BU ECE provides the opportunity to build the essential skills and knowledge you’ll need to pursue successful, dynamic careers in vital, cutting-edge fields like machine learning, data science, robotics, photonics, cybersecurity, synthetic biology, data-driven healthcare, and more. You’ll learn from leading experts, collaborate across disciplines, and build connections with industry; all the tools to be the most effective, invaluable engineer you can become, at your fingertips.

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One degree, many options.

Degree Specializations

ECE Master’s students can add specializations in Data Analytics, Cybersecurity or Robotics. These expanding fields are driving the demand for engineering talent with critical skills in data science, artificial intelligence, signal processing, hardware and software security, energy-efficient computing, opto-photonics, and nanofabrication, with applications across many industries; healthcare, finance, defense, manufacturing, and social networking, to name a few. Learn More.

Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP)

Students interested in switching to a technology-based career, but whose undergraduate degree is outside of engineering, can take the fast track to their engineering Master’s degree through the Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP). Students begin by taking foundational undergraduate engineering courses, then transition into graduate-level coursework; a process that is unique to Boston University’s College of Engineering. Learn More.

Cutting-edge Courses

BU ECE offers 70+ graduate courses covering a broad range of topics geared to prepare you for current and future industry trends. To address the challenges and opportunities of unprecedented data collection, ECE offers cutting-edge courses such as “Introduction to Learning from Data” and “Deep Learning.” As more and more computing is performed in the cloud, efficiency and security become paramount. “Cloud Computing” and “Cybersecurity” provide an in-depth grounding across software and hardware, platforms and varied technologies. And of course, quantum computing holds enormous promise for the future; a future that has all but arrived, as the discipline slowly transitions from research labs to industry. A different skill set will be required of Q engineers as mainstreaming continues. ECE offers “Quantum Engineering” and “Quantum Optics,” two courses which prepare MS students for this far-reaching new career path. See the BU ECE course list here.

Research

Our department has a strong, $44M research program offering a wide range of challenges. The program primarily engages PhD students, but motivated, skilled, and strong MS students can participate as well. At one end, students can engage in micro- and nano-scale research within Photonics, Electronics and Nanotechnology, and often collaborate with colleagues from the field of Imaging and Optical Science to develop novel image acquisition modalities. At another end, students can work on macro-scale, internet-related challenges in Mobile/Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity. These areas often rely on information extraction and analysis methods developed within Data Science and Intelligent Systems. Faculty and students from diverse areas often collaborate on attacking biomedical- and health-related challenges within the Bio-ECE and Digital Health fields, which link to many Boston-area companies, an internationally leading city in the biotech industry.  See a list of BU ECE research labs by area.

Internship Opportunities

Master’s students may add the optional with Engineering Practice designation to their Master of Science degree by completing an approved internship in their field of study. This designation recognizes the power of combining rigorous academic coursework with supervised real-world research or industrial application. Participating students add value to their academic experience that is recognized by employers and research institutions. In 2022-23, close to 40% of ECE MS students participated in internships in industry or at research institutions. Learn More.

Connections & Resources

 

Location, Location

Boston University is situated in the midst of a namesake city which ranks high in technology and business. Opportunities for collaboration with other world-class research institutions and industry leaders abound within a metaphorical stone’s throw of campus. Beyond your ECE focus, Boston also offers a rich tapestry of fine and performing arts, a vibrant sports culture, some of the oldest and most significant historical sites in the United States, and much more. Learn more about your new home here.

A Promising Future

ECE graduate students are among the country’s most elite engineers and researchers and come from diverse backgrounds spanning the globe. ECE develops the student’s understanding of the foundational basis of critical technologies, which leads to the application of sophisticated analysis and design methods to solve problems. What path will you choose?

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