The UW ECE graduate program is ranked #16 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24.
The University of Washington Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering’s graduate programs prepare students to impact the future and address pressing challenges in healthcare, energy, the environment, communication and more.
Located in Seattle, Washington, graduate students are in close proximity to prominent technology companies as well as a vibrant start-up community, making UW ECE an ideal location to launch a career. Graduates enjoy rewarding positions at research institutions or in industry, working for companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, Honeywell, Intel, Apple, Amazon, Philips, T-Mobile, Lockheed Martin and more.
Master of Science
The Daytime Master’s Program (MSEE) provides advanced preparation for professional practice through a highly customizable, coursework-based, or thesis curriculum. The coursework option is typically selected by students who want to work at a higher level in industry, while the thesis option, which involves more in-depth research is designed for students with a passion for pursuing a Ph.D.
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Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program prepares students for work in academia or industry as independent researchers and scholars. It is the highest degree awarded in the field. Students work closely with distinguished faculty on research and pursue their own innovative projects, preparing them to make a difference in the world.
download Ph.D. program flyer
Why UW ECE?
UW ECE is a perennial top-20 best graduate school as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and is the top electrical engineering department in the region. Students work under the instruction of world-renowned researchers and are immersed in the department’s entrepreneurial environment. Technology developed in UW ECE labs is frequently translated into the business community for real-world impact.
Admission
UW ECE admits graduate students annually, in autumn quarter. Admission is highly competitive.
Curriculum
Master of Science
The UW ECE Master’s program offers both coursework and thesis options. The degree is geared both towards students seeking to then going into industry, or to continue on to a Ph.D. program.
Ph.D.
The Ph.D. curriculum prepares students for their dissertation research.
Curriculum Groups
UW ECE is active in most areas of electrical & computer engineering research:
- Biosystems
- Communications and Networking
- Data Science
- Photonics and Nano Devices
- Power and Energy Systems
- Robotics and Controls
Funding
All admitted Ph.D. students are funded for four years of academic study through research and teaching assistantships, fellowships and departmental support provided they are making satisfactory progress toward their degree. The majority of our master’s students are self-funded.
- Tuition, Fees & Funding
- UW ECE Graduate Fellowships
- Irene C. Peden Fellowship for female Ph.D. students in UW ECE
- NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) for Accelerating Quantum-Enabled Technologies (AQET)
- UW Clean Energy Institute (CEI) Graduate Fellowships
- UW Graduate School List of Fellowships
Professional Master’s Program
Are you a working professional or a full-time student interested in pursuing a career in industry? The Electrical & Computer Engineering Professional Master’s Program offers a flexible degree that features industry-responsive curriculum.