Graduate programs offered by Binghamton University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are competitive and affordable options for students seeking to obtain a Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree while conducting research in their areas of interest.
Degrees/certificates offered
- PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity
Student Testimonial
Chinomso Eyegheleme discusses why he chose Binghamton University and the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science to pursue his master's degree in electrical engineering.
Research
Interested students are encouraged to explore faculty research areas, which include speech recognition, cyber security, new/green energy, circuit design, next-gen computer engineering and e-health. The department receives funding from resources such as the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Energy, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the National Science Foundation. Students can receive funding through teaching and research assistantships. Often, assistantships include a stipend and a tuition scholarship.
Areas of Specialization
The department works closely with faculty from other disciplines and both domestic and international researchers. These collaborations are conducted through research centers such as the Center for Autonomous Solar Power.
Specific research specializations include:
- BioMEMS/NEMS, biosensors and biofuel cells
- Computer and network security
- Computer architecture
- Fault-tolerant control systems
- Low-power VLSI
- Medical cyber-physical systems
- Optoelectronics and laser communication
- Robust control of power systems
- Steganography and watermarking
- Signal process in sensor networks
- Signal process for communications
- Smart grid power systems
- Solar cell devices and systems
- Speech signal processing
Career outcomes
Ninety-one percent of our doctoral students obtain positions within three months of graduation, employed by companies such as GlobalFoundries, Toshiba and Facebook. Our graduates are prepared to enter the industry or continue their research in academic institutions, such as the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University. Many obtain positions with competitive companies such as IBM, Verizon Wireless, Siemens Industry Inc, Lockheed Martin and federal agencies. Recent alumni have become an optics module test engineer at Intel, and a research engineer at the Ford Motor Company.
Watson Career and Alumni Connections offers professional advice and services such as interview guidance, cover letter critiques and networking opportunities.
Prospective students
Before beginning the application process, students should recognize how their personal interests align with faculty research areas and think extensively about professional ambitions. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at ecestaff@binghamton.edu with questions.
Admission requirements
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Eligibility
To be eligible for graduate study, you must:
- Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts
showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
- Have earned, at least one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.
- Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts
showing one of the following:
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How to apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.
- Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
- Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
- Personal statement of 2 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official GRE scores
International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.
- International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
- Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
- Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic scores)
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MS requirements
- An undergraduate major in electrical engineering, computer engineering or related field
- Previous coursework experience in each of the following (or equivalent) areas:
- Calculus through differential equations
- Computer programming
- Electrical circuits
- Electronics
- Digital design logic
- Laboratory experience
- Minimum GRE quantitative scores of 155 required; minimum of 159 preferred
- GRE scores are not required for graduates of ABET-accredited programs.
- Qualified applicants with other backgrounds may be extended an offer of conditional admission which will last until they fulfill the department's requirements for regular admission.
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PhD requirements
- Applicants who have completed an MS/MEng degree in electrical engineering at Binghamton University: Minimum GPA of 3.5. This GPA is not a dominant factor. We consider the entire application. Submit 2 letters of recommendation.
- Applicants completing a BS in electrical engineering at Binghamton University: Minimum GPA of 3.7. Submit 2 letters of recommendation.
- Applicants completing an MS degree at Binghamton University: Contact department directly for details.
- Applicants completing an MS degree from another institution: Submit 2 letters of recommendation.
This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.
Please note: Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of programs in Watson College, participate in certain activities or projects, and/or obtain professional engineering licenses. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact Watson College's Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Dean's Office.
