Academic program in Area V:
Graduate Program
The graduate program in Electrical Engineering contains no required subjects. Programs are tailored to individual needs and professional objectives, in consultation with the student's graduate counselor and research advisors. However, each Area has recognized the need for certain “recommended” subjects that fulfill the needs of a major percentage of its students. In Area V, we strongly recommend as “core curriculum” subjects 6.720, “Integrated Microelectronic Devices,” and 6.728, “Applied Quantum and Statistical Physics.”
Each of the several more specialized fields within the Area has its own “recommended” subjects. Students interested in general solid-state devices should take 6.730, “Physics for Solid-State Applications.” Those who have had no previous experience with “hands-on” IC processing techniques are urged to take 6.152J, “Micro/Nano Processing Technology.” Students specializing in optical electronics are encouraged to consider 6.630, “Electromagnetics,” 6.631, “Optics and Photonics,” and 6.632, “Electromagnetic Wave Theory.” Each semester there are a number of special subjects. For example, this fall there is a class on “Advanced Topics in Power Electronics,” 6.987, taught by Professor David Perreault.
Master and Doctoral Programs
The guidelines for the Master of Engineering and Master of Science programs include the completion of four graduate level H classes and a Master's research thesis, which must be completed within two years. All students are expected to have completed a master's degree before being admitted to the doctoral program.
There are two qualification examinations for the doctoral program: The Technical Qualifying Examination (TQE) and the Research Qualifying Examination (RQE). In the TQE, the student must demonstrate competence in four topic areas: Two core undergraduate areas by a written examination at the end of the first year (exam takes place in May) and two advanced topic areas by earning an A in two subjects from the list of advanced graduate level classes. Incoming students should meet with their academic graduate counselor to select the classes that would best prepare them for the TQE. Students not showing competence in all four topic areas by the above method may take an oral qualifying examination. The format for the RQE is a written and oral report on your research to a faculty committee.
In addition to the qualification examinations, students must complete a minor (two classes), be a teaching assistant for one term, and take up to two additional classes suggested by their thesis committee. Details of the doctoral program can be found in Memo3800new in the EECS Graduate Office (also on the EECS Graduate program website).