Graduate Catalog | 2024-2025
Computer Engineering, M.S.
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The M.S. in Computer Engineering (MSCPE) program is designed to impart advanced knowledge on current and future generation computer hardware and software technologies. The program is structured to emphasize the broad areas of Computer Architecture and Hardware Design; Computer Systems and Applications Software; and Distributed and Real-time Computer Systems. In addition to taking graduate-level courses in one or more areas of concentration within the department, students in the MSCPE program have the opportunity to engage in research and individualized projects.
Active research areas in computer engineering include: embedded systems, robotics, computer architecture, hardware/software co-design, real-time systems, reconfigurable and high performance computing, VLSI design, Big Data, mobile and edge computing, computer networks, Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, digital signal and image processing, deep learning and machine learning algorithms, computer vision, hardware security, low-power electronics, operation and control of the Smart Grid, and others. A full range of state-of-the-art laboratories is available, enabling faculty and students to conduct research at the cutting edge of technology.
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Admission Requirements
In addition to the established Graduate School admissions criteria, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering seeks the following from applicants to the Master’s program in Computer Engineering (MSCPE):
- An earned undergraduate degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or a closely related field of engineering or sciences
- Applicants with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than Electrical and Computer Engineering (e.g. physics, mathematics, computer science, etc.) may be considered for admission, if satisfactory evidence on the aptitude to pursue graduate studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering is demonstrated. If additional preparatory courses are required, such courses should be taken before applying for the MSCPE.
- A proven track record with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Additional academic credentials, such as other attempted post-baccalaureate studies undertaken, if applicable, may also be submitted
- Satisfactory scores in the quantitative and verbal sections of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) general test
- For international applicants from non-English speaking countries, a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 220 (computer-based), 557 (paper-based), or 83 (internet-based) must be obtained. Other official English proficiency tests such as MELAB and IELTS may also be acceptable, as stated in the Graduate School’s admissions section.
- Admission is based on the overall background, motivation, and potential, as determined by the department
GRE Waiver
The GRE requirement will be waived for:
- Applicants who have an undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited U.S. institution and have at least three years post-graduation experience in the related field
- Recent UNC Charlotte undergraduate graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.25
Early Entry Program
Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements. Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.
Degree Requirements
The MSCPE program requires successful completion of 30 graduate credit hours as approved by the student’s graduate advisor. At least 24 credit hours applied to the MSCPE degree must be from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This can be done using one of three options:
- Thesis option - 9 credit hours of thesis and 21 credit hours of coursework
- Project option - 3 credit hours of individual study and projects and 27 credit hours of coursework
- Comprehensive Examination option - 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written examination
Core Courses (9 credit hours)
All options require students to complete the following:
Elective Courses
Select from the following elective courses to complete the degree requirements. Courses not included in this list, including new and special topics courses on computer engineering, may be eligible with approval from the student’s graduate advisor. Also, online courses offered through the NCSU Engineering Online program would be eligible.
Note(s):
- A maximum of 6 credit hours of transfer credit, including courses taken through NCSU Engineering Online, are permitted.)
- Students pursuing an optional concentration will replace 12 credits of electives with the concentration requirements.
MSCPE Options
All students enrolled in MSCPE must meet the Graduate School’s general requirements for a master’s degree at UNC Charlotte. Students must meet with their advisor to formulate a plan of study and get the committee’s approval. The plan of study must be submitted after completing at least 9 but no more than 18 credit hours.
In addition, students should note the following requirements based on their selected option:
Thesis Option
Students opting for the thesis option must take 9 credit hours of ECGR 6991 and 21 credit hours of coursework. A committee of three graduate faculty members must approve the final written thesis and oral defense.
Non-Thesis Project Option
Students opting for the non-thesis project option must take 3 credit hours of ECGR 6890 and 27 credit hours of coursework. A committee of three graduate faculty members must approve the final oral defense and a written project report.
Non-Thesis Comprehensive Examination Option
Students who elect the non-thesis comprehensive examination option must complete 30 credit hours of approved coursework and pass the written comprehensive examination that is administered by the department. Students have two chances to successfully pass the comprehensive examination.
Optional Concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML)
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a Concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML) for the MSCPE program. The concentration requires taking one core course and three courses from a list of approved electives. The Concentration in AI and ML empowers students to design intelligent and autonomous systems across various domains. It emphasizes the application of machine learning and data mining to solve real-world challenges and integrates intelligent behavior into computing platforms.
Machine Learning, a pivotal domain influencing numerous industries, is a key focus of this concentration. Students will acquire the expertise to choose, modify, optimize, or create machine learning algorithms tailored for specific applications. They will also learn to evaluate their efficacy, familiarize themselves with related software and hardware tools, manage and visualize diverse data sets, and interpret methods from the machine learning literature. With the knowledge from the Concentration in AI and ML, students are positioned for success in fields like data mining, robotics, natural language processing, and computer vision.
This concentration delves into topics such as computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, deep learning, and knowledge acquisition. Courses emphasize real-world machine learning applications in engineering systems, offering students a deeper understanding of practical machine learning deployment. Specific focus areas include anomaly detection, defect detection, predictive maintenance, intelligent scheduling, and resource allocation. Additionally, the concentration highlights the application of machine learning and advanced language models to real-world engineering tasks like reasoning, design, validation, and testing. Emerging trends in machine learning, such as generative AI and large pre-trained transformers, which promise to revolutionize future engineering systems, are also covered. The curriculum ranges from foundational subjects to more advanced, application-centric topics within broader engineering systems.
The concentration is reflected in the student’s transcript upon successful completion of the MSCPE program. Students interested in earning their MSCPE degree with the concentration must indicate their interest in this option in their Plan of Study which must be submitted within their second semester into the master’s program. The MSCPE degree can also be earned without specifying a concentration, where the student has greater flexibility in selecting their courses.
In order to earn a MSCPE degree with a Concentration in AI and ML, a student must take:
Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours
Grade Requirements
A graduate student must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on the plan of study. Courses graded as C must be offset by an equal number of graduate level credits graded as A.
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