photonic devices, and bringing electrical engineering to bear on human health. Master’s students can connect with this work through electives, independent study and, in the MS, optional thesis research.
Electronics and Photonics
Computing, sensing and communication all depend on the electronic and light-based devices at their core. Work in this area aims at creating devices that do more with less energy and that open up capabilities current technology cannot reach.
Focus topics: Electronics and Photonics.
Electric Energy
Electric power systems must meet rising demand while becoming cleaner and more dependable. Research in this area addresses how electric energy is converted, controlled and delivered.
Focus topics: Electric Energy.
Information and computing systems
Modern life depends on moving information accurately and processing it quickly. Work in these areas aims at extracting signals from noise, sending data reliably across networks, and designing the computer systems that run it all.
Focus topics: Communications and Signal Processing, Computer Engineering.
Bio-Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering offers new ways to sense, measure and influence biological systems. Research in this area applies those tools to medicine and to the understanding of living systems.
Focus topics: Bio-Electrical Engineering.
Curriculum
What you study
Both degrees require 30 graduate credits: a 9-credit core, 9 credits of electrical engineering electives, and 12 credits of further electives. The two differ only in how those last 12 credits can be used.
- Required core, 9 credits. Complete 3 courses from 3 different course areas, with a B- or better in each. Area 1: Digital System Design (ECE 319), Embedded Systems (ECE 336), Computer-Aided Design of Digital Systems (ECE 363) or Advanced Computer Architecture (ECE 401). Area 2: Advanced Electromagnetics (ECE 402) or Fundamentals of Photonics (ECE 448). Area 3: Advanced Circuits and Systems (ECE 420). Area 4: Statistical Decision Making and Machine Learning Theory (ECE 414) or Fundamentals of Wireless Communications (ECE 441). Area 5: Physics and Models of Electronic Devices (ECE 308) or Physics of Semiconductor Devices (ECE 451). Area 6: Power Electronics (ECE 413), Introduction to Power Systems (ECE 421), Communications and Networking for Smart Grids (ECE 427) or Smart Grid Operation and Control (ECE 473).
- Electrical engineering electives, 9 credits. Courses at the 300 and 400 level within ECE, including courses you did not use to fulfill the core.
- Electives, 12 credits. Courses at the 300 and 400 level within ECE, or advisor-approved electives outside ECE. Up to 6 of these credits may be 200-level courses outside ECE, with advisor approval, and up to 6 may be independent study (ECE 492).
- Thesis and research (MS only). MS students may count up to 6 of their elective credits as thesis (ECE 490), and research or thesis registration may count toward the 400-level requirement. The Master of Engineering does not include thesis credit.
- Course-level rules. At least 24 credits must be at the 300 and 400 level, with at least 18 of those at the 400 level. At least 18 credits must be in the major field, with at least 15 of them at the 400 level. You need a B- or better in at least 18 credits of your program and in all 300-level courses in the major field, and no course graded below C- counts toward the degree.
- Courses that do not count. Courses with an ESLP or EAPC subject code, ECE 300, doctoral-only 400-level courses (ENGR 441, ENGR 499, ECE 499), ENGR 492 Summer Research, and ENGR 496 Summer Work Experience.
| Code | Course | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 319 | Digital System Design | Design techniques at the register transfer level. |
| ECE 336 | Embedded Systems | Use of small computers embedded as part of other machines. |
| ECE 363 | Computer-Aided Design of Digital Systems | Digital chip design with EDA tools. |
| ECE 401 | Advanced Computer Architecture | Design, analysis and performance of computer architectures. |
| ECE 402 | Advanced Electromagnetics | Electromagnetic fields for practical applications. |
| ECE 448 | Fundamentals of Photonics | Wave optics, Gaussian beams and photonics. |
| ECE 420 | Advanced Circuits and Systems | Advanced circuit and systems theory. |
| ECE 414 | Statistical Decision Making and Machine Learning Theory | Statistical theory of machine learning. |
| ECE 441 | Fundamentals of Wireless Communications | Characterization of mobile radio channels. |
| ECE 308 | Physics and Models of Electronic Devices | Physics and models of semiconductor devices. |
| ECE 451 | Physics of Semiconductor Devices | Crystal structure and semiconductor device physics. |
| ECE 413 | Power Electronics | Power semiconductor devices and circuits. |
| ECE 421 | Introduction to Power Systems | Power generation, transmission and distribution. |
| ECE 427 | Communications & Networking for Smart Grids | Overview of smart grid electricity systems. |
| ECE 473 | Smart Grid Operation and Control | Smart grid and microgrid control. |
The Lehigh University Course Catalog is the official source for degree requirements, and requirements can change from year to year. Confirm your own plan against the catalog and with your academic advisor.
Careers
Where graduates work
Electrical engineering alumni design, build and lead across the technology industry.
Our alumni work most often in information technology, electronic manufacturing, and defense and space, with others in telecommunications, finance, education and life sciences. Typical roles include electrical engineer, hardware engineer, software engineer, research scientist, test engineer and machine learning engineer, and many advance to principal engineer, engineering management and executive positions or found companies of their own.
Employers where our alumni most often work include:
- Apple
- Intel
- Meta
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Broadcom
- Amazon
Alumni also work at Qualcomm, Siemens, AMD, Qorvo China, Skyworks Solutions, Micron Technology and NVIDIA.
Based on current employers of Lehigh electrical engineering alumni who graduated between 1996 and 2025. Class of 2025 master’s graduates across the Rossin College averaged $100,000 in starting salary.
Tuition and funding
What it costs, and what help is available
Base tuition for this 30-credit degree is $52,050.
- Qualified applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships as high as 20% of tuition, with no separate application required.
- International students are considered on the same basis as domestic applicants.
How to apply
What a complete application needs
- Academic record
A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent from a foreign institution. The department looks for a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The program appeals to applicants with backgrounds in computer or information science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or the physical sciences. You will also submit official transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
- GRE
GRE scores are neither accepted nor reviewed.
- English proficiency
International applicants submit a TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge English or Pearson Test of English score that meets the minimums in the table below.
- Application fee
$50, non-refundable.
- Deadlines
December 15 for a spring start, May 15 for a summer start, and July 15 for a fall start.
| Test | Overall | Speaking | Writing | Reading | Listening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | 22 | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| Duolingo | 125 | 125 | 120 | 125 | 110 |
| Cambridge English | 176 | 176 | 169 | 176 | 169 |
| Pearson Test of English | 68 | 53 or above on each band | |||
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What master’s degrees does Lehigh offer in Electrical Engineering?
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers two: a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. Both cover a broad range of the field, from circuits and photonics to communications, machine learning and power.
What is the difference between the MS and the Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering?
The requirements are the same except for the final 12 credits. MS students may count up to 6 credits of thesis (ECE 490) or independent study (ECE 492) there, and research or thesis registration can count toward the 400-level requirement. Master of Engineering students may count up to 6 credits of independent study (ECE 492) but have no thesis option.
How many credits is a master’s in Electrical Engineering?
30 credits for either degree: a 9-credit core, 9 credits of electrical engineering electives, and 12 credits of further electives.
How long does the program take to complete?
Typically 1.5 to 2 years. Faster completion may be possible through academic planning with your advisor.
Do I have to write a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
No. Neither degree requires a thesis or a comprehensive exam. MS students who want research experience can count up to 6 elective credits as thesis.
What courses make up the core?
Nine credits: 3 courses from 3 different course areas, with a B- or better in each. The areas cover digital systems and computer architecture, electromagnetics and photonics, circuits, machine learning and wireless communications, electronic devices, and power systems and smart grids.
Can I take courses outside the department?
Yes, within limits. The 12 credits of further electives may include advisor-approved courses outside ECE, including up to 6 credits at the 200 level.
What are the admission requirements?
A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, and a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The program appeals to applicants with backgrounds in computer or information science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or the physical sciences.
Is the GRE required for the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering?
GRE scores are neither accepted nor reviewed for any Rossin College graduate program.
What English proficiency scores do international applicants need?
Minimum overall scores are 81 on the TOEFL iBT, 6.5 on the IELTS, 125 on Duolingo, 176 on Cambridge English, and 68 on the Pearson Test of English. Each test also has minimum speaking, writing, reading and listening scores, listed in the application requirements section above.
When are applications due?
December 15 for a spring start, May 15 for a summer start, and July 15 for a fall start.
How is the program delivered?
On campus. Consult the program contact for the current term-by-term format.
What does it cost, and is funding available?
Base tuition is $52,050 for the 30-credit degree. Qualified applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships as high as 20% of tuition, with no separate application required. International students are considered on the same basis as domestic applicants.
Which department offers this program?
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
What do graduates earn?
Class of 2025 master’s graduates across the Rossin College averaged $100,000 in starting salary.
How do I apply?
Apply through Lehigh’s graduate application. A complete application includes transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, letters of recommendation, English-proficiency scores where applicable, and a $50 application fee. Deadlines are December 15 for a spring start, May 15 for a summer start, and July 15 for a fall start.
What elective courses can I choose from?
Electives are chosen with your advisor. Courses students can choose from include Accelerated Computing for Deep Learning, Memory Systems, Autonomous Driving and Robotic Racing, Information Theory, VLSI Signal Processing, Introduction to Internet of Things, Introduction to Photovoltaic Energy Systems, and Semiconductor Lasers I, among others. The Lehigh course catalog carries the full list.
Contact
Talk to the program
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Packard Laboratory, 19 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering »
General inquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.