Complete your part-time Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering online in a way that fits your schedule and learning preferences. Apply what you learn in class the very next day as you continue to work in your current organization. Connect with peers and experts across the country and around the world.
Take courses like Signals and Systems; Circuits, Devices and Fields; Probability and Stochastic Processes For Engineers; Communication Systems Engineering, and more. Explore your interests in a more in-depth way by having the option to choose from seven focus areas: Communications and Networking, Electronics and the Solid State, Optics and Photonics, RF and Microwave Engineering, Signal Processing, and Systems and Control. Take the next step of your career today.
Applications to the online Masters of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering are accepted on a rolling basis and do not have a deadline. Once accepted, you must begin classes within one year. Check the academic calendar for term start dates.
For additional information specific to the ECE program, please refer to the ECE Student Handbook.
Admission Requirements
- You must meet the general admission requirements that pertain to all master’s degree candidates.
- You are expected to hold a degree in electrical and/or computer engineering issued by a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET in order to be admitted to the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program. Those who majored in a related science or engineering field may also be accepted as candidates, provided their background is judged by the admissions committee to be equivalent to that stated above.
- Your prior education should include the following prerequisites:
- Mathematics through vector calculus and differential equations
- Calculus-based physics
- Linear and non-linear circuits
- Electromagnetics
- Signals and systems.
- If your prior education does not include the prerequisites listed above, you may enroll under provisional status, followed by full admission once you have completed the missing prerequisites. Missing prerequisites may be completed with Johns Hopkins Engineering (all prerequisites are available) or at another regionally accredited institution. A grade of B– or better must have been earned in each of the prerequisite courses.
- Exceptions to these requirements can be made by the program chair or admissions committee.
- When reviewing an application, your academic and professional background will be considered.
- Concentration and focus areas are available but not required.
If you are an international student, you may have additional admission requirements.
Degree Requirements
- Ten courses must be completed within five years.
- At least seven of the ten courses must be from the Electrical and Computer Engineering program (525.xxx) or the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (520.xxx) in the full-time program, and at least four of the ten required courses must be at the 700-level or above. Approved transfer courses count as 600-level technical electives.
- At most, three of the ten courses required for the MS degree may be selected from outside the program, subject to advisor approval. Students who take an elective outside the program typically select from approved offerings from the Applied and Computational Mathematics (625.xxx), Applied Physics (615.xxx), and Computer Science (605.xxx) programs.
- Limited opportunity is available for replacement of coursework by appropriate project work (525.801 and 525.802) or through a graduate thesis (525.803 and 525.804). Note that 615.641 Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering, 615.642 Electromagnetics, 615.780 Optical Detectors and Applications, and 625.743 Stochastic Optimization and Control are counted as Electrical and Computer Engineering courses rather than electives.
- Only one C-range grade (C+, C, or C−) can count toward the master’s degree.
- Course selections outside the Electrical and Computer Engineering program requirements are subject to advisor approval.
Communications and Networking Concentration
- Ten courses must be completed within five years.
- Of the minimum of seven Electrical and Computer Engineering courses, at least five must be Communications and Networking courses. Of the maximum of three electives, at least two must be Computer Science Communications and Networking courses.
- Only one C-range grade (C+, C, or C−) can count toward the master’s degree.
- Course selections outside the Electrical and Computer Engineering program requirements are subject to advisor approval.
- Concentrations are noted on the student’s transcript.
Photonics Concentration
- Ten courses must be completed within five years.
- The curriculum consists of four photonics core courses and three additional photonics courses, with the three remaining courses selected to fulfill the MS degree requirements.
- Only one C-range grade (C+, C, or C−) can count toward the master’s degree.
- Course selections outside the Electrical and Computer Engineering program requirements are subject to advisor approval.
- Concentrations are noted on the student’s transcript.
ECE Master’s Degree Requirement FAQs
The best program for you will be determined by your circumstances. Ready to dive head-first into electrical and computer engineering? Consider the masters. Only need to round out your knowledge in a certain area or two? Check out the graduate certificate. Already have a master’s and are looking for more in-depth expertise? Explore the post-master’s certificate.
Collaboration is key in all Engineering for Professionals courses. The program centers on remote, virtual-live, synchronous, and asynchronous sessions. These sessions include special tools that allow for engagement, interaction, questions, and small group discussions.
Computer science focuses on the study of computers and their systems. Electrical engineering focuses on the study of electricity. By combining the key elements of electrical engineering and computer science, our students are able to learn and apply the most relevant components of both topics. An electrical engineering degree or computer science degree by themselves would miss what we find crucial information that is only possible to learn in a combined curriculum.
Yes, however, if you are transferring a course it must be a graduate-level course, the course cannot have been used to complete another degree, and your 5-year clock of completing your degree begins on the day you enroll in your first graduate class (including any transfer graduate courses). Another option would be a waiver, this can be an option for any previous graduate knowledge that you have. You may be able to waive a foundational course which would allow you the opportunity to take more advanced courses in your 10-course program sequence.
Yes, however, applicants are expected to hold a degree in electrical and or computer engineering issued by a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET.
Have more questions? See if we answer your question here. If not, please contact us, and we will quickly respond to your concerns.
Course Planning and Search
Wondering what course to take when or which courses are required? Use these helpful course planning and course search tools to help map out your path to degree completion.
Academic Calendar
Find out when registration opens, classes start, transcript deadlines and more. Applications are accepted year-round, so you can apply any time.
Certificate in Electrical and Computer Engineering
If you are not quite ready to commit to a master's degree, consider pursuing a graduate certificate as an option. You can earn a certificate in 4 courses and be on your way to a master's degree. Or, if you already have a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering or a closely related field, a post-master's certificate can broaden your expertise.
Looking to Study Full-Time?
The online master’s program is just one of the several ECE graduate programs offered through Johns Hopkins Engineering. You can pursue a graduate degree as a full-time student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. No matter which option you choose, you will have the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned faculty who understand evolving industry demands and incorporate the latest techniques into research and learning opportunities.