Graduate Programs

UMBC’s Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (CSEE) offers certificate, M.S., MPS, and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Cybersecurity. Currently, the department boasts over 250 graduate students from around the globe. Recent graduates have gone on to work at universities (e.g., MIT, Yale, Columbia, Swarthmore), top companies such as Google, IBM and Microsoft, government organizations like NASA, NIST and NIH, and defense companies like Northrop Grumman.

Pick Your Program

Full-time, part-time, anytime

All of our programs are open to full, part-time, and non-degree seeking students. Part-time students are given more time to complete the milestones for their degree. We have an established record of producing M.S. and Ph.D. graduates who have completed their studies while holding full-time jobs. The application form for non-degree seeking students can be found here.

Why UMBC?

Thrice-named the #1 up-and-coming national university by U.S. News and World Report, UMBC offers an exceptional and affordable education. UMBC has continually proven itself to be a leader in science and engineering education. The Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department is made up of 39 full-time faculty members and 15 research professors who dedicate themselves to teaching as they pursue their own research in the field.

Location, Location, Location

UMBC is located in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, making a wealth of professional, cultural and recreational resources available. The area has the largest collection of federal government agencies and research laboratories in the country. Many of the top engineering and technology companies have major facilities within an hour’s drive. There is an active community of start ups and small companies in both the Baltimore and D.C. regions. UMBC is just 15 minutes from both the BWI Airport and the BWI Rail Station, providing easy access to transportation.

Research

Our graduate programs are research active. The CSEE Department has over fifteen on-site research centers and labs. Graduate students will have the chance to work closely with faculty members on research projects that interest them. Faculty members are currently supported by organizations such as NSF, NIH, NASA, NIST, and the DoD, as well as various industry organizations.

Our Specialty Areas

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Mining, Multi-Agent Systems, Web 2.0, Wireless Sensor Networks, Graphics and Visualization, Game Development.

Computer Engineering: VLSI design and test, VLSI arithmetic algorithms and security, Mixed-signal VLSI, Distributed real-time, and embedded systems, Energy efficient and high performance systems and Bioelectronics.

Electrical Engineering: Communications, Signal processing, Microelectronics, Sensor technology and Photonics.

Need financial help?

Assistantships

Each year, the CSEE department supports about sixty students as Teaching Assistants (TAs), Research Assistants (RAs), and graders. To be considered for a TA, RA or grading position, students must submit their applications by the early deadline (January 1st). The department typically makes initial offers to incoming students in early March. This offer is included with the letter of admission from the department.

TA: TAs are chosen based on a student’s academic record, test scores, and recommendation letters. Although priority is given to PhD students, well-qualified M.S. students are also eligible to receive support. TAs are expected to prepare and grade projects and homework, hold office hours, run labs and proctor exams.

RA: RAs are given the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on unique research projects and duties, which vary according to the supervising faculty member. They are selected by individual sponsoring faculty members. Although most RAs are selected from current students, including current TAs, newly admitted students with a strong background may also be considered. Students seeking research assistantships are encouraged to contact faculty members directly by email. Please go through our web page, identify those professors whose research interests you, and then contact them.

Graders: Graders are expected to grade projects and homework, hold office hours for grading-related inquiries, and proctor exams. Graders are paid hourly compensation.

Both Teaching and Research Assistantships include a stipend, tuition remission for up to 10 credit hours per semester, and health insurance. Renewal of assistantships are based on satisfactory performance in graduate studies, research progress, their TA/RA duties, and the availability of funding.

Scholarships

Scholarships may be available through UMBC’s Department of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Additional funding opportunities are listed on the graduate school’s website.

How to Apply

For more information about specific graduate programs, visit the Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Cybersecurity program webpages.

Apply online through UMBC’s Graduate School Website. Applicants must also submit: