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M.S. & Ph.D. in electrical engineering

Program at a glance

Degrees offered

  • M.S. in electrical engineering
  • Ph.D. in electrical engineering

Admissions requirements

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0.
    • Applicants to the Ph.D. program without an M.S. must have a 3.5
  • Minimum GRE: 301
  • Minimum TOEFL: 550 

Application deadlines

  • Fall enrollment: Feb. 1 (International applicants), May 1 (U.S. applicants)
  • Spring enrollment: Aug. 15 (International applicants), Nov. 15 (U.S. applicants)

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ the M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering

The graduate program in electrical engineering is designed to be flexible, with few required courses so that you can work with your faculty advisors to select coursework suited to your interests and career goals. Our program offers you the range of education needed to take on leadership roles within electrical engineering as well as conduct original research in the field. 

M.S. in electrical engineering

The master's degree program in electrical engineering has two degree options:

  1. Thesis option: You complete coursework in electrical engineering and write a thesis on a specific topic of interest within the field. Primary areas of focus in our department include image and signal processing, electromagnetics and microwaves, and power systems and renewable energy.
  2. Non-thesis option: You complete a 3-credit professional paper in lieu of an academic thesis. The topic of your professional paper could be specified by your advisor based on a specific topic of interest within the field. Your professional paper will be assessed by the advisor or advisory committee

Ph.D. in electrical engineering

The doctoral program includes rigorous coursework in your area of specialization as well as completing and defending a Ph.D. dissertation containing original and innovative research work. These research results are to be published in national/international journals or conference proceedings.

You will work closely with a faculty advisor to select courses and conduct research under their guidance. Our faculty are actively engaged in research on a range of topics within electrical engineering, with a particular focus on applications related to biomedical engineering and renewable energy.

 

Admissions requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering

If you don't have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, you must show competency in circuits and signals and systems. You can either complete a specified undergraduate course in these topics or show mastery by completing an exam. Exceptions to these requirements may be made for students who show excellence in one or more areas of electrical engineering. If you do not meet these admissions requirements, you may be admitted by completing certain electrical engineering courses as a graduate special student

  • GPA

    M.S. applicants: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

    Ph.D. applicants: Students with M.S. degree: 3.0. Students applying with only a bachelor's degree must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or greater

  • GRE

    M.S. applicants:

    • Combined GRE (V + Q)  scores of 301 
    • Quantitative GRE scores of 156 

    Ph.D. applicants

    • Combined GRE (V + Q) scores of 301
    • Quantitative GRE scores of 156
    • Analytical GRE score of 3.5/6

  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo

    For international applicants to both the M.S. and Ph.D. program: A minimum TOEFL of 79, IELTS of 6.5, or Duolingo of 115 is required

How to apply

You can start your application through The Graduate School website, which provides detailed instructions on the application process.

Deadline for applications and fellowship consideration is:

  • Fall enrollment: February 1 (International applicants), May 1 (U.S. applicants)
  • Spring enrollment: Aug. 15 (International applicants), Nov. 15 (U.S. applicants)

Funding

This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), a tuition-savings program that makes out-of-state graduate studies more affordable for students. Through WRGP, you will receive a reduced tuition rate, giving you more educational options for your money.

Admission fee-waiver for highly qualified applicants to the Ph.D. in electrical engineering

Domestic students that have a quantitative GRE score ≥ 165 and international students that additionally have a TOEFL ibt score ≥ 102 (or IELTS score ≥ 7.5) are eligible to have their application fee paid by the Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering. Contact the program director for additional information.

 

Find a faculty advisor

Your faculty advisor will help you outline a course of study for your graduate degree and may be able to help you find research assistantships.

 

Program cost and scholarships

Program cost

Information about graduate student tuition and fees is available on The Graduate School website.

Graduate assistantships

Graduate students are eligible to apply for a teaching or research assistantship as well as one departmental scholarship.

Teaching assistantships are available to students with a minimum GPA of 3.3 and are awarded by the department. Research assistantships are awarded by individual faculty. You can learn more about graduate assistantships on the Graduate School website.

Students can also apply for The Turner Fellowship. Contact the department at ebme@unr.edu for application information.

College of Engineering graduate assistantships

Details on graduate research assistantships funded by the College of Engineering are available on the College website.

Funding resources from the Graduate School

The Graduate School maintains lists of additional funding opportunities from both University and external sources

Funding resources for international students

Information about scholarships and financial aid for international students is also available on the Office of International Students and Scholars website.