M.Eng. Degree
Electrical and Computer Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
The ECE M.Eng. is a professional master’s degree for students and professionals interested in expanding their technical knowledge in electrical and computer engineering. The program prepares graduates for higher-paying, specialized roles and enables students to stay up-to-date on the latest tools and techniques in the field.
Offered online and on-campus, the University of Illinois makes it easy for students and professionals looking to move forward in their careers, break into management roles, switch engineering specialties and learn advanced skills from world-class faculty, industry leaders and experts in a rapidly changing field.
On this page
On-campus vs. online
The ECE Master of Engineering is offered as an in-person and online program to allow students to complete the degree in the mode most suitable for their needs. Both programs offer newly developed courses in emerging topics such as robotics, machine learning, quantum computing and more. The main differences between the two programs consist of available coursework and fields of specialization.
ON-CAMPUS
Students in the on-campus M.Eng. program have the option to take ECE 446 (Principles of Experimental Research in Electrical Engineering) and ENG 573 (Capstone Project).
In-person students are expected to be able to complete all degree requirements in two to three continuous semesters (fall and spring terms only).
Next deadline: June 1, 2024 for fall semester applications
ONLINE
All requirements for the online M.Eng. can be completed entirely online, eliminating the need for moving and commuting. Faculty hold dedicated virtual office hours for online students.
Students can complete this degree at their own pace. Most online M.Eng. students will be able to complete all degree requirements in five years or less.
How to Apply
- Choose the program (online or on-campus) that works best for you.
- Review all application requirements for the online and on-campus programs and prepare for each stage of the application process.
- Complete the online application through The Graduate College.
- Carefully read all emails sent from the department and university to ensure no additional forms must be completed after you submit the online application.
Fields of Specialization
- Machine Learning, AI and Data Science
- Networking, Mobile and Distributed Computing
- Robotics, Autonomy, Control and Cyber-Physical Systems
- Computer Architecture, Circuits and Systems
Credits and Courses
The M.Eng. degree is a coursework-only degree that requires 32 hours of coursework, including at least four hours of professional development coursework and 18 credit hours of Electrical and Computer Engineering coursework. The remaining 10 hours may include 400- or 500-level courses from most departments, subject to restrictions.
For more information on coursework, focus areas, credit requirements and restrictions, time limitations, orientation and registration, consult the degree manuals below.
Testimonials from ECE M.Eng. Graduates
“My ECE M.Eng. journey was a game changer in my career and introduced me to integrated circuits. The coursework meets industry standards, helped me land my job at Intel after graduation and still helps me perform my everyday job duties.”
Divya Gopinath, SOC Design Engineer at Intel Corporation
“The ECE M.Eng. program allowed me to explore areas beyond my primary focus. The program’s alumni connections and support for international students helped me secure Software Engineer internships at Meta and Google.”
Jinxin Li, Software Engineer at Meta
Advisors and Contacts
Stacy Walker
M.Eng. Program Coordinator
(217) 300-3209
slwalker@illinois.edu
James Sutton
M.Eng. Online Academic Advisor
jasutton@illinois.edu
Do you have questions about the admission process? Are you unsure which program is your best fit? Looking for more information on available specializations and focus areas?
We can help answer those questions and more! Contact a graduate advisor or program coordinator today.