Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

The Department of Electrical Engineering has more than 260 graduate students working towards a Master of Science Degree and/or a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in electrical engineering. In addition to the information below, more details are available in the EE Graduate Handbook. Our M.S. program includes a thesis option with 24 course credits, two colloquium credits and six thesis credits, and a paper option with 27 course credits, two colloquium credits and three paper credits. With departmental approval, up to 10 credits may be transferred from other graduate institutions.
The one-year program track is identical to the paper option leading to the same M.S. degree in EE and can be completed in one year by taking more courses during the fall and spring semesters and one course in the summer. This program is intended for EE majors newly graduating with a B.S. degree, as well as for those already in the workforce who are interested in expanding their education beyond the B.S. level and improving their professional competitiveness in the job market.

Statement of Purpose (must be uploaded): A description of relevant experiences, technical interests, and the proposed field of study.
R'sum (must be uploaded) outlining educational background, professional experience, awards, honors, and publications.
Three (3) letters of recommendation (must be uploaded by references). You will be providing the names and contact information for your references in the online application.
Non-refundable application fee.
Official GRE Scores (sent to Penn State by ETS) (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing) from the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE). Submit scores to Institution Code 2660. Order these early they can take up to a month to reach us. Note: GRE scores are optional for applications for fall 2023 semester.
International applicants must submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 600 for the paper-based test, 250 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 17 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires an institutional test of English proficiency upon first enrollment and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.
Copies of transcripts, degree/study certificates, and diplomas in the language of instruction from all institutions of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate should be uploaded online as part of the Graduate School Application.
Applicants should hold a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering or related fields such that any preparatory studies would take no more than one semester. Students with a minimum junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or equivalent and appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission.
Those holding M.S. degrees from other institutions may apply for entry directly to the Ph.D. program. Those holding B.S. degrees usually apply for the M.S. program, though highly qualified applicants with B.S. degrees may request immediate entry to the Ph.D. program. Those admitted to the Ph.D. program should expect to take qualifying exams within one year of entry.