The field of computer engineering can be described as an amalgam of hardware and software design. Computer engineers are involved in research, design, development, production, and operation of a wide variety of digital systems, from integrated circuits through microcontrollers, multi-core processors, FPGA-based accelerators, to big-data and cloud computing platforms. Reflecting the industry trend to integrate hardware and software development, the computer engineering program is built around computer-aided design tools that can simulate and assist in the design of new digital systems, such as those found in smartphones, tablets, robots, autonomous vehicles, drones, spacecraft, computer networks, smart factories, defense systems, and the internet-of-things. Advanced languages, such as VHDL and Python, and software tools, such as those used for FPGA- and ASIC-design and simulation, can be used to model hardware and software functionality from the system and architecture level down to the gate and transistor levels. Design, optimization, verification, and testing methodology involving these tools are taught in the program. Hands-on design experiences and simulation are emphasized throughout the curriculum through labs and projects integrated into various courses. The program culminates in a year-long senior design project effort which provides each student with the opportunity to apply concepts to designing, innovating and building a functional hardware system in a team environment.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is staffed by 30 full-time professors and several part-time professors.
The bachelor of science in computer engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities exist in engineering design and development such as hardware/software co-design and integration, embedded system programming, mobile system and application development, robot and drone design, and cloud and big data computing. Other opportunities include engineering management, consultancy, technical sales, and patent law. The program provides a strong preparation for graduate study.
Specializations
The curriculum provides a strong background in the fundamentals of computer engineering. A number of technical elective specializations are offered, ranging from primarily hardware-oriented to those that are more software-oriented. These include robotics, embedded systems, semiconductors, computer networks, internet of things, power and energy systems, hardware and system security, and space-based systems. The curriculum includes 9 credits of senior technical electives, which may be used for specialization in one of these technical areas.
Additional Information
The requirements for the degree may be satisfied on a full-time or part-time basis. Cooperative education provides students the opportunity to integrate paid career-related work experience with classroom learning. Academic credit towards the completion of major requirements cannot be given for co-op experience. In addition to the usual financial aid available through the Office of Student Financial Aid, computer engineering majors are encouraged to apply for scholarships provided by various professional societies and industrial organizations in their field.
Policies
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Mason's writing-intensive requirement is satisfied through ECE 333 Linear Electronics I (Mason Core) in which faculty provide writing instruction and feedback on student technical writing assignments. Drafts and revisions are required.
Change of Major
See Change of Major for more information.
Double Major and Minor Programs for Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering majors and Electrical Engineering majors can earn degrees with double majors in a number of disciplines. Computer Engineering and Computer Science may be combined. Electrical Engineering has been combined with Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Math. Details are available in the department brochures or at the College of Engineering and Computing website. There are several minors available for students in the ECE Department including the Mechanical Engineering minor, Bioengineering minor and others as listed in the catalog.
Grade Requirements
All computer engineering students are strongly encouraged to see their major faculty advisor each semester before course registration.
Students must complete each ECE, ENGR, BENG, CS, MATH, PHYS and STAT course presented as part of the required 126 credits for the degree with a grade of C or better.
Students must also complete any course required by the program that is a prerequisite to another course applicable to the degree with a grade of C or better.
Course Repeat Policy
In addition to the University's Undergraduate Course Repeat Policy, the courses listed within each course pair below may not be repeated in any combination with the other course in the pair more than a total of three times:
- ECE 240 C Programming for Engineers or CS 222 Computer Programming for Engineers
- ECE 340 Data Structures and Systems Programming in C or CS 310 Data Structures
- ECE 220 Continuous-time signals and systems or ECE 321 Continuous-Time Signals and Systems
- ECE 491 Engineering Seminar or ECE 391 Professional Development for Engineers
Cross-listed Courses
The department offers several 400-level courses that have similar 500-level counterparts, which may either be cross-listed or offered separately during any given semester. Students may use only one course among each of the pair of courses listed below to meet major requirements:
- Either ECE 414 Grid Digitization and Automation or ECE 514 Grid Digitization and Automation
- Either ECE 417 Smart Grid and Cyber Security or ECE 517 Cyber Infrastructure of the Smart Grid
- Either ECE 418 Power System Protection and Control and Control or ECE 518 Power System Protection and Control
- Either ECE 419 Power Electronics for Modern Power Systems or ECE 519 Power Electronics for Modern Power Systems
- Either ECE 430 Principles of Semiconductor Devices or ECE 584 Semiconductor Device Fundamentals
- Either ECE 431 Digital Circuit Design or ECE 586 Digital Integrated Circuits
- Either ECE 455 GPU Architecture and Programming or ECE 555 GPU Architecture and Programming
- Either ECE 480 Small Spacecraft Engineering or ECE 580 Small Spacecraft Engineering
- Either ECE 488 Nanoelectronics Fundamentals or ECE 588 Nanoelectronics Fundamentals
Termination from the Major
No math, science, or College of Engineering and Computing course that is required for the major may be attempted more than three times. Those students who do not successfully complete such a course within three attempts will be terminated from the major. Undeclared students in the College of Engineering and Computing who do not successfully complete a course required for a College of Engineering and Computing major within three attempts will also be terminated.
In addition, students in the College of Engineering and Computing with evidence of continued failure to make adequate progress toward declaring or completing a College of Engineering and Computing major will be terminated from the school. Adequate progress is determined by the major program. For more information, see AP.5.2.4 Termination from the Major.
Once a student has attempted one of these courses twice unsuccessfully, the third attempt must be no later than the next semester of enrollment, excluding summers. Failure to take the course at that time will result in termination from the major. A third attempt of a College of Engineering and Computing course requires support by the student's major department as well as permission by the department offering the course. This permission is not guaranteed. If the student is unable to take the course when required, the student may request an extension to a future semester; extensions require approval of the student's advisor, their department, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs. The deadline for extension requests is the add deadline for the semester in which the course is required.
Students who have been terminated from a College of Engineering and Computing major may not register for a College of Engineering and Computing course without permission of the department offering the course. This applies to all undergraduate courses offered by the College of Engineering and Computing except IT 104 Introduction to Computing (Mason Core) and STAT 250 Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core).
A student may not declare any major in the College of Engineering and Computing if the student has previously met the termination criteria for that major at any time, regardless of what the student's major was at the time the courses were taken.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 126
Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 201 | Introduction to Signals and Systems | 3 |
| ECE 231 | Digital System Design | 3 |
| ECE 232 | Digital System Design Lab | 1 |
| ECE 240 | C Programming for Engineers | 3 |
| ECE 285 | Electric Circuit Analysis I | 3 |
| ECE 286 | Electric Circuit Analysis II | 3 |
| ECE 321 | Continuous-Time Signals and Systems | 3 |
| ECE 333 | Linear Electronics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECE 334 | Linear Electronics Lab I | 1 |
| ECE 340 | Data Structures and Systems Programming in C | 3 |
| ECE 350 | Embedded Systems and Hardware Interfaces | 3 |
| ECE 391 | Professional Development for Engineers | 1 |
| ECE 445 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| ECE 447 | Microcontrollers | 4 |
| ECE 448 | FPGA Design with VHDL | 4 |
| ECE 465 | Computer Networking Protocols | 3 |
| ECE 492 | Senior Advanced Design Project I (Mason Core) | 1 |
| ECE 493 | RS: Senior Advanced Design Project II (Mason Core) | 2 |
| Total Credits | 50 | |
Technical Electives
Three technical electives totaling 9 credit hours must be selected from the list below. Only 3 credits of ECE 395 Electrical and Computer Engineering Internship may be counted towards fulfilling one technical elective requirement. Some graduate courses listed below and courses outside the ECE department may be taken to fulfill the technical elective requirement with the permission of the department. The decision to approve non-ECE courses as well as graduate courses as technical electives is at the discretion of the department based on a review of the course content and the student's academic record.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 credits from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| Introduction to Robotics | ||
| Electrical and Computer Engineering Internship | ||
| Data Center Engineering | ||
| Applications of Discrete-Time Signal Processing | ||
| Electricity Sector Engineering, Economics, and Regulation | ||
| Grid Digitization and Automation | ||
or ECE 514 | Grid Digitization and Automation | |
| Power System Analysis | ||
| Electric Machinery and Modern Applications | ||
| Smart Grid and Cyber Security | ||
or ECE 517 | Cyber Infrastructure of the Smart Grid | |
| Power System Protection and Control | ||
or ECE 518 | Power System Protection and Control | |
| Power Electronics for Modern Power Systems | ||
or ECE 519 | Power Electronics for Modern Power Systems | |
| Classical Systems and Control Theory | ||
| Modern Control Systems Design | ||
| Secure RF Communications | ||
| Introduction to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Engineering | ||
| Principles of Semiconductor Devices | ||
or ECE 584 | Semiconductor Device Fundamentals | |
| Digital Circuit Design | ||
or ECE 586 | Digital Integrated Circuits | |
| Linear Electronics II | ||
| Device Driver Development | ||
| Mobile Robots | ||
| GPU Architecture and Programming | ||
or ECE 555 | GPU Architecture and Programming | |
| Communication and Information Theory | ||
| Data and Computer Communications | ||
| Digital Communications Systems | ||
| Introduction to Humanoid Robotics | ||
| Cryptography Fundamentals | ||
| Small Spacecraft Engineering | ||
or ECE 580 | Small Spacecraft Engineering | |
| Nanoelectronics Fundamentals | ||
or ECE 588 | Nanoelectronics Fundamentals | |
| Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Mobile Devices and Network Security | ||
| The following 500-level courses may also be taken: 1 | ||
| Hardware Security | ||
| Internet of Things | ||
| Computer Architecture | ||
| Computer Architecture Security | ||
| Mobile Systems and Applications | ||
| Linear Systems and Control | ||
| Learning From Data | ||
| Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Sensor Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Wireless Communications and Networks | ||
| Secure Wireless Communications and Networks | ||
| Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Image Processing and Computer Vision | ||
| Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | ||
| Big Data Technologies | ||
| Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | ||
| Neuromorphic Computing | ||
| Optical Fiber Communications | ||
| Small Spacecraft Engineering | ||
| Selected Topics in Engineering | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
Registration in 500-level courses requires departmental approval
Computer Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CS 112 | Introduction to Computer Programming (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CS 211 | Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| CS 471 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
Mathematics and Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 125 | Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 203 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| MATH 214 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| STAT 346 | Probability for Engineers | 3 |
| Total Credits | 23 | |
Physics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 160 | University Physics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 161 | University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 260 | University Physics II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 261 | University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGR 107 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| Total Credits | 2 | |
English, Communication, and Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) (Natural Sciences and Technology or Multidisciplinary section) | 3 |
| COMM 100 | Public Speaking (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or COMM 101 | Fundamentals of Communication (Mason Core) | |
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Additional Mason Core
Students must complete all Mason Core requirements not fulfilled by major requirements. Mason Core courses should be selected from the department's list of approved courses. Honors college students meet the written and oral communication requirements through completion of the honors college curriculum. The Mason Apex requirement is satisfied by ECE 492 Senior Advanced Design Project I (Mason Core) plus ECE 493 RS: Senior Advanced Design Project II (Mason Core).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communication 2 | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- 2
Lower-level requirement
Concentrations
Concentrations are available in the computer engineering baccalaureate program. Completion of specific courses leads to one of these designations on the student's transcript on graduation. Concentration requirements may also meet some or all of the Technical Elective requirements.
Available Concentrations:
- Computer Networks (CNWK)
- Embedded Systems (EMSY)
- Hardware and System Security (HSYS)
- Internet of Things (INOT)
- Robotics (ROB)
- Power and Energy Systems (PES)
- Space-Based Systems (SBSY)
- Semiconductor Engineering (SCEN)
Concentration in Computer Networks (CNWK)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course: | 3 | |
| Computer Networking Protocols | ||
or ECE 542 | Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | |
| Select three from the following: | 9 | |
| Communication and Information Theory | ||
| Data and Computer Communications | ||
| Cryptography Fundamentals | ||
| Internet of Things | ||
| Secure Wireless Communications and Networks | ||
| The TCP/IP Suite of Internet Protocols | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Embedded Systems (EMSY)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course: | 4 | |
| Microcontrollers | ||
| Select three from the following: | 9 | |
| Classical Systems and Control Theory | ||
| Device Driver Development | ||
| GPU Architecture and Programming | ||
or ECE 555 | GPU Architecture and Programming | |
| Small Spacecraft Engineering | ||
or ECE 580 | Small Spacecraft Engineering | |
| Mobile Systems and Applications | ||
| Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Concentration in Hardware and System Security (HSYS)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 6 | |
| Computer Networking Protocols | ||
| Hardware Security | ||
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Smart Grid and Cyber Security | ||
or ECE 517 | Cyber Infrastructure of the Smart Grid | |
| GPU Architecture and Programming | ||
or ECE 555 | GPU Architecture and Programming | |
| Data and Computer Communications | ||
| Cryptography Fundamentals | ||
| Computer Architecture Security | ||
| Secure Wireless Communications and Networks | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Internet of Things (INOT)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 6 | |
| Computer Networking Protocols | ||
or ECE 542 | Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | |
| Internet of Things | ||
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Grid Digitization and Automation | ||
or ECE 514 | Grid Digitization and Automation | |
| GPU Architecture and Programming | ||
or ECE 555 | GPU Architecture and Programming | |
| Data and Computer Communications | ||
| Cryptography Fundamentals | ||
| Secure Wireless Communications and Networks | ||
| Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Robotics (ROB)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| ECE 370 | Introduction to Robotics | 3 |
| ECE 447 | Microcontrollers | 4 |
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Classical Systems and Control Theory | ||
| Modern Control Systems Design | ||
| Mobile Robots | ||
| Introduction to Humanoid Robotics | ||
| Linear Systems and Control | ||
| Sensor Engineering | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Concentration in Power and Energy Systems (PES)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 6 | |
| Embedded Systems and Hardware Interfaces | ||
| Power System Analysis | ||
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Electricity Sector Engineering, Economics, and Regulation | ||
| Grid Digitization and Automation | ||
or ECE 514 | Grid Digitization and Automation | |
| Electric Machinery and Modern Applications | ||
| Smart Grid and Cyber Security | ||
or ECE 517 | Cyber Infrastructure of the Smart Grid | |
| Power System Protection and Control | ||
or ECE 518 | Power System Protection and Control | |
| Power Electronics for Modern Power Systems | ||
or ECE 519 | Power Electronics for Modern Power Systems | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Space-Based Systems (SBSY)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 6 | |
| Embedded Systems and Hardware Interfaces | ||
| Small Spacecraft Engineering | ||
or ECE 580 | Small Spacecraft Engineering | |
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Applications of Discrete-Time Signal Processing | ||
or ECE 535 | Digital Signal Processing | |
| Introduction to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Engineering | ||
| Communication and Information Theory | ||
| Digital Communications Systems | ||
| Spacecraft Subsystems | ||
| System Engineering Design | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Semiconductor Engineering (SCEN)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 6 | |
| Linear Electronics I (Mason Core) | ||
| Principles of Semiconductor Devices | ||
or ECE 584 | Semiconductor Device Fundamentals | |
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Digital Circuit Design | ||
or ECE 586 | Digital Integrated Circuits | |
| Nanoelectronics Fundamentals | ||
or ECE 588 | Nanoelectronics Fundamentals | |
| Design of Analog Integrated Circuits | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Sample Plan of Study
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://advising.gmu.edu/current-student/majors-at-mason/.
BS (any)/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program (BAM) and obtain an undergraduate BS degree and the Statistical Science, MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
Admitted students are able to use up to 12 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion and conferral of the bachelor's degree and with satisfactory performance (grade of 'B' or better) in each of the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
No specific undergraduate BS degree is required. Students enrolled in any BS degree may apply to the accelerated Statistical Science, MS program if such an accelerated Statistical Science, MS pathway is allowable from the student's BS program, which will be determined by the academic advisors of both the BS and MS programs.
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific prerequisites.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the Statistical Science, MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- Completion of Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completion of application for graduation.
- An overall GPA of 3.00.
- Completion of the following Mason courses each with a grade of C or better:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| MATH 203 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 321 | Abstract Algebra | |
| STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or STAT 344 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | |
| STAT 346 | Probability for Engineers | 3 |
| or MATH 351 | Probability | |
| STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | 3 |
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students complete all credits satisfying degree requirements for the BS and MS programs, with up to twelve credits overlap chosen from the following graduate courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| STAT 544 | Applied Probability | 3 |
| STAT 554 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 560 | Biostatistical Methods | 3 |
| STAT 574 | Survey Sampling I | 3 |
| STAT 663 | Statistical Graphics and Data Visualization | 3 |
All graduate course prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment. Each graduate course must be completed with a grade of B or better to apply toward the MS degree.
While still in undergraduate status, a maximum of 6 additional graduate credits may be taken as reserve graduate credit and applied to the master's program. Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees policies.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form that is submitted to the Office of the University Registrar and Graduate Recruitment and Enrollment Services. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.
Computer Engineering, BS/Computer Engineering, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BS in Computer Engineering and an MS in Computer Engineering in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific prerequisites.
Accelerated Master’s Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form: 3.0 overall GPA, successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation), and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced standing courses: Students may take up to 12 credits of graduate-level courses that will count as advanced standing (i.e., overlap between the BS/MS program) from the list below: Note that ECE 542 can be used to meet the ECE 465 requirement for the BS in Electrical Engineering program. An additional 9 credits of graduate-level courses from the list below may be selected to substitute in place of the 9 credits of technical electives required for the undergraduate degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 505 | Hardware Security | 3 |
| ECE 508 | Internet of Things | 3 |
| ECE 511 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| ECE 512 | Computer Architecture Security | 3 |
| ECE 516 | Mobile Systems and Applications | 3 |
| ECE 521 | Linear Systems and Control | 3 |
| ECE 527 | Learning From Data | 3 |
| ECE 528 | Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 530 | Sensor Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 531 | Introduction to Wireless Communications and Networks | 3 |
| ECE 532 | Secure Wireless Communications and Networks | 3 |
| ECE 535 | Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
| ECE 542 | Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | 3 |
| ECE 545 | Digital System Design with VHDL | 3 |
| ECE 552 | Big Data Technologies | 3 |
| ECE 554 | Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | 3 |
| ECE 555 | GPU Architecture and Programming | 3 |
| ECE 556 | Neuromorphic Computing | 3 |
| ECE 567 | Optical Fiber Communications | 3 |
| ECE 580 | Small Spacecraft Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 590 | Selected Topics in Engineering | 3 |
Selected 600 level courses may be taken as well with permission of an advisor granted before registering for a given course.
Reserve credit courses: Additional courses (up to 6 credits) may be selected from the above list as credits to be put on reserve to be later applied to the graduate program. Students can take these courses while undergraduates but these reserve courses will only count for the graduate degree program.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.
Computer Engineering, BS/Electrical Engineering, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BS in Computer Engineering and an MS in Electrical Engineering in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific pre-requisites.
Accelerated Master’s Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form: 3.0 overall GPA, successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation), and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced standing courses: Students may take up to 12 credits of graduate-level courses that will count as advanced standing (i.e., overlap between the BS/MS program) from the list below. Note that ECE 542 can be used to meet the ECE 465 requirement for the BS in Electrical Engineering program. An additional 9 credits of graduate-level courses from the list below may be selected to substitute in place of the 9 credits of technical electives required for the undergraduate degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 505 | Hardware Security | 3 |
| ECE 508 | Internet of Things | 3 |
| ECE 511 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| ECE 512 | Computer Architecture Security | 3 |
| ECE 513 | Applied Electromagnetic Theory | 3 |
| ECE 514 | Grid Digitization and Automation | 3 |
| ECE 516 | Mobile Systems and Applications | 3 |
| ECE 517 | Cyber Infrastructure of the Smart Grid | 3 |
| ECE 518 | Power System Protection and Control | 3 |
| ECE 519 | Power Electronics for Modern Power Systems | 3 |
| ECE 521 | Linear Systems and Control | 3 |
| ECE 527 | Learning From Data | 3 |
| ECE 528 | Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 530 | Sensor Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 531 | Introduction to Wireless Communications and Networks | 3 |
| ECE 532 | Secure Wireless Communications and Networks | 3 |
| ECE 535 | Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
| ECE 538 | Medical Imaging | 3 |
| ECE 539 | Neural Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 542 | Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | 3 |
| ECE 550 | System Engineering Design | 3 |
| ECE 552 | Big Data Technologies | 3 |
| ECE 554 | Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | 3 |
| ECE 555 | GPU Architecture and Programming | 3 |
| ECE 556 | Neuromorphic Computing | 3 |
| ECE 565 | Introduction to Optical Electronics | 3 |
| ECE 567 | Optical Fiber Communications | 3 |
| ECE 580 | Small Spacecraft Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 584 | Semiconductor Device Fundamentals | 3 |
| ECE 586 | Digital Integrated Circuits | 3 |
| ECE 587 | Design of Analog Integrated Circuits | 3 |
| ECE 590 | Selected Topics in Engineering | 3 |
Selected 600 level courses may be taken as well with permission of an advisor granted before registering for a given course.
Reserve credit courses: Additional courses (up to 6 credits) may be selected from the above list as credits to be put on reserve to be later applied to the graduate program. Students can take these courses while undergraduates but these reserve courses will only count for the graduate degree program.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.
Computer Engineering, BS/Operations Research, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a Computer Engineering, BS and an Operations Research, MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
Admitted students are able to use up to 12 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion and conferral of the bachelor's degree and with satisfactory performance (grade of 'B' or better) in each of the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Computer Engineering, BS students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.3, and completion of all MATH and PHYS 160/161, and PHYS 260/261 requirements. Students must additionally complete MATH 203 Linear Algebra prior to applying for the graduate program.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific pre-requisites.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
The criteria for admission are identical to criteria for admission to the Operations Research, MS program. Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the Operations Research, MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- An overall GPA of at least 3.3
- Successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing course: Students must complete all credits that satisfy requirements for both the BS and MS programs. Up to four courses (12 credits) of approved master’s level courses taken as part of the undergraduate degree may be applied to the graduate degree. The courses selected for this purpose must be approved by the academic advisors of both the BS and MS programs and by the SEOR department chair.
- Students selecting up to two courses (6 credits) of approved master’s level courses may select from the Electrical and Computer Engineering courses given below.
- Students selecting up to three or four courses (9 or 12 credits) of approved master’s level courses may select at most two courses from the Electrical and Computer Engineering course list and select the remaining courses from the Systems Engineering and Operations Research course list given below. Note that ECE 542 can be used to meet the ECE 465 requirement for the Computer Engineering, BS program. Students are highly recommended to select courses marked as core courses because it applies to the master’s degree regardless of the graduate-level concentration chosen in the Operations Research, MS. The undergraduate version of these courses, if any, may not be applied toward the Operations Research, MS. Credit may not be received for both the undergraduate and graduate version of these courses.
- Some of the courses in the Systems Engineering and Operations Research course list applies only to certain concentrations in the Operations Research, MS program.
- Students must pay attention to the prerequisites required for a course, and the master's degree concentration that the course may satisfy.
Select at most two from the following Electrical and Computer Engineering courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Security | ||
| Internet of Things | ||
| Computer Architecture | ||
| Computer Architecture Security | ||
| Mobile Systems and Applications | ||
| Linear Systems and Control | ||
| Learning From Data | ||
| Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Sensor Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Wireless Communications and Networks | ||
| Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | ||
| Digital System Design with VHDL | ||
| Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | ||
| GPU Architecture and Programming | ||
| Neuromorphic Computing | ||
| Optical Fiber Communications | ||
| Small Spacecraft Engineering | ||
| Selected Topics in Engineering |
Select the remaining from the following Systems Engineering and Operations Research courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Network Analysis | ||
| Analytics for Financial Engineering and Econometrics | ||
| Operations Research: Deterministic Optimization (Core) | ||
| Operations Research: Stochastic Models (Core) | ||
| Applied Predictive Analytics (Core) | ||
| Financial Systems Engineering I: Introduction to Options, Futures, and Derivatives |
While still in undergraduate status, a maximum of 6 additional graduate credits may be taken as reserve graduate credit and applied to the master's program. Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.
Computer Engineering, BS/Systems Engineering, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a Computer Engineering, BS and a Systems Engineering, MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
Admitted students are able to use up to 12 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion and conferral of the bachelor's degree and with satisfactory performance (grade of 'B' or better) in each of the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Computer Engineering, BS students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.3, and completion of all MATH, PHYS 160/161, and PHYS 260/261 requirements.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific pre-requisites.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
The criteria for admission are identical to criteria for admission to the Systems Engineering, MS program. Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the Systems Engineering, MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- An overall GPA of at least 3.3
- Successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing course: Students must complete all credits that satisfy requirements for both the BS and MS programs. Up to four courses (12 credits) of approved master’s level courses taken as part of the undergraduate degree may be applied to the graduate degree. The courses selected for this purpose must be approved by the academic advisors of both the BS and MS programs and by the SEOR department chair.
- Students selecting up to two courses (6 credits) of approved master’s level courses may select from the Electrical and Computer Engineering courses given below.
- Students selecting up to three or four courses (9 or 12 credits) of approved master’s level courses may select at most two courses from the Electrical and Computer Engineering course list and select the remaining courses from the Systems Engineering and Operations Research course list given below. Note that ECE 542 can be used to meet the ECE 465 requirement for the Computer Engineering, BS program. Students are highly recommended to select courses marked as core courses because it applies to the master’s degree regardless of the graduate-level concentration chosen in the Systems Engineering, MS program. The undergraduate version of these courses, if any, may not be applied toward the Systems Engineering, MS. Credit may not be received for both the undergraduate and graduate version of these courses.
- Except for the courses marked as core, any course chosen from either course list can be used to satisfy SYST 505 Systems Engineering Principles core requirement in the Systems Engineering, MS program.
- Some of the courses in the Systems Engineering and Operations Research course list applies only to certain concentrations in the Systems Engineering, MS program.
- Students must pay attention to the prerequisites required for a course, and the master's degree concentration that the course may satisfy.
Select at most two from the following Electrical and Computer Engineering courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Security | ||
| Internet of Things | ||
| Computer Architecture | ||
| Computer Architecture Security | ||
| Mobile Systems and Applications | ||
| Linear Systems and Control | ||
| Learning From Data | ||
| Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Sensor Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Wireless Communications and Networks | ||
| Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | ||
| Digital System Design with VHDL | ||
| Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | ||
| GPU Architecture and Programming | ||
| Neuromorphic Computing | ||
| Optical Fiber Communications | ||
| Small Spacecraft Engineering | ||
| Selected Topics in Engineering |
Select the remaining from the following Systems Engineering and Operations Research courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Definition and Cost Modeling (Core) | ||
| System Engineering Design (Core) | ||
| Systems Engineering Management I (Core) | ||
| Decision Support Systems Engineering | ||
| Decision and Risk Analysis | ||
| Analytics for Financial Engineering and Econometrics | ||
| Applied Predictive Analytics | ||
| Heterogeneous Data Fusion | ||
| Financial Systems Engineering I: Introduction to Options, Futures, and Derivatives |
While still in undergraduate status, a maximum of 6 additional graduate credits may be taken as reserve graduate credit and applied to the master's program. Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.