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Advance knowledge and skills in Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (M.S. in ECE) is a graduate program designed for students looking to deepen their understanding of electrical and computer engineering principles. The curriculum covers advanced topics such as computer architecture, embedded control, and signal processing, equipping students with in-demand skills and knowledge critical for industry leadership.
Students also have the opportunity to engage in independent research projects in collaboration with faculty and industry partners, addressing real-world challenges. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for diverse careers in areas like robotics, and computer systems design. This program is ideal for those aiming to elevate their engineering careers and make a significant impact in their fields.
Quick Facts
Autumn 2025 applications are open NOW!International Student Deadline: June 16, 2025 Domestic Student Deadline: August 15, 2025 Applications are open and we review applications for each start term on a rolling basis. In other words, the sooner you apply, the sooner you'll get your admission decision. |
| Total Credits | 45 quarter credits |
| Degree Pathways |
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| Concentrations |
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Admission Information
All MSECE applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or other related fields from a regionally accredited institution (or an equivalent international degree) with minimum 3.0 GPA. If you don't have a B.S. degree in either electrical or computer engineering, you may meet the admission requirements with a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field. To determine admission eligibility, prospective students should contact our office at SetAcademics@uw.edu.
Prerequisite courses include:
- Microprocessor System Design (equivalent to TCES 430)
- Computer Architecture (equivalent to TEE 372)
- Embedded System Design (equivalent to TCES 330)
- Electrical Circuits (equivalent to TCES 215 and TEE 315)
- Electronics (equivalent to TCES 312 and TEE 316)
- Digital Integrated Circuits/VLSI (equivalent to TCES 431)
- Power Systems (equivalent to TEE 431)
- Control Systems (equivalent to TEE 451)
- Signals and Systems (equivalent to TCES 310)
- Electrical Machines (equivalent to TEE 317)
Applicants missing one or more prerequisites may be denied admission.
The MSECE application is built into the UW Graduate School application. This allows applicants to share additional information about their education, training, and work experience. For more details, see SET Graduate Program Application Process.
Application items include:
- Personal Statement: Your personal statement should discuss your interest in computer science and systems.
- Resume
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP): Refer to Graduate School Policy 3.2 for more information. No waivers of this requirement may be given.
- Transcripts: Upload one transcript from each post-secondary school you have attended. Applicants must provide evidence of the successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. The Graduate School will require an official transcript for degree verification after you have accepted an offer of admission.
- Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores from within the last 5 years
- See SET Graduate Program Application Process for submission details.
- $90 application fee
Once the application fee is paid, no changes can be made to application materials.
Application Fee Waivers are distributed by the UW Graduate School. More information on the required qualifications and instructions to apply for a fee waiver can be found on the UW Application Fee Waivers page.
Our graduate advisors are here to help at every step of the application process. This includes:
- Resume review
- Personal statement review
- Transcript reviews
- Any support you need!
Ready to Apply?
Visit the UW Graduate School application page to start and submit your application today!
Have questions?
Need help with your application? Have a question that isn't answered on this page? Send us an email to SetAcademics@uw.edu!
Curriculum Details
Curriculum Details
MSECE students can choose one of three pathways to complete their degree:
- Master's Thesis
- Option A
- Option B
- Capstone Project
These options are meant for students who intend to pursue a Ph.D.
Master's Thesis Option A
A minimum of 45 credits is required.
- Required Core Courses (15 credits). Students select 3 courses (15 credits) from the courses listed under Core Courses.
- Required Depth/Elective Courses (15 credits). Students select 3 courses (15 credits) from the courses listed under Commonly Offered Depth/Elective Courses.
- Optional Courses (5 credits maximum). Non-TECE coded courses, 4XX or above.
- Required Thesis Credits (15 credits). TECE 700. Students cannot begin taking thesis credits until the Required Core Courses are completed. Students can expect to take these credits over their last 2 - 3 quarters in the program.
Master's Thesis Option B
A minimum of 45 credits is required.
- Required Core Courses (15 credits). Students select 3 courses (15 credits) from the courses listed under Core Courses.
- Required Depth/Elective Courses (20 credits). Students select 4 courses (20 credits) from the courses listed under Commonly Offered Depth/Elective Courses.
- Optional Courses (5 credits maximum). Non-TECE coded courses, 4XX or above.
- Required Thesis Credits (10 credits). TECE 700. Students cannot begin taking thesis credits until the Required Core Courses are completed. Students can expect to take these credits over their last 2 - 3 quarters in the program.
Capstone Project
This option is meant for students who intend to seek employment in industry
A minimum of 45 credits is required.
- Required Core Courses (15 credits). Students select 3 courses (15 credits) from the courses listed under Core Courses.
- Required Depth/Elective Courses (25 credits). Students select 5 courses (25 credits) from the courses listed under Commonly Offered Depth/Elective Courses.
- Optional Courses (5 credits maximum). Non-TECE coded courses, 4XX or above.
- Required Capstone Credits (5 credits). TECE 599. Students cannot begin taking capstone credits until the Required Core Courses are completed. Students can expect to take these credits over their last 1 - 2 quarters in the program.
Core Courses
- TECE 510 Advanced Computer Architecture
- TECE 512 Advanced Embedded Systems
- TECE 521 Advanced VLSI Communication
- TECE 531 Advanced Power System Operation
- TECE 539 Advanced Power Electronics
- TECE 551 Control Systems Design
- TECE 563 Modern Signal Processing
- TECE 565 Advanced Random Signal Processing
Elective Courses
Some electives include:
- TECE 510 Advanced Computer Architecture
- TECE 512 Advanced Embedded Systems
- TECE 516 Graphics Processing Unit Architecture
- TECE 551 Control Systems Design
- TECE 553 Digital Control Systems
- TECE 556 Machine Learning for ECE
- TECE 573 Advanced Electromagnetics
- and more!
Check the current elective offers by click the button below:
Current tuition information can be found on the UW Tacoma's Office of the Registrar site, under Tier III. Note that costs are different for Washington State Resident and Non-Resident, as shown in the tuition tables:
| Credits | Resident | Non-resident |
| 7-18 credits* | $7,323 | $12,714 |
| 6 credits | $6,309 | $10,930 |
| 5 credits | $5,295 | $9,146 |
| 4 credits | $4,281 | $7,362 |
| 3 credits | $3,267 | $5,578 |
| 2 credits (minimum) | $2,253 | $3,794 |
Most applicable fees are included in the listed tuition rate, but some courses will require additional fees.
*For quarterly tuition costs for more than 18 credits, see the charts on the OPB website.
Educational Objectives
MSECE graduates will be able to:
- Design complex engineering devices by applying advanced technology, engineering methodologies and tools.
- Develop deeper understanding of a subfield of ECE.
- Communicate professionally and effectively.
- Collaborate effectively on professional or research teams (Thesis/Coursework-only options).
Learning Outcomes
MSECE graduates will be able to:
- Master a specific subfield of study within electrical and computer engineering.
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying advanced technology, engineering methodologies and tools.
- Design and validate a complex device or process that meets realistic constraints.
- Communicate professionally and effectively with a range of audiences.
- Collaborate on projects.
Graduates of this program are in high demand across a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, energy, and transportation. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex engineering problems, and to lead interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists to bring these solutions to fruition. In addition to engineering roles, graduates may also pursue careers in research and development, consulting, or academia.
Career Fields Include
- Telecommunications - 5G networks, satellite systems, fiber-optic networks
- Computer Systems Design - Computer networks, microprocessors, embedded systems
- Aerospace - Avionic systems, navigation systems, other electronic systems
- Healthcare - MRI machines, pacemakers, diagnostic equipment
- Energy - Solar and wind power systems, optimizing power grids
- Transportation - Self-driving cars, electric vehicles
Salaries Estimations
- National Median: $103,390 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020)
- National Median: $140,000 a year (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2020)
- WA State Median: $111,300 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020)
- PNW Region Median: $144,000 a year (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2020)
Ready to Apply?
Visit the UW Graduate School application page to start and submit your application today!
Have Questions?
Have a question that isn't answered on this page? Send us an email to SetAcademics@uw.edu!
