Rutgers ECE Combined BS/MS Information Session
Waheed U. Bajwa
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Rutgers University–New Brunswick, NJ USA
ECE Graduate Program Office
November 13, 2023
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers)
Are We Moving the Goalpost?
NO! A BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering alone will continue to
serve many of the students rather well.
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 2 / 14
Are We Moving the Goalpost?
NO! A BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering alone will continue to
serve many of the students rather well.
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 2 / 14
BUT . . .
There are several reasons for why a student might consider pursuing an
MS degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 3 / 14
BUT . . .
There are several reasons for why a student might consider pursuing an
MS degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 3 / 14
Reason 1: Intellectual Growth
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 4 / 14
Reason 1: Intellectual Growth
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 4 / 14
Reason 2: Higher Likelihood of Job Satisfaction
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 5 / 14
Reason 2: Higher Likelihood of Job Satisfaction
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 5 / 14
Reason 2: Higher Likelihood of Job Satisfaction
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 5 / 14
Reason 3: Higher Lifetime Earning Potential
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 6 / 14
Reason 3: Higher Lifetime Earning Potential
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 6 / 14
The Grand Reason: Substantial Savings in Time & Money
A Rutgers MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree offers one of
the best value for your time and tuition dollars
•
When properly planned, many BS/MS students need only one more
year of classes beyond their BS graduation to obtain the MS degree
•
The department offers grader positions, teaching assistantships
(TAs), and graduate assistantship (GAs) to well-qualified students
•
A TA/GA position comes with 17,667 stipend per semester, full tuition
remission, and healthcare benefits
•
The Dean’s Office will give a one-time, 1,000 scholarship to any
BS/MS student enrolled in full-time graduate study in Fall 2024 or
Spring 2025
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 7 / 14
The Grand Reason: Substantial Savings in Time & Money
A Rutgers MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree offers one of
the best value for your time and tuition dollars
•
When properly planned, many BS/MS students need only one more
year of classes beyond their BS graduation to obtain the MS degree
•
The department offers grader positions, teaching assistantships
(TAs), and graduate assistantship (GAs) to well-qualified students
•
A TA/GA position comes with 17,667 stipend per semester, full tuition
remission, and healthcare benefits
•
The Dean’s Office will give a one-time, 1,000 scholarship to any
BS/MS student enrolled in full-time graduate study in Fall 2024 or
Spring 2025
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 7 / 14
The Grand Reason: Substantial Savings in Time & Money
A Rutgers MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree offers one of
the best value for your time and tuition dollars
•
When properly planned, many BS/MS students need only one more
year of classes beyond their BS graduation to obtain the MS degree
•
The department offers grader positions, teaching assistantships
(TAs), and graduate assistantship (GAs) to well-qualified students
•
A TA/GA position comes with 17,667 stipend per semester, full tuition
remission, and healthcare benefits
•
The Dean’s Office will give a one-time, 1,000 scholarship to any
BS/MS student enrolled in full-time graduate study in Fall 2024 or
Spring 2025
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 7 / 14
The Grand Reason: Substantial Savings in Time & Money
A Rutgers MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree offers one of
the best value for your time and tuition dollars
•
When properly planned, many BS/MS students need only one more
year of classes beyond their BS graduation to obtain the MS degree
•
The department offers grader positions, teaching assistantships
(TAs), and graduate assistantship (GAs) to well-qualified students
•
A TA/GA position comes with 17,667 stipend per semester, full tuition
remission, and healthcare benefits
•
The Dean’s Office will give a one-time, 1,000 scholarship to any
BS/MS student enrolled in full-time graduate study in Fall 2024 or
Spring 2025
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 7 / 14
The Grand Reason: Substantial Savings in Time & Money
A Rutgers MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree offers one of
the best value for your time and tuition dollars
•
When properly planned, many BS/MS students need only one more
year of classes beyond their BS graduation to obtain the MS degree
•
The department offers grader positions, teaching assistantships
(TAs), and graduate assistantship (GAs) to well-qualified students
•
A TA/GA position comes with 17,667 stipend per semester, full tuition
remission, and healthcare benefits
•
The Dean’s Office will give a one-time, 1,000 scholarship to any
BS/MS student enrolled in full-time graduate study in Fall 2024 or
Spring 2025
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 7 / 14
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
The MS degree requires completion of 30 credits with GPA ≥ 3.0
•
Recommended load for the graduate students for 500-level and higher
courses is 9 credits per semester
•
This translates into three-to-four semesters of enrollment for new
graduate students
But BS/MS students are allowed to use up to a maximum of 12
unused undergraduate credits
†
towards completion of the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 8 / 14
† Subject to approval; some credits at the 300 level and most credits at the 400 level are transferable
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
The MS degree requires completion of 30 credits with GPA ≥ 3.0
•
Recommended load for the graduate students for 500-level and higher
courses is 9 credits per semester
•
This translates into three-to-four semesters of enrollment for new
graduate students
But BS/MS students are allowed to use up to a maximum of 12
unused undergraduate credits
†
towards completion of the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 8 / 14
† Subject to approval; some credits at the 300 level and most credits at the 400 level are transferable
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
The MS degree requires completion of 30 credits with GPA ≥ 3.0
•
Recommended load for the graduate students for 500-level and higher
courses is 9 credits per semester
•
This translates into three-to-four semesters of enrollment for new
graduate students
But BS/MS students are allowed to use up to a maximum of 12
unused undergraduate credits
†
towards completion of the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 8 / 14
† Subject to approval; some credits at the 300 level and most credits at the 400 level are transferable
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
The MS degree requires completion of 30 credits with GPA ≥ 3.0
•
Recommended load for the graduate students for 500-level and higher
courses is 9 credits per semester
•
This translates into three-to-four semesters of enrollment for new
graduate students
But BS/MS students are allowed to use up to a maximum of 12
unused undergraduate credits
†
towards completion of the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 8 / 14
† Subject to approval; some credits at the 300 level and most credits at the 400 level are transferable
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Possible Paths to a One-Year MS Degree
Scenario 1: Senior needing 18 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 9 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
Scenario 2: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 15 credits per semester
•
Apply the 6 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
•
Engage in two summers of for-credit internships (3-credits each)
†
Scenario 3: Senior needing 24 credits to graduate with the BS degree
•
Instead of 12 credits per semester, enroll in 18 credits per semester
•
Apply the 12 additional unused credits towards the MS degree
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 9 / 14
† Not all internships count; pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for for-credit internships
Additional Benefits of Being a BS/MS Student
•
You do not need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
•
You do not need to pay any admission application fees
•
You do not need to write an admission essay
•
You may not need recommendation letters
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 10 / 14
Additional Benefits of Being a BS/MS Student
•
You do not need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
•
You do not need to pay any admission application fees
•
You do not need to write an admission essay
•
You may not need recommendation letters
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 10 / 14
Additional Benefits of Being a BS/MS Student
•
You do not need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
•
You do not need to pay any admission application fees
•
You do not need to write an admission essay
•
You may not need recommendation letters
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 10 / 14
Additional Benefits of Being a BS/MS Student
•
You do not need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
•
You do not need to pay any admission application fees
•
You do not need to write an admission essay
•
You may not need recommendation letters
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 10 / 14
Additional Benefits of Being a BS/MS Student
•
You do not need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
•
You do not need to pay any admission application fees
•
You do not need to write an admission essay
•
You may not need recommendation letters
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 10 / 14
Plan Courses for the Senior Year
An MS degree helps you specialize in an area. So prepare an appropriate
plan for the unused undergraduate courses in consultation with
•
The Graduate Director
•
The Undergraduate Director
List of MS Specialization Areas
1 Communications
2 Signal and Information Processing
3 Machine Learning
4 Systems and Controls
5 Computer Engineering
6 Software Engineering
7 Solid State Electronics
8 Cross-cutting Specialization
†
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 11 / 14
† Pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for a cross-cutting specialization
Plan Courses for the Senior Year
An MS degree helps you specialize in an area. So prepare an appropriate
plan for the unused undergraduate courses in consultation with
•
The Graduate Director
•
The Undergraduate Director
List of MS Specialization Areas
1 Communications
2 Signal and Information Processing
3 Machine Learning
4 Systems and Controls
5 Computer Engineering
6 Software Engineering
7 Solid State Electronics
8 Cross-cutting Specialization
†
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 11 / 14
† Pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for a cross-cutting specialization
Plan Courses for the Senior Year
An MS degree helps you specialize in an area. So prepare an appropriate
plan for the unused undergraduate courses in consultation with
•
The Graduate Director
•
The Undergraduate Director
List of MS Specialization Areas
1 Communications
2 Signal and Information Processing
3 Machine Learning
4 Systems and Controls
5 Computer Engineering
6 Software Engineering
7 Solid State Electronics
8 Cross-cutting Specialization
†
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 11 / 14
† Pre-approval from the ECE Graduate Program Office is required for a cross-cutting specialization
Be Aware of the Important Dates
•
Middle of November: start of the application process
•
End of December: initial admission decisions are made
•
January – August: continuous review based on grades earned
Well-qualified students interested in being considered for the TA position
must submit their applications by March 1 at the latest
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 12 / 14
Be Aware of the Important Dates
•
Middle of November: start of the application process
•
End of December: initial admission decisions are made
•
January – August: continuous review based on grades earned
Well-qualified students interested in being considered for the TA position
must submit their applications by March 1 at the latest
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 12 / 14
Submit an Application
1 Basic Application: Complete the first 3 sections of the School of
Graduate Studies application and save it as a PDF
(https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/AppPortalCustom)
2 Send Application, Transcripts, and Specialization Area: Send a
copy of your electronic transcripts along with your PDF application and
intended specialization area (see Graduate Student Handbook) to ECE
3 Letters of Recommendation
•
GPA > 3.7: Two letters ONLY if interested in TA consideration
•
GPA ≥ 3.2: No letters of recommendation needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 3.0 and < 3.2: One strong letter needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 2.8 and < 3.0: Two strong letters needed for admission
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 13 / 14
Submit an Application
1 Basic Application: Complete the first 3 sections of the School of
Graduate Studies application and save it as a PDF
(https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/AppPortalCustom)
2 Send Application, Transcripts, and Specialization Area: Send a
copy of your electronic transcripts along with your PDF application and
intended specialization area (see Graduate Student Handbook) to ECE
3 Letters of Recommendation
•
GPA > 3.7: Two letters ONLY if interested in TA consideration
•
GPA ≥ 3.2: No letters of recommendation needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 3.0 and < 3.2: One strong letter needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 2.8 and < 3.0: Two strong letters needed for admission
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 13 / 14
Submit an Application
1 Basic Application: Complete the first 3 sections of the School of
Graduate Studies application and save it as a PDF
(https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/AppPortalCustom)
2 Send Application, Transcripts, and Specialization Area: Send a
copy of your electronic transcripts along with your PDF application and
intended specialization area (see Graduate Student Handbook) to ECE
3 Letters of Recommendation
•
GPA > 3.7: Two letters ONLY if interested in TA consideration
•
GPA ≥ 3.2: No letters of recommendation needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 3.0 and < 3.2: One strong letter needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 2.8 and < 3.0: Two strong letters needed for admission
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 13 / 14
Submit an Application
1 Basic Application: Complete the first 3 sections of the School of
Graduate Studies application and save it as a PDF
(https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/AppPortalCustom)
2 Send Application, Transcripts, and Specialization Area: Send a
copy of your electronic transcripts along with your PDF application and
intended specialization area (see Graduate Student Handbook) to ECE
3 Letters of Recommendation
•
GPA > 3.7: Two letters ONLY if interested in TA consideration
•
GPA ≥ 3.2: No letters of recommendation needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 3.0 and < 3.2: One strong letter needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 2.8 and < 3.0: Two strong letters needed for admission
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 13 / 14
Submit an Application
1 Basic Application: Complete the first 3 sections of the School of
Graduate Studies application and save it as a PDF
(https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/AppPortalCustom)
2 Send Application, Transcripts, and Specialization Area: Send a
copy of your electronic transcripts along with your PDF application and
intended specialization area (see Graduate Student Handbook) to ECE
3 Letters of Recommendation
•
GPA > 3.7: Two letters ONLY if interested in TA consideration
•
GPA ≥ 3.2: No letters of recommendation needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 3.0 and < 3.2: One strong letter needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 2.8 and < 3.0: Two strong letters needed for admission
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 13 / 14
Submit an Application
1 Basic Application: Complete the first 3 sections of the School of
Graduate Studies application and save it as a PDF
(https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/AppPortalCustom)
2 Send Application, Transcripts, and Specialization Area: Send a
copy of your electronic transcripts along with your PDF application and
intended specialization area (see Graduate Student Handbook) to ECE
3 Letters of Recommendation
•
GPA > 3.7: Two letters ONLY if interested in TA consideration
•
GPA ≥ 3.2: No letters of recommendation needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 3.0 and < 3.2: One strong letter needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 2.8 and < 3.0: Two strong letters needed for admission
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 13 / 14
Submit an Application
1 Basic Application: Complete the first 3 sections of the School of
Graduate Studies application and save it as a PDF
(https://rutgers.force.com/ApplicantPortal/AppPortalCustom)
2 Send Application, Transcripts, and Specialization Area: Send a
copy of your electronic transcripts along with your PDF application and
intended specialization area (see Graduate Student Handbook) to ECE
3 Letters of Recommendation
•
GPA > 3.7: Two letters ONLY if interested in TA consideration
•
GPA ≥ 3.2: No letters of recommendation needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 3.0 and < 3.2: One strong letter needed for admission
•
GPA ≥ 2.8 and < 3.0: Two strong letters needed for admission
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 13 / 14
ECE Graduate Program Office (Rutgers) 14 / 14
