Chapter 1 – Information on ECE master program

Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud

http://www.cae.tntech.edu/~mmahmoud/mmahmoud@tntech.edu

https://www.tntech.edu/engineering/programs/ece/graduate/ms-program.php

1. Program Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

1.1 Program Objectives

1.Graduates of the MSECE program will have the technicalcompetence to be successful in the chosen area of study inelectrical and computer engineering professional practice orresearch.

2.Graduates of the MSECE program will have the skills to undertaketechnically sound analysis independently and present their work atprofessional meetings or publish their work in scholarly journals.

3.Graduates of the MSECE program will have the technicalcompetence to successfully undertake further advanced study atthe doctoral level in electrical and computer engineering or arelated area, and pursue lifelong learning through professionaleducation.

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Master program description

1.2 Student Learning Outcomes

Students of the MSECE program at the time of graduation will be ableto:

1. Demonstrate clear understanding of the chosen area of emphasis inelectrical and computer engineering covered in course material in thegraduate program.

2. Apply advanced methods in the development of solutions in thechosen area of emphasis in electrical and computer engineering.

3. Give professional presentation or write scholarly manuscripts worthyof publication in peer reviewed journals.

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MS-ECE with Thesis Option

The thesis option MSECE is recommended for students who areplanning a career in corporate or academic research, design, anddevelopment and who may pursue a Ph.D. in the future.

Intro to Graduate Research (1 credit), at least eight graduate courses(24 credits), at least 6 credits of research for thesis completed underthe supervision of the graduate thesis advisor, an approved thesis,and an oral thesis defense are required for graduation.

The coursework shall include: ECE 6910 - Introduction to GraduateResearch, during the first semester of study; at least 15 hours ofgraduate ECE courses (5000, 6000, 7000 levels) that must include 9credit hours of ECE graduate level breadth courses from a listmaintained by the ECE Department; no more than six (6) hours ofdirected/independent study courses and no more than six (6) hoursof 5000 courses, to satisfy the required minimum of 24 hours ofcoursework.

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The thesis requirement includes research and the findings of whichmust be submitted in writing subject to the policies and satisfaction ofthe College of Graduate Studies and the advisory committee.

In addition, each student must defend his/her research work beforethe advisory committee.

The advisory committee shall be chaired or co-chaired by ECE facultymember and include an additional member from the ECE Department.

As far I know, financial support is given only to thesis option student.You can check.

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Non-thesis OptionThe non-thesis option MSECE is recommended for students whodesire an industry-oriented degree, and who may be attending schoolpart-time while working.

An MS-ECE program of study with non-thesis option requires aminimum of 34 credit hours of course work and shall include:

ECE 6910 - Introduction to Graduate Research (1 credit hour), duringthe first semester of study; 9 credit hours of graduate level breadthcourses from a list maintained by the ECE department; a minimum oftwelve (12) credit hours of graduate level ECE elective courses; athree (3) credit hours ECE 6970: Non-Thesis Design Project coursethat will enhance independent learning skills and a maximum of nine(9) hours of graduate level elective courses from outside thedepartment.

Additionally, each student should also pass a written comprehensiveexam administered by the department.

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Summary of MS Program of Study Requirements

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The ECE Breadth courses are:

• ECE 6040 - Signal Analysis

• ECE 6170 - High Performance Embedded System Design

• ECE 6200 - Linear Systems Analysis

• ECE 6510 - Electromagnetic Field Theory I

You must take at least three out of these four

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Advisory Committee

- Each MS student must have an advisory committee composed of atleast three Graduate faculty members.

- They assist the student in the development and executing his/herProgram of Study and monitor the student's progress towardscompletion of the degree.

- The student is responsible for identifying a faculty member who iswilling to chair his/her advisory committee.

- The advisor has the responsibility to guide the student's researchtoward degree completion within a reasonable period of time(usually two years for full-time students).

- New students have a temporary advisor until they choose apermanent advisor from the ECE faculty during their first semester.

- In consultation with his/her advisor, the student is responsible foridentifying at least two other TTU graduate faculty members whoare willing to serve on his/her committee.

- The other members are selected such that they have either taughtthe student in a course or have some expertise relevant to thestudent's research.

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- At least two members of the MS advisory committee, including thechairperson/advisor, must be from the ECE faculty.

- The MS advisory committee may include more than three members.

- Students with a Computer Engineering focus should include at leastone Computer Science faculty on their committee.

- A graduate student's advisory committee is selected during his/herfirst semester of study and each member must approve and signthe student's Program of Study form by the beginning of thestudent's second semester.

- Failure to form a committee by the end of the second semester iscause for dismissal from the MS program.

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Program of Study

- Each MS student is required to develop and submit a Program ofStudy by the beginning of the second semester of study.

- The student prepares this Program of Study in consultation withhis/her Advisory Committee.

- The student's advisory committee members, the ECE Chair, theCoE Assoc. Dean for Graduate Studies, and the Assoc. VP ofGraduate Studies must approve and sign the Program of Study.

- Any subsequent changes to courses on the approved Program ofStudy must be made via a Substitution (Course Addition/Deletion)form.

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Additional Program of Study Requirements

The following restrictions apply to the MS Program of Study.

For the thesis option:

(a) no more than six hours of 5000-level courses such that 5000-levelECE course, if any, in the program of study are outside thestudent's area of primary research;

(b) no more than six hours of directed/independent study courses;

(c) Make a paper presentation in a conference or a posterpresentation in research day at TTU held in April in each year Oncea year opportunity.

For the non-thesis option:

There are no restrictions.

----------------------------------------------------------A maximum of nine credits (3 courses) of approved graduatecoursework may be transferred form another university to satisfy theMS requirements. You should find equivalent TTU courses.

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Thesis Defense (Thesis option)

- A fundamental milestone in the graduation requirements iscompletion of the oral defense, which consists of an oral presentationby the student of her/his thesis research results, followed byquestioning.

- The overall intention is to test the student's breadth of knowledge inthe discipline, depth in the specific area of research, and ability tointegrate concepts and techniques learned in the various courses.

- The student should schedule the thesis defense date well in advanceto insure that all members of the committee are in attendance.

- Students must submit a draft copy of their theses to theircommittees and to Graduate Studies at least two weeks before thedefense date.

- The defense begins with an open session in which the candidatemakes a presentation to the committee and other faculty andstudents.

- The audience then asks questions regarding the candidate's researchwork.

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Thesis Defense (Thesis option)

- Afterward, in a closed session, the committee members examine thecandidate on the details of the thesis, as well as any other relevantmaterial.

- Then the candidate is asked to leave the room, and the committeemember discuss the performance of the candidate and vote to passor fail the candidate.

- The student must pass this examination by three (3) positive votesor three-fourths of the committee members eligible to vote.

- A signature form is then forwarded to Graduate Studies which keepsthe results of the examination.

- If the candidate passes the exam, the committee instructs thecandidate on any required changes or new work needed to completethe thesis.

- If the candidate fails the exam, the committee informs the candidatein writing regarding the additional work that must be undertakenbefore taking the examination a second time.

- The second attempt may be scheduled as soon as these deficienciesare rectified. However, failure on the second attempt results indismissal from the graduate program.

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Thesis Defense (Thesis option)

- The requested revisions to the thesis must be made, final signaturesof all committee members obtained, and two copies of the finalthesis must be submitted to Graduate Studies (plus one to theDepartment) at least one week before graduation.

Comprehensive Exam (for Non-thesis Option)- The non-thesis option comprehensive examination is a four-hour

written examination taken after completion of all core courses,consisting of two questions from each of the core courses taken bythe student.

- These questions are prepared and graded by the professor fromwhom the student took that core course.

- The Department Chair is responsible for assembling, proctoring, andcompiling the overall score on the exam.

- An overall score of 70 percent is required to pass.- A committee signature form is then forwarded to Graduate Studies

which keeps the results of the examination.

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- If the student fails this exam, he or she will be given a written list ofspecific deficiencies which must be addressed prior to a secondexam attempt.

- The second attempt may be scheduled as soon as the deficienciesare rectified. However, failure on the second attempt results indismissal from the MSECE program.

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https://www.tntech.edu/graduatestudies/forms.php

Online Forms

The Online Forms page of the College of Graduate Studies contains many forms and guides, among them:

•Fast Track Course Credit•Program of Study (MS, MS-PhD (direct admit), PhD)•Substitution (Course Addition/Deletion)•Thesis/Dissertation Format Checklist•Thesis/Dissertation Format Guide Manual•Thesis/Dissertation Defense•Application for Graduation

https://www.tntech.edu/graduatestudies/pdf/enrolled_student_forms/Change_of_Advisory_Committee_Request.pdf

Change a committee member

https://www.tntech.edu/graduatestudies/pdf/program_of_study/MA__M.Ed.__or_MS.pdf

Program study

Five-Year Fast Track BS/MS

- The Fast-Track BS-MS five-year program is designed to attract exceptionalTennessee Tech ECE seniors to stay at Tech for one additional year to obtainthe MSECE degree.

- During their senior year, Fast-Track students are permitted to take two 5000 or6000 level ECE courses, which count both as their BS senior electives and astheir first two MSECE courses.

- They are also able to begin working with an MS faculty research advisors duringtheir senior year, thus getting an early start on their master’s research project.

- Fast-Track students are required to apply for admission to the MSECE programduring their senior year in the normal fashion.

- The summer between the senior and graduate years is devoted to research, andthe student takes three classes in each semester of the graduate year.

- In order to be admitted and to remain in the Fast-Track program, the studentmust have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.

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- Fast-Track students receive normal undergraduate financial aid and tuitionduring their senior year and a normal graduate teaching or researchassistantship and graduate tuition waiver during their graduate (fifth) year.

- Fast-Track students who do not succeed (B grade or better) in their first twograduate courses during their senior year will be advised to complete their BSdegree, and withdraw from the Fast-Track program.

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DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Learning Objectives

1.The student should demonstrate breadth of knowledge in thediscipline and depth in the specific area of his/her research topic.

2.The student should gain experience in doing independent academicwork and research.

3.The student should demonstrate his/her ability to identify anddefine the research topic.

4.The research work performed by the student should contribute tothe existing knowledge in the engineering field.

5.The student should demonstrate the ability to clearly communicatecomplex engineering and research topics in both verbal and writtenformat.

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Degree Requirements for the Ph.D. in Engineering

The Ph.D. is a research degree.

Case 1: Students Admitted with a Master's Degree

1. A minimum of 48 credits of course work and doctoral research anddissertation as follows:

1.1 A minimum of eighteen (18) credit hours of course workbeyond the master’s degree, including six (6) credit hours of7000-level courses. Additional six (6) credit hours of eithergraduate level courses or research experience as per the policyof the student's major department. No 5000-level courses are tobe used to meet the minimum requirements of course work.

1.2 A minimum of twenty four (24) credit hours of doctoralresearch and dissertation built upon the student’s course ofstudy and making a significant contribution to the state ofknowledge; not more than 9 credit hours may be earned in aparticular semester. 1 - 20

2. Residence of four (4) semesters beyond the master’s degree, withat least two (2) semesters in continuous residence, is required.

3. All requirements, including the dissertation, must be completedwithin a period of eight consecutive years.

4. Maintenance of a minimum quality point average of 3.0.

All students in the program must follow a plan of study and researchdeveloped in conjunction with an advisory committee, satisfactorilycomplete a comprehensive examination, achieve candidacy, andsatisfactorily defend the dissertation.

A student becomes PhD candidate after passing the comprehensiveexam

Comprehensive exam has two parts. Research proposal presentationand written exam.

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Case 2: Students admitted directly from the Bachelor'sDegree into Ph.D. degree program

A student admitted with a bachelor's degree on exceptional basis,must successfully complete a qualifying examination based mostly onundergraduate materials before the end of the second semester ofenrollment. The process should include at a minimum, anexamination of the students fundamental knowledge.

Students with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from an ABET accredited program are exempted from this examination.

Based on the student's performance on the qualifying examination,the student may be

(i) permitted to continue in the Doctoral Program, or(ii) advised to transfer to a MS Degree program in an appropriate

discipline in the College, or(iii) recommended for termination from the graduate program of

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- If permitted to continue in the doctoral program, the student, willselect a research advisor, form an advisory committee, and submit aprogram of study satisfying the following requirements.

- The program of study should have a minimum total of seventy two(72) Credit Hours of academic work, consisting of course work anddissertation work, subject to the following:

• A minimum of forty two (42) credit hours of appropriate graduatelevel course work consisting of a minimum of six (6) credit hours atthe 7000-level and a maximum of 9 credit hours at the 5000-level.

• Additional 6 credit hours of either graduate level course work orresearch experience as per the policy of the student's majordepartment.

• A minimum of 24 credit hours of doctoral research anddissertation, built upon the student's course of study and makingsignificant contribution to the state of knowledge; no more thannine credit hours may be earned in a particular semester.

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- The other requirements, such as residency, grade point average,comprehensive exam, and dissertation are the same as those forstudents admitted with a master's degree, as described in thecatalog.

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Students Admitted Directly from the Bachelor’s Degree into Ph.D. program earning a non-thesis MS en route

All conditions stated above for the students Admitted Directly into thePhD program apply. In addition:- Nine (9) credit hours will count toward the non-thesis MS degreeand toward the Ph.D. degree.- If the departmental non-thesis MS requires a three (3) credithours non-thesis project course, those three (3) credit hours can becounted as three (3) credit hours of dissertation research toward thePh.D. degree. If no project course is required for the non-thesis MS,then nine (9) credit hours of MS coursework can be counted towardthe Ph.D.- Six (6) credit hours of MS coursework can be counted toward thePh.D. coursework.

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Advisory Committee

- Each Ph.D. student's advisory committee will have a minimum offive (5) voting members with at least three members from thestudent's major department and at least one (1) member fromoutside the department.

- The student is responsible for identifying, in consultation with thedepartmental chairperson or Associate Dean, a faculty member whois willing to chair his/her advisory committee.

- The chairperson of the committee, and the student are responsiblefor identifying the other faculty members required/desired anddetermining if they are willing to serve.

- If necessary, the advisory committee maybe co-chaired.

- Failure to be able to form a committee is a cause for transfer tonon-degree status.

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Program of Study

- Student’s Advisory Committee shall formally meet with the studentto make an objective assessment of the student's knowledge relativeto the field of study. The program of study should reflect suchassessment.

- The Program of Study based on this assessment must be completedbefore the end of the second semester of enrollment for the degreeor completion of 15 credit hours of graduate courses, whichevercomes first.

- A form indicating the date of this meeting and members of theAdvisory Committee in attendance shall be transmitted to the Dean’sOffice.

- All courses shown on the Program of Study, including backgroundcourses (MS courses), are indicators of the student’s depth andbreadth of knowledge in the discipline and shall be considered by thecommittee when designing the written part of the student’scomprehensive examination.

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- Each proposed Program of Study must be approved by the student’sadvisory committee, the departmental chairperson, the AssociateDean of Engineering for Research and Innovation, and the Dean ofCollege of Graduate Studies.

- There will be a hold placed on a student’s registration if his/herProgram of Study has not been filed in the Graduate studies office bythe time 15 credit hours have been earned.

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Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy

- The comprehensive examination will consist of a written part and anoral defense of the written research proposal.

- The written examination will consist of several parts as appropriateto the major discipline and the research area.

- This examination will test the student's breadth of knowledge in thediscipline, depth of knowledge in selected areas, and the ability tointegrate the knowledge acquired from several courses.

- This examination must be given after the student has completed atleast eighty (80) percent of the coursework beyond the master'sdegree, as prescribed in the program of study.

- However, the written comprehensive examination should becompleted before the end of the semester following completion of thecoursework prescribed in the program of study.

- The extension of this deadline is possible with the appropriatejustification. A student desiring an extension shall make a request inwriting to the Associate Dean of Research and Innovation.

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- All parts of the written examination should be completed within aperiod of two weeks.

- Other details of this examination, including format, content, methodof evaluation and timing, will be left to the discretion of thecommittee.

- All voting members of the committee should participate inevaluating the student's performance in the written parts of theexamination.

- The written research proposal should, as a minimum, consist of thedevelopment of the research problem from the extant knowledge inthe area, the approach and methodology to be followed, the expectedoriginal contribution to the extant knowledge and the expected time-line for the completion of the research.

- The student should submit copies of written proposal to thecommittee within thirty (30) days from the date of taking the finalpart of the written examination, and the proposal defense will bescheduled shortly thereafter.

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- The student will be informed of the results of the entirecomprehensive examination (written part and proposal presentation)at the end of the defense of the research proposal.

- On passing the entire comprehensive examination, the student willbecome an official candidate for the doctoral degree.

- Normally, a student not passing any part of the comprehensiveexamination will not be permitted to continue in the doctoralprogram. However, at the request of the student, the committee mayagree to give a second chance to the student to pass that part of thewritten examination that he/she did not pass.

- No student will be permitted to continue in the program if he/shedoes not successfully complete all parts of the comprehensiveexamination after the second attempt.

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Questions

Mohamed Mahmoud