Applying to Graduate Programs in ECE Department

The ECE Department offers the following graduate degree programs
(Click on the links below for additional details for each program.):

M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
M.S. in Systems Engineering
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

For the latest information, admission requirements and to apply online, please visit either the 

MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program Application Portal or
MS in Systems Engineering program Application Portal or
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program Application Portal.

The application deadlines for all programs are generally as follows:

To start your program in the Summer, apply by April 1 of that year
To start your program in the Fall, apply by July 1 of that year
To start your program in Spring, apply by November 1 of the previous calendar year

Academic Admission Requirements

M.S. or Ph.D. in ECE programs:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering or a related area from an accredited institution of higher education. Official transcripts are required.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)or better; or a minimum of 3.2 in-major GPA, or be in the upper 10% of graduating class.
• Completion of foundation courses:
  • Physics I
  • Calculus I, II, and III
  • Linear Algebra
  • Differential Equations
  • At least one of the following:
    • Physics II
    • Chemistry I
    • Probability & Statistics
• Two letters of recommendation (three for the Ph.D. program) describing your ability to undertake rigorous graduate-level work.
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives.
• Current curriculum vitae or resume - Students applying to the Ph.D. program should also be able to show sufficient demonstration of independent research skills (advanced course projects, papers, presentations, thesis, etc.).
• For international students:
  • IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher, or
  • TOEFL score of 70 (higher is strongly preferred) on the internet-based test (IBT). The corresponding scores for the paper-based test (PBT) and computer-based test (CBT) are 525 and 213, respectively.
  • International students who have received their undergraduate degree from English-speaking countries may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
• An admission committee member may also require an interview (in person, over the phone, or over the Internet, as appropriate and feasible).
• For additional information specifically for international students, please see the International Center; and to apply, please visit International Admissions.

M.S. in Systems Engineering program:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related area of science or mathematics from an accredited institution of higher education. Official transcripts will be required.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale) or better
• Two letters of recommendation describing the applicant’s ability to undertake rigorous graduate-level work.
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives.
• Current curriculum vitae or resume
• For international students, evidence of English proficiency is required through one of the university-recognized mechanisms.
• For nontraditional applicants, including those transitioning from non-engineering disciplines or from military backgrounds to systems engineering, the admission committee will provide a case-by-case review, evaluation, and program planning as needed. If the applicant has already been in the workforce for a significant amount of time, their experience, along with a letter from their direct supervisor, may be used to make accommodations to the GPA or field of study requirement for their bachelor’s degree.

A GRE exam is NOT required, but encouraged; GRE scores will be used in evaluating the applicant should the applicant choose to provide these scores. Students are particularly encouraged to submit GRE scores if they believe their academic background is stronger than what their GPA suggests. Applicants for the Ph.D. program are also encouraged to submit GRE scores.


Any Rowan student who completes his / her B.S. degree in Engineering with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, or completes his / her M.S. in thesis/research track with a GPA of 3.3 or higher, will automatically qualify for the Ph.D. program.