Students in this concentration will be introduced to advanced computer programming techniques and advanced theory in communications and signal processing. Students will develop a master’s thesis centered on applying computational modeling and simulation to the study of various communication systems. Topics may include the study of signal processing algorithms, communications system models, communication network models, computational electromagnetics, and navigation.

Learning Objectives

To gain an advanced understanding of signal processing algorithms and communication system theory.
To develop computational models of signal processing, communication, electromagnetic, or networked systems.
To use the developed computational models to better understand the underlying system or to optimize system design.
To apply computer programming to solve relevant problems in electrical and computer engineering.

Employment

Depending on the area of specialization, graduates of this concentration would seek employment with companies applying digital signal processing algorithms (Boeing, Qualcomm, GE), building digital signal processing hardware (Texas Instrument, Motorola), writing computer-aided design software (Mathworks, National Instrument, Rsoft, Opnet), developing network equipment (Altera, Motorola, 3Com, Texas Instruments), developing computer systems and software (Intel, AMD, Xilinx, Microsoft), as well as the security and defense industry (Lockheed Martin, Boeing), telecommunications companies (Broadcom, Lucent, Siemens, AT&T), and any integrated networked system company.

Curriculum

Prerequisites:

Students must take the following courses if they do not have the equivalent credit. None of these courses will count towards the 28 credit hour graduate-level coursework requirement. Most students will have satisfied these through their undergraduate education.

CSA603 – Computer Programming (in C/C++) (3)
ECE306 – Signals and Systems (3)
MTH245 – Differential Equations (3)
STA301 or STA368 – Statistics (3)
MTH231 – Discrete Math (3) or MPT222 – Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)

Concentration Requirements (12 hours)

One of the following courses:

ECE525 – Digital Signal Processing (3)
ECE553 – Communication Systems (3)

Three of the following courses:

ECE525 – Digital Signal Processing (3)
ECE553 – Communication Systems (3)
ECE561 – Network Performance Analysis (3)
ECE610 – Software Receiver Technology (3)
ECE653 – Advanced Communication Systems (3)
ECE 526 - Biomedical Signal Analysis (3)
ECE 527 - Radar Signal Processing (3)
ECE528 – Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (3)
ECE 529 - Digital Image Processing (3)
ECE530 – Electromagnetics in Wireless Sensing and Communications (3)

Research:

ECE600 – Research Seminar (3)
ECE700 – Thesis Research (6)