W ELCOME FROM THE D EPARTMENT H EAD
Welcome to the Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering (ECSE) department, where you can embark on your graduate education This is an exhilarating time to pursue a career in ECSE, as rapid technological advancements place you at the forefront of innovation and opportunity.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is generating an unprecedented volume of data through ubiquitous sensors and autonomous devices, necessitating advanced communication technologies beyond 5G for efficient and secure data transfer This data is interpreted and acted upon using sophisticated algorithms that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for analytics and optimization Despite the challenges posed by the nearing limits of Moore's Law, innovations in computer architectures and interconnect designs continue to enhance computational capabilities At ECSE, you will engage in groundbreaking research across various fields, including advanced computer architecture, IoT, robotics, and AI/ML, contributing to significant advancements in technology.
The ECSE faculty engage in significant cross-disciplinary research through various prominent centers, including the NSF Engineering Research Center in Lighting Enabled Systems and Applications (LESA), the NSF/DoE Engineering Research Center for Ultra-Wide-Area Resilient Electrical Energy Transmission Networks (CURENT), the Center on Future Energy Systems (CFES), and the Center for Automated Technologies and Systems (CATS) These research centers provide essential resources, including engineering staff and advanced research equipment, to enhance your research efforts.
ECSE provides a comprehensive experience beyond technical studies, encouraging graduate students to forge lasting friendships, explore diverse fields, and actively participate in the wider ECSE community through the ECSE Graduate Student Council.
Pursuing graduate studies in a prestigious engineering department can often lead to feelings of frustration, stagnation, or confusion However, the faculty and staff at ECSE are dedicated to providing assistance, and Rensselaer offers a wealth of additional resources to support students It is important to take advantage of these support systems to enhance your academic journey.
Founded over a century ago, ECSE, along with RPI, the oldest technical university in the United States, boasts a legacy of distinguished alumni, including pioneers of the digital camera and microprocessors, National Freedom Medal recipients, successful entrepreneurs, and university presidents By joining us, you will become part of this remarkable tradition!
I wish you the best with your graduate studies in ECSE and have fun in the process!
Department Head wenj@rpi.edu
H ANDBOOK I NTRODUCTION BY THE GPD
Welcome to the Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering (ECSE) Department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where we are thrilled to have you embark on your graduate studies with us.
The ECSE Department, a key component of Rensselaer's School of Engineering, provides advanced academic programs including a Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in both Electrical Engineering (ELEC) and Computer and Systems Engineering (CSYS) Students can select between the ELEC and CSYS majors based on their personal interests, as the program requirements for both disciplines are identical.
This handbook serves to familiarize both new and returning ECSE graduate students with the Department's expectations and the necessary requirements for completing a graduate degree It outlines specific departmental guidelines alongside relevant Institute rules and regulations For further details, students can visit our website at http://ecse.rpi.edu/ and refer to the RPI Catalog Additionally, key information from this handbook is summarized in presentation slides that are regularly shared during departmental orientation events and can be accessed under the ECSE Graduate Programs tab on the ECSE website.
The newly revised handbook features updated descriptions for ten graduate area concentrations, incorporating a list of key graduate-level courses These changes introduce new requirements for PhD students beginning their programs in Fall 2020, while MS students will find the revised concentrations serve as an optional guide for course selection Additionally, a new format for the DQE, known as the post-2020 DQE, is now mandatory for PhD students starting after Fall 2020, although current PhD students can choose between the post-2020 DQE and the existing pre-2020 DQE.
For further details or clarification on the requirements, please reach out to the ECSE Graduate Student Services Office at (518) 276-6225 or via email at gradinfo@ecse.rpi.edu Wishing you a fulfilling experience in your ECSE studies!
G RADUATE S ERVICES D EPARTMENT C ONTACT L IST
• Professor Alhussein Abouzeid, Graduate Program Director – 518-276-6534; abouza@rpi.edu
• Professor Partha Dutta, Master’s Program Director – 518-276-9364, duttap@rpi.edu
• Ms Kelley Kritz, Graduate Program Administrator – (518)276-6316, kritzk@rpi.edu
• Ms Priscilla Magilligan, Graduate Program Secretary – 518-276-6225; pris@ecse.rpi.edu
I MPORTANT D ATES FY 2020-2021
The RPI Calendar outlines crucial dates for graduate students, including add/drop deadlines, Master’s Committee nominations, dissertation submissions, and doctoral defenses Due to potential changes related to Covid-19 or other factors, it is essential to stay updated by following announcements sent to the graduate students list and other institutional communications.
3 The Doctoral of Philosophy (PhD) Degrees
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer and Systems Engineering has identical requirements, allowing students to select the major that aligns with their research interests A key aspect of obtaining a PhD is the necessity for a significant and original contribution to the field of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (ECSE).
Pursuing a Ph.D in Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (ECSE) involves advanced study and research under the mentorship of a thesis adviser from the department Students develop a personalized Plan of Study in collaboration with their adviser, with key milestones including passing the doctoral qualifying exam (DQE), the doctoral candidacy exam (DCE), and successfully defending their dissertation in an open presentation The DQE's oral component should be completed within the first year, while the course requirements must be fulfilled before the DCE Doctoral candidates must accumulate 72 credits if entering with a bachelor's degree or 48 credits with a master's degree The dissertation must be original, scholarly, and creative, and students are expected to meet the Institute's candidacy and residency requirements.
Figure 1: Graduate Program Areas and Concentrations
T HE P H D P ROGRAM R EQUIREMENTS
To apply for the program, students must possess an accredited bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field Those aiming to obtain both a Master's and PhD should directly apply to the PhD program, which allows for the addition of the Master's degree during their studies.
Page | 8 once enrolled in the program The doctoral degree requires a total of seventy-two (72) credits beyond a Bachelor’s degree or forty-eight (48) credits beyond a Master’s degree
Students seeking a Ph.D in Electrical Engineering (ELEC) or Computer and Systems Engineering (CSYS) must fulfill additional requirements beyond those set by the institute.
• 72 credit hours beyond the Bachelor’s degree; 48 credits beyond the Master’s
To meet the requirements for the dissertation credit structure, students must complete a minimum of 12 dissertation credits and a maximum of 36 dissertation credits This stipulates that for the 72-credit plan, students are required to have at least 36 non-dissertation credits, while for the 48-credit plan beyond a Master's degree, a minimum of 12 non-dissertation credits is necessary.
• Two thirds of total credit hours (excluding thesis credits) at the 6000-level
• No more than fifteen 4000-level credits
• At least one Math elective (3-4 credits) with MATH or MATP prefix
• No more than 3 credits of Independent Study
• No more than 24 transfer credits (for students joining without an M.S degree)
• The ratio of 6000-level (excluding thesis) to 4000-level credits on 72-credit Plan of Study must be 2 or greater with maximum of 15 credits at 4000-level
• No 1000- or 2000-level courses may be applied towards the degree
Students entering the doctoral program with a Master’s degree will have their prior coursework represented as a 24-credit block within the 72-credit doctoral plan of study This arrangement fulfills the residency requirement, ensuring that 48 credits are completed at Rensselaer.
Figure 2 Steps in ECSE Doctoral program
The major milestones of the PhD program are indicated in Figure 2; The Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE), The Doctoral Candidacy Examination (DCE), and the Thesis Defense Examination (TDE)
Step 2: Student takes Doctoral Qualifying Exam (DQE)
Step 3: Student forms Doctoral Committee
Step 4: Student takes Doctoral Candidacy Exam (DCE)
Candidate takes Thesis Defense Exam (TDE)
Candidate graduates (provided all other requirements are met)
T HE D OCTORAL Q UALIFYING E XAMINATION
The Post-2020 Doctoral Qualifying Examination
The post-2020 DQE is designed to assess a doctoral student's potential to successfully complete their degree requirements, particularly in producing high-quality independent research It also sets forth specific criteria that doctoral students must meet to demonstrate both breadth and depth of knowledge in key areas of ECSE Completion of all DQE requirements is essential prior to scheduling the Doctoral Candidacy Exam (DCE).
The Post-2020 DQE consists of two parts:
• The Research Qualifying Exam (RQE): The RQE is described below
• The Course Concentration Requirements: The Major/Minor course concentration requirements are described below
3.2.1.1 The Research Qualifying Exam (RQE)
The RQE assesses students' knowledge and their capacity to apply that knowledge for advanced analysis and synthesis of ideas in the relevant field Students are allowed two attempts to pass the RQE, which is administered once in the Fall and once in the Spring.
To apply for the Research Qualifying Examination (RQE), students must fill out the "Application for Research Qualifying Examination" form, which can be found in JEC 6009 or in the Appendix, and submit it accordingly.
Students may seek guidance from their PhD advisor solely for filling out the RQE Application Form However, after the RQE assignment is issued, they are prohibited from consulting with the advisor or any other individuals while preparing for the oral or written segments of the RQE.
At the start of the exam semester, students must submit a form to the Doctoral Program Secretary, consulting their research advisor to identify five research papers that reflect their intended research area Additionally, students will select one of the ten Concentration Areas as their primary research focus It is important to note that the five selected research papers serve merely as a representation of the student's research interests, and the committee is not restricted to this list when making the RQE Assignment, which often differs from the submitted papers.
RQE Committee: The RQE is composed of i) a written report by the student delivered to the RQE
One week prior to the oral examination period, the committee chair organizes the oral RQE exam, which lasts one hour and is overseen by a designated RQE Committee appointed by the Graduate Program Director (GPD) at the start of the semester This committee consists of two faculty members who conduct the examination and one observing faculty member who serves as the chair.
Committee The student’s PhD advisor cannot be a member of the RQE Committee
RQE Assignment: At the beginning of the exam semester, the student will receive a letter titled
The "RQE Assignment to Doctoral Student" outlines key components for the RQE process, including the written RQE report assignment, which involves 4 to 5 papers selected by the committee from a relevant area rather than the student's initial list It specifies the RQE Committee members, the deadline for submitting the written report to the RQE Committee Chair, and the timeframe for scheduling a 1-hour oral exam within a two-week examination period Additionally, it includes the date of the ECSE faculty RQE meeting where passing decisions will be made Students are responsible for coordinating their oral exam schedule with the RQE Committee, and failure to follow through with the RQE application will result in an automatic failure of the exam.
The decision on a student's passing status for the RQE is determined collectively by the entire ECSE faculty This evaluation process involves a thorough review of the "RQE Student Evaluation," ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each student's performance.
RQE Committee” form which summarizes the evaluation of the student’s performance in the
RQE oral exam and RQE written report, 2) the student's academic record, particularly courses taken at RPI after being enrolled as a PhD student, and 3) the “RQE Student Evaluation by PhD
The “Advisor” form includes evaluations from the student's research or project adviser(s) regarding their capability to perform high-quality independent research Given the significance of research in the doctoral program, students are highly encouraged to collaborate with a faculty advisor on research activities, whether at the master’s or doctoral level, prior to undertaking the RQE.
The entire ECSE faculty determines a student's success in the RQE by evaluating three key factors: the RQE Committee's assessment of the student's oral exam and written report, the student's academic history, and the recommendation from their research or project adviser regarding their capability to conduct high-quality independent research.
Timing of the RQE: The RQE is given twice each academic year, once in the Fall and once in the
In the ECSE graduate program, full-time students without a master's degree must take the RQE in their third semester, while those with a master's degree are expected to take it in their second semester Preference for financial aid, including research and teaching assistantships, is given to students who have passed the RQE, but students should not rush to take the exam before their designated semester unless they feel prepared It is crucial to make progress on research with a PhD adviser prior to the RQE For inquiries regarding the impact of the RQE on graduate financial aid, students should contact the Graduate Program Director at gpd@ecse.rpi.edu Additionally, students are allowed to take the RQE a maximum of two times.
When preparing for the RQE, students should focus on three key points First, it's essential to choose an exam area that aligns with their research interests and familiarity Second, the oral examiner evaluates not just the student's knowledge but their ability to effectively apply that knowledge, so reviewing the RQE Committee Evaluation Form is crucial to understand the evaluation criteria, which include fundamental knowledge, problem-solving skills, creativity, critical thinking, and both oral and written communication abilities Lastly, the RQE is an individual assessment; students must prepare independently without assistance from advisors or peers once the exam has been assigned.
During the exam: During the 1-hour exam period, the student must:
• Submit a five-page written report synthesizing the assigned paper and outlining possible open research direction(s)
• Give a 20 minute oral presentation of their report
• Respond to questions from committee members about the report and associated foundational concepts
Assessment: In assessing the student, the RQE Committee looks for the following:
• Clarity and completeness of written document
The RQE examiners will evaluate your fundamental knowledge and principles related to your assigned papers, focusing on your understanding, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills Questions will be broad and not confined to specific courses, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of your expertise.
3.2.1.2 Course Concentrations: Major/Minor Requirements
The second component of the Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE) involves fulfilling the Major/Minor requirements Each PhD student must select one Major and one Minor area from the ten ECSE Concentration Areas To meet the Major requirement, students are required to complete three courses from their chosen Major, while two courses from their selected Minor are needed to satisfy the Minor requirement.
Students entering the PhD program with an MS degree can request a waiver for up to 2 of the 5 Major/Minor course restrictions by applying to the Graduate Program Director (GPD) This request can be made on the ECSE Concentration Form, where students must specify the equivalent course they have completed, pending approval from their advisor It's important to note that this waiver does not alter the total credit requirements or guidelines for the program; it simply addresses the course concentration aspect.
The Pre-2020 Doctoral Qualifying Examination
The term "DQE" in this context refers to the Pre-2020 DQE, which offers students two chances to pass This assessment is administered biannually, typically over a two-week span in September and again in February.
Financial aid, including research and teaching assistantships, is primarily awarded to students who have successfully completed the DQE Additionally, it is essential for students to advance their research efforts prior to taking the DQE.
The (Pre-2020) DQE consists of three parts:
1 Four oral exams: 1 Basic area exam, 2 Major area exams, and 1 Minor area exam This is discussed in more detail below
2 Course grades: Your grades in the courses you have taken at Rensselaer This serves as the
“written” part of the DQE
3 Research Advisor’s Recommendation: Your thesis advisor will evaluate your research to date This part should not be underestimated, nor should the importance of getting started on research as soon as possible after starting your graduate program
The oral portion of the ECSE Doctoral Qualifying exam is tailored for each student, comprising four individual oral exams, each lasting about one hour Conducted by an ECSE faculty member, one exam focuses on a selected Basic Area from the "Basic Group," which includes Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science Additionally, two exams are held in the chosen Major Area from the "Elective Group," encompassing subjects such as Circuits and Electronics, Control, Communications, Plasma and Electromagnetics, and Microelectronics Technology and Design.
The entire ECSE faculty determines a student's passing status for the DQE by evaluating their performance on four oral exams, reviewing their academic record, and considering recommendations from their research or project adviser(s) regarding their capability to conduct high-quality independent research.
The program encompasses Computer Systems, Computer Design, Image Analysis and Computer Vision, and Electric Power Engineering Students must complete one oral exam in a chosen Minor Area, selecting from either the "Basic Group" or the "Elective Group," ensuring that it does not overlap with any Basic or Major Area selections.
When preparing for the DQE, students must ensure they are well-versed in the material from the three specified courses and their prerequisites for each exam area These courses serve as a guide for DQE preparation, but the examination may also cover related topics Importantly, the oral examiner focuses on assessing the student's ability to apply their knowledge rather than merely testing how much they know about the subject.
MATH-4300 Introduction to Complex Variables
CSCI-4020 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
The Oral component of the DQE includes four examinations that students can choose from: one in the Basic Area, two in the Major Area, and one in the Minor Area.
Select exam areas with which you are familiar You are expected to know the material in the courses listed within that area, as well as their pre-requisite courses
ECSE-4500 Probability for Engineering Applications
ECSE-4240 Solid State Electronics (or PHYS-4720 Solid State Physics) ECSE-4250 Integrated Circuit Processes and Design
ECSE-2660 Computer Architecture, Networks, and Operating Systems ECSE-4670 Computer Communication Networks
ECSE-2610 Computer Components and Operations
11 Image Analysis and Computer Vision
ECSE-4540 Introduction to Image Processing
The Pre-2020 DQE is given twice each academic year – usually during a two-week period in September and again in February
ECSE graduate students should take the DQE before completing 15 credits beyond their master’s degree, with full-time students without a master’s expected to take it in their third semester and those with a master’s in their second semester of the PhD program Passing the DQE is crucial for securing financial aid, including research and teaching assistantships, but students should ensure they are adequately prepared and have made progress on their research before attempting the exam For inquiries regarding the impact of the DQE on graduate financial aid, students should contact the Graduate Program Director at gpd@ecse.rpi.edu.
To apply for the Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE), students must complete the "Application for Doctoral Qualifying Examination" form, available in JEC 6009, and submit it to the Doctoral Program Secretary Upon submission, students will receive a letter detailing the four examiners and the specific two-week examination period It is the student's responsibility to coordinate the exam dates and times with each examiner Additionally, if a student fails to attend the scheduled DQE, it will be recorded as an attempt, resulting in a failing grade for the exam.
How many times is a student allowed to take the DQE? A student may take the DQE no more than twice
The decision process for passing the DQE involves a comprehensive evaluation by the entire ECSE faculty This assessment considers the student's performance on four oral exams, their academic record, and recommendations from research or project advisors regarding their capability to conduct independent research Given the significance of research in the doctoral program, students are strongly encouraged to engage in research activities with a faculty advisor at either the master's or doctoral level prior to taking the DQE.
F ORMING A D OCTORAL C OMMITTEE
Once a student selects a research area, it is essential to collaborate with a thesis adviser for conducting their thesis research In cases where the thesis adviser is not a full-time, tenure-track faculty member in ECSE, it is necessary to appoint an additional academic co-advisor who fulfills these qualifications.
Page | 18 student's thesis advisor is not a full-time Rensselaer faculty member, then a full-time ECSE faculty member must be Co-chair of the doctoral committee
Students must collaborate with their thesis adviser to select a suitable doctoral committee and complete the "Nomination of Doctoral Committee" form This form should be submitted to the Doctoral Program Secretary at least one month before the Doctoral Comprehensive Exam (DCE) It is available online on the Graduate School’s website under the “Submit Your Thesis” tab, and a hardcopy can also be found in the JEC.
To ensure the official appointment of a doctoral committee, form 6009 must be fully completed and include the original signatures of all committee members The Office of Graduate Education (OGE) does not accept scanned or faxed copies of this form Once the department approves the form, it is submitted to the Graduate School for final processing.
The doctoral committee must consist of at least four members, representing key areas of the student's Plan of Study, with three members from the ECSE Department at the rank of assistant professor or higher, and one external member If the external member is from outside Rensselaer, a curriculum vitae must be submitted with the Nomination of Doctoral Committee form The student's advisor, typically the committee chair, is required to provide a letter of support outlining the external member's contribution to the research The committee is responsible for administering the Doctoral Candidacy Exam (DCE) and the final Thesis Defense Examination Should there be any changes to the committee members, a new Nomination of Doctoral Committee form must be submitted along with a strong justification.
D OCTORAL C ANDIDACY E XAMINATION (DCE)
Record of Candidacy Examination
To obtain committee members' signatures and recommendations (pass or fail), complete the required form available on the Graduate School's website under the "Submit Your Thesis" tab or in JEC 6009, and submit it to the DCE.
After completing the record of candidacy form with original signatures from all committee members, it must be submitted to the Graduate Program Secretary for processing, as the Graduate School does not accept scanned or faxed versions It is important to note that once a student passes the DCE, they are officially recognized as a doctoral candidate.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training
The Graduate School mandates that all candidates complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training through the CITI Program To fulfill this requirement, a copy of the CITI completion report must be submitted alongside the Record of Candidacy Examination form Detailed instructions for CITI registration and training are provided on the second page of the Record of Candidacy Examination Form.
T HESIS D EFENSE E XAMINATION (TDE)
The thesis defense, a crucial step in the doctoral program, cannot be scheduled in the semester immediately following the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination (DCE); at least one semester must intervene This policy ensures that the dissertation committee is engaged in the research process early on During the Thesis Defense Examination (TDE), the student presents and defends their doctoral thesis before their committee, which is required to be open to the public Although the subsequent committee deliberation is private, there is a public Q&A session where the candidate addresses questions from the audience.
To schedule a Thesis Defense Examination (TDE), candidates must register for all credits outlined in their Plan of Study and obtain approval from their doctoral committee Coordination with the thesis adviser is essential, and the TDE should occur by the deadline specified in the academic calendar for the graduation semester Additionally, the completed thesis must be submitted to the thesis adviser at least one month prior to the TDE, and each doctoral committee member should receive an unbound copy of the thesis two weeks before the examination An announcement detailing the TDE, including an abstract and location, must be prominently displayed and an electronic copy sent to the Graduate School.
At least one week before the TDE, the Program Secretary will distribute the announcement to all ECSE faculty members and current graduate students Students are encouraged to create their own websites, and if feasible, they should also post a copy of their thesis online, including a link in the announcement.
To ensure proper communication of your defense, it is essential to distribute an announcement, including an abstract, to all ECSE Faculty and post it prominently Additionally, an electronic copy must be sent to the Graduate Program Secretary.
After successfully completing the TDE, students must submit a fully completed Record of Dissertation Exam form to the Graduate Program Secretary, which requires original signatures from at least three members of a four-member faculty committee This form signifies that the committee members approve both the dissertation and the defense It is important to note that the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) will not accept scanned or faxed copies of this form.
T HESIS /D ISSERTATION S UBMISSION
Doctoral candidates are required to submit their dissertation to the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) for final approval following a successful thesis defense To ensure compliance with OGE's strict formatting specifications, it is essential to review the Thesis Writing Manual prior to submission We strongly recommend scheduling a preliminary review of your dissertation with OGE by contacting gradschool@rpi.edu before the formal submission The manual is available on OGE’s website for easy access.
For a successful dissertation submission, visit the Institute’s Submit Your Thesis page, where you can find the Dissertation Checklist, Submission Tips and Techniques, and the site to upload your dissertation Remember, your thesis will undergo an academic integrity review, so it's essential to reference all previously published figures and text, including your own prior work For guidance on citing previously published materials, consult the thesis manual.
To meet the OGE requirements, ensure that you submit a fully signed Record of Dissertation Exam Form along with all necessary supporting documents by the dissertation submission deadline outlined in the Academic Calendar For a comprehensive list of forms required after the TDE, please consult the Doctoral Dissertation Checklist.
T HE M ASTER OF S CIENCE (MS) WITH T HESIS D EGREE
MS with Thesis Program Requirements
Students aiming for an M.S with a thesis in Electrical Engineering (ELEC) or Computer and Systems Engineering (CSYS) must fulfill additional requirements beyond the Institute's standards.
• 30 total credits (including the M.S thesis credits as noted below)
• At least 15 non-thesis credits taken at the 6000 level
• At least 12 credits taken within the ECSE Department*
• At least one Math elective (3-4 credits) with MATH or MATP prefix
• No more than 6 transfer credits
Student submits Committee- approved thesis to the Graduate School
Student graduates (provided all other requirements are met)
• No more than 3 credits of Individual Project (e.g ECSE-6980) or Independent Study (e.g ECSE-6940)
• Six (6) OR nine (9) M.S thesis credits Six is typical Nine is for cases requiring an exceptional amount of work and must be justified by the student’s research advisor
• No 1000- or 2000-level courses may be applied towards the degree
Students lacking sufficient preparation for their chosen specialization may be required to complete additional background courses beyond the 30-credit-hour requirement Exceptions to this policy must receive prior written approval from the Graduate Program Director.
Forming an MS Thesis Committee
MS thesis students must develop their thesis problem in collaboration with their research advisor The oversight of the thesis research is managed by a committee, which is formed by the student and advisor and requires approval from the Graduate Program Director (GPD) and the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) This committee typically consists of three tenure-track faculty members from the ECSE department, with the advisor acting as the chair If a student wishes to include an external member on the committee, the advisor must provide a justification to the GPD, explaining the external member's relevant expertise in the student's research area.
After establishing the Master's Thesis Committee, students must submit a Nomination of Master’s Thesis Committee form to the Graduate Program Secretary This form will then be forwarded to the Graduate School for final approval It is essential to submit this document at the beginning of the semester in which the student plans to graduate, so be sure to check the Academic Calendar for the specific deadline related to your graduation semester.
MS Thesis & Oral Presentation
All MS with thesis students are required to deliver an oral presentation of their research during the semester they plan to graduate This presentation, which must receive approval from the thesis advisor, is a crucial component of the graduation process.
To ensure proper notification, a presentation announcement must be publicly posted within the department, either electronically or as a paper copy, at least two weeks prior to the presentation date Faculty representation is mandatory, and for electronic postings, please reach out to the Graduate Program Secretary.
2 Presentation at a conference or symposium
The Master’s Thesis and Oral Presentation Record is finalized and signed by the student's committee after the student fulfills the oral presentation requirements and the thesis receives committee approval.
MS Thesis Submission
After completing the oral presentation requirement, all MS candidates must submit their thesis to the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) for final approval, adhering to strict formatting specifications outlined in the Thesis Writing Manual It is essential to review this manual before submission, and candidates are strongly encouraged to schedule a preliminary review of their thesis with the Graduate School at gradschool@rpi.edu The manual is available on the Graduate School’s website for easy access.
To ensure a successful thesis submission, visit the Institute’s Submit Your Thesis page for essential resources, including the Master’s Thesis Checklist, the Submission Tips and Techniques online workshop, and the Submission site Remember, your thesis will undergo an academic integrity review, so it is crucial to reference all previously published figures and text, including your own prior work For guidance on citing previously published materials, consult the thesis manual for examples.
MS with Thesis Program Planner
Name _ Entry Term Graduation Requirements: 30 credits
• At least 15 (non-thesis) credits taken at the 6000 level
• At least 12 credits taken within the ECSE Department (ECSE XXXX)
• Six (6) OR Nine (9) MS thesis credits
• At least one Math course (3-4 credits)
• No more than 6 transfer credits
• No more than 3 credits of Independent Study (e.g ECSE-6940)
Course # Course Title Credits Term/Year
MATH- _ _ _/ III Master’s Thesis (6 OR 9 cr.)
T HE M ASTER OF S CIENCE (MS) WITHOUT T HESIS D EGREE
MS without Thesis Program Requirements
Students pursuing a non-thesis Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (ELEC) or Computer and Systems Engineering (CSYS) must fulfill additional requirements beyond the Institute's standard criteria.
• At least 18 credits taken at the 6000 level
• At least 18 credits taken within the ECSE Department*
• At least one Math elective (3-4 credits) with MATH or MATP prefix
• No more than 6 transfer credits
• No more than 3 credits of Independent Study (ECSE-6940)
• No 1000- or 2000-level courses may be applied towards the degree
Students who do not have adequate preparation for their chosen area of specialization may need to take background courses in addition to the 30-credit-hour requirement
*Any exceptions will require prior written approval from the Graduate Program Director
Refer to the Master of Science without Thesis Program Planner form on the next page
MS without Thesis Program Planner
• At least 18 credits must be taken at the 6000 level
• At least 18 credits must be taken within the ECSE Department (ECSE XXXX)
• At least one Math elective (3-4 credits)
• No more than 6 transfer credits
• No more than 3 credits can be taken as an Independent Study (e.g ECSE-6940)
Course # Course Title Credits Term/Year
ECSE - _ _ _/ ECSE - _ _ _/ ECSE - _ _ _/ ECSE - _ _ _/ ECSE - _ _ _/ ECSE - _ _ _/
MATH- _ _ _/ III Free Electives (9 credits)
T HE M ASTER OF E NGINEERING (ME NG ) D EGREE
MEng Program Requirements
Students pursuing the MEng in ELEC or CSYS need to complete the following:
A Technical Concentration includes three courses within a specific field, ideally with one course serving as a prerequisite for another While this structure is preferred for enhancing learning, it is not mandatory and may not be feasible in certain disciplines.
• At least 18 credits at the 6000 level
• At least 15 credits within the ECSE Department*
• At least one Math elective
• Six (6) credits taken outside of the ECSE Department that are not technically related (e.g courses in Economics or Management)
• No more than 6 transfer credits
• No more than 3 credits of Independent Study (e.g ECSE-6940)
Students lacking sufficient preparation in their chosen specialization may be required to complete background courses alongside the 30-credit-hour requirement Notably, 1000- and 2000-level courses are not applicable toward a graduate degree at RPI.
Students contemplating a PhD should consider enrolling in an MS degree program, ideally one that includes a thesis, to gain valuable research experience after completing their MEng.
*Any exceptions will require prior written approval from the Graduate Program Director
Refer to the Master of Engineering in ECSE Program Planner form on the next page
MEng in ECSE Program Planner
To graduate, students must complete a total of 30 credits, with at least 18 credits at the 6000 level and a minimum of 15 credits from the ECSE Department Additionally, students are required to fulfill a 9-credit Technical Concentration and take 6 credits in courses unrelated to ECSE, such as Management, Economics, or Humanities A minimum of one Math elective (3-4 credits) is also necessary, along with a limit of 6 transfer credits and no more than 3 credits from Independent Study courses like ECSE-6940.
Course # Course Title Credits Term/Year
MATH- _ _ _/ III Required - Non-Technically Related, Outside-ECSE Courses (6 cr.)
C O -T ERMINAL M ASTERS D EGREES (BS/ME NG OR BS/MS D EGREE )
Application Requirements
• Minimum 90 credits completed (typically second semester junior year)
• Minimum 3.5 GPA to be considered
• Submit the Co-Terminal Application with all sections completed
• Submit a 4 th and 5 th year course plan
• Submit a copy of your Degree Works report
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one must be from faculty)
• Submit a well-written Statement of Background and Goals
• Submit a completed Master's Plan of Study
Deadline to apply: October 1st if your normal BS graduation is in the spring; April 1st if your normal BS graduation is in the fall
Co-terminal students have the option to pursue either a Master of Engineering (MEng) or a Master of Science (MS) degree, with the non-thesis MS being the preferred choice for most For those interested in the MS with thesis program, securing a research advisor prior to application is essential BS/MEng students will retain their undergraduate advisor unless they are working towards an MEng/MS with a project, in which case the research advisor will also act as the academic advisor.
Co-Terminal FAQ's
1 Can I receive both undergraduate financial aid and graduate TA/RA aid?
Co-terminal students are ineligible for graduate financial aid If you receive a verbal offer for graduate financial assistance and are unsure of your next steps, it is advisable to consult with the Graduate Program Administrator about applying for the traditional Master’s program.
2 Do I have to file a FAFSA for my 5th year to get the undergraduate aid?
Yes You must file a FAFSA if you receive need-based aid
3 When do I receive my B.S degree?
To obtain both BS and MEng/MS degrees, you must fulfill the requirements of each program It is essential to submit a degree application to the Office of the Registrar for your BS degree at the start of the semester in which you plan to graduate For specific deadlines, please refer to the academic calendar.
4 Can I use a course for both my undergraduate and graduate degree?
No The credits applied toward satisfying requirements of the undergraduate degree cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for the Master’s degree
5 I finished my 8th semester but decided not to continue in the Co-Term program How do I receive my BS degree?
To withdraw from the co-terminal program, you must complete the Graduate Student Request for Change of Status form and submit a Degree Application for your intended graduation date Rensselaer offers three official graduation dates: the end of August, the end of December, and the end of May.
6 Can I still designate courses as Pass/No Credit?
Co-terminal students must adhere to graduate degree program guidelines once they have completed the minimum credit requirements for their bachelor's degree After reaching this threshold, any subsequent courses will fall under graduate-level policies, which do not allow for the designation of graduate courses as Pass/No Credit.
7 Can I participate in the Commencement ceremony with my class?
You must meet the criteria for participation and file a petition, available in the Registrar's Office
5 General Departmental and Institute Requirements
A CADEMIC I NTEGRITY
As a graduate student at Rensselaer, it is crucial to uphold a high standard of academic integrity by understanding and adhering to the Academic Integrity Policy Familiarize yourself with the definitions of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism, fabrication, and self-plagiarism, as outlined in the Academic Integrity Brochure Self-plagiarism, including the verbatim use of your own previously published work without proper attribution, is treated seriously Ensure that your research is accurate and that the contributions of others are properly documented Misrepresenting another scholar's ideas or words as your own is considered dishonest and unacceptable Violations of the academic code of conduct can lead to severe consequences, including disciplinary action and potential denial of your degree.
A CADEMIC P LAN OF S TUDY
The graduate program offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their course of study to meet individual objectives To ensure a cohesive academic experience aligned with their evolving goals, students must collaborate with their advisers to create a Plan of Study (POS) This essential document outlines the necessary courses and thesis credits required for degree completion New students are required to submit their initial POS during their first semester.
The form can be accessed from the Graduate School’s website here, under “Forms” and in JEC
Upon completion, the document must be signed by both the student and a full-time ECSE faculty member serving as the academic adviser It should then be submitted to the ECSE Graduate Program Secretary in JEC 6009 for processing, which includes obtaining the signature of the ECSE Graduate Program Director.
Students are required to update their Plan of Study whenever there are changes to the previously submitted plan, ensuring it meets the program requirements outlined in the Program Requirements section of this Handbook.
R EGISTRATION R EQUIREMENTS
Summer Administrative Registration (SAR)
Summer Administrative Registration (SAR) is a mandatory, no-cost registration for graduate students who will receive a stipend during the summer or are set to graduate in the summer semester It is important to note that students enrolled in credit-bearing courses or research credits are not required to register for SAR.
T RANSFER C REDIT
To transfer credits towards your degree, approval is required from the ECSE Department, the Graduate School, and the Registrar’s Office For a master’s degree, a maximum of six credits may be transferred, as the residence requirement is 24 credit hours; for a 72-credit doctoral degree, up to 15 credits can be transferred Only courses with a grade of B or higher are eligible for transfer, and the credits must align with the degree requirements specified in the handbook To begin the transfer credit approval process, follow the outlined steps.
1 Complete the transfer credit approval form
To successfully transfer a course to Rensselaer, obtain the syllabus for both the course you wish to transfer and the equivalent Rensselaer course This evaluation must be conducted by the relevant department at Rensselaer; for instance, if you are transferring a Math course, seek approval from the Math Department, while an ECSE course should be assessed by an ECSE faculty member.
3 Once departmental approval is obtained and the Rensselaer equivalent is determined, obtain your advisor’s approval for the transfer of the course
Falling below a full academic load can jeopardize your visa, academic status, and financial aid To avoid potential issues, the Department encourages you to register for
16 credits every semester that you are a full-time student Simply register for the courses approved by your Advisor and all remaining credits should be thesis credits
4 Update your Plan of Study so that it includes the transfer courses Both student and advisor must sign the POS
5 Submit the syllabi, the POS, and the transfer credit form to the department secretary to be reviewed by the Graduate Program Director
6 The signed transfer credit approval forms will be forwarded to the Graduate School for the Dean’s consideration.
D EGREE C LEARANCE
To obtain a degree at the end of a semester, students must be registered for that semester, maintain an up-to-date Plan of Study, complete all required credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0, submit a degree application, and, if applicable, receive thesis approval from the Graduate School Additionally, any thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School Office by the deadline outlined in the Institute calendar.
F ACULTY A DVISOR D ESIGNATION
New students have six weeks from the start of the academic semester to choose a faculty advisor through mutual agreement During this period, they can attend a temporary advising session with a faculty member from their specialization on Orientation day After selecting an advisor, students must complete and submit an Advisor Form to the Graduate Program Administrator, which requires signatures from both the student and the faculty advisor.
We encourage you to meet with multiple faculty members to determine the best match Please access the Faculty Profiles on our website.
D OCTORAL S TUDENT Y EARLY R EVIEW F ORM (DSYR)
PhD students are required to meet with their advisors each spring semester to assess academic progress and update their plan of study During this meeting, they must complete the Doctoral Student Yearly Review (DSYR) form, which outlines expectations, academic achievements, and milestone deadlines After both the student and advisor sign the form, it should be submitted to the ECSE Graduate Services Office for review.
D EPARTMENTAL S EMINARS (M ERCER L AB S ERIES )
Graduate students must participate in bi-weekly departmental seminars as a crucial component of their education These seminars are generally held on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 pm Students may be excused from attending if they have a class that coincides with the seminar schedule.
(2) their TA assignment conflicts with the seminar timeslot.
F INANCIAL A ID
Teaching Assistantships
A Graduate Teaching Assistantship offers a stipend and full tuition, making it the most common form of financial aid for incoming students This role is crucial for meeting departmental teaching needs and significantly enhances a graduate student's mentorship skills, providing invaluable preparation for their future careers.
Teaching Assistants will be assessed through feedback from both students and the course instructor of the class in which they served An example of the TA evaluation form used by instructors can be found in the Appendix Ongoing assignments as a TA depend on satisfactory performance.
Research Assistantships
A Research Assistantship offers a stipend and covers full tuition, with availability determined by the specific research needs of professors' programs and governed by contract requirements Typically, these assistantships are granted for the academic year, and many also provide opportunities for summer support.
Both types of assistantship are provided with the expectation that students will approach their duties with responsibility and professionalism befitting the reputation of RPI.
Fellowships
Students are strongly encouraged to pursue external fellowship funding, as numerous fellowships provide higher stipends, valuable networking opportunities, job training, and enhanced prestige For more information, visit the Graduate School's fellowship page on External Fellowships.
Summer Support
Most students are supported via research assistantships during the summer In 2019, the minimum summer stipend was $7,667.
R ESIDENCY R EQUIREMENT AND T IME L IMITS
Time Limit for students pursuing a Master’s degree
Full-time master's degree students are required to complete all coursework within two and a half years Failure to meet this deadline will result in dismissal unless prior approval for an extension is obtained from the Graduate School, which is only granted under exceptional circumstances.
Part-time students are required to finish their master's degree coursework within three calendar years from their initial admission date Extensions can be granted only if the student maintains good academic standing and has an approved Plan of Study Additionally, working professionals must submit a petition and obtain approval from the Dean of Graduate Education to qualify for an extension.
Time Limit for students pursuing a Doctoral degree
Students entering a doctoral program without a master’s degree must complete all requirements within seven years, while those with a relevant master’s degree have a five-year timeframe Failure to meet these deadlines will result in dismissal from the program unless prior approval for an extension is granted by the Graduate School, which is rarely given and only for compelling reasons For any concerns regarding meeting these deadlines, students should reach out to the Graduate Program Administrator.
H OUSING
Rensselaer graduate students have access to exclusive off-campus housing at the Rensselaer Graduate Community at City Station, designed to simplify the housing process while being within walking distance of the campus Residents benefit from Rensselaer services, including the Rensselaer Shuttle and Public Safety, despite living in a private community City Station offers various accommodations: City Station West and East provide furnished two, three, and four-bedroom suites for single students, while City Station South caters to married couples and families with unfurnished suites Rent includes utilities and internet, and all suites come equipped with air conditioning, a dishwasher, a washer and dryer, and 24-hour video monitoring Residents also enjoy free off-street parking and access to an on-site exercise facility, along with retail options like a coffee shop, restaurant, and hair salon on the ground floors For more information, contact the Office of Student Living and Learning.
G RADUATE C ENTER
The Graduate Center, part of the Office of Graduate Education, offers confidential support to graduate and co-terminal students facing academic or personal challenges Functioning similarly to an Ombuds’ office, it provides impartial assistance in resolving interpersonal disputes and personal issues impacting educational progress Additionally, the center guides eligible students to appropriate campus resources and professionals for further support For more information, visit https://info.rpi.edu/graduate-education/graduate-ombudsperson or contact Ms Jenni Mullet at 518-276-8433.
ECSE G RADUATE S TUDENTS C OUNCIL
Founded in Spring 2019, the ECSE Graduate Student Council represents the voice of graduate students, with elected members including a President, Treasurer, and Secretary The council aims to enhance the graduate student experience and provide feedback on departmental policies Recent initiatives include the renovation of the Flip-Flop lounge and organizing mixers to foster collaboration among students with diverse research interests Additionally, the council hosts discussions in core research areas and supports first and second-year doctoral candidates in preparing for the doctoral qualifying exam (DQE) We encourage you to consider running for a leadership position or actively participating in council activities.
G ENERAL L INKS
ECSE website: http://www.ecse.rpi.edu/
Advising & Learning Assistance Center: https://info.rpi.edu/advising-learning-assistance/ Career and Professional Development Center: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/cdc/
Co-Op / Internships: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/cdc/students/experience/coop/index.html Course Catalog: http://www.rpi.edu/academics/catalog/
Registrar Forms: http://srfs.rpi.edu/update.do?catcenterkey)
Student Information System: http://sis.rpi.edu/
Office of Graduate Education: http://gradoffice.rpi.edu/setup.do
Graduate Forms: http://gradoffice.rpi.edu/update.do?catcenterkey
A PPLICATION FOR ECSE R ESEARCH Q UALIFYING E XAMINATION
ECSE RQE Application Student Name (Last, First): _RCS ID: _
First Semester as PhD Student: Highest Degree: (BS or MS)
RQE Semester Requested (circle one): Fall/Spring Year: 2 0 _ _
Major concentration Area (See Section 3.2.1.2):
Minor concentration Area (See Section 3.2.1.2): _
When selecting papers, it is essential to choose those from reputable archival journals or leading conferences Although the RQE committee is not obligated to select from this list, it serves as a guideline for the student's research focus The chosen papers should collectively represent a cohesive or closely related area of research.
RQE A SSIGNMENT TO D OCTORAL S TUDENT
Dear xx, Date: xx/xx/xx
You are tasked with creating a comprehensive 5-page report that synthesizes the specified papers and outlines potential future research directions in the relevant field Please submit the completed report via email to Ms Kelley Kritz by 11:59 am on xx/xx/xx.
To schedule your RQE oral exam, promptly contact your committee members to arrange a 1-hour time slot within the designated 2-week period (xx/xx/xx – xx/xx/xx) It is your responsibility to coordinate with the faculty to find a mutually convenient time, which can be efficiently done using tools like a Doodle Poll Be sure to reach out to the faculty as soon as possible.
RQE Examining Committee: Your examining is composed of the following faculty:
Assignment: The following papers have been assigned to you by the RQE Committee The papers jointly represent/cover a cohesive or closely related research area/topic
Report Format: The report must be no longer than 5 pages, not including the reference list
It should include an abstract, introduction, and conclusion sections, use font no smaller than
The report should be formatted with 11-point font, single-spaced, and each page must be numbered You may utilize LaTeX, Word, or similar document preparation software; however, the final submission must be in Adobe document format.
On the day of your oral RQE exam, you will meet the examining committee at the designated time and location The exam begins with a 20-minute presentation, after which the committee will ask questions.
Your RQE assessment will focus on five key areas: comprehension of essential fundamentals, familiarity with pertinent literature, clarity and thoroughness of the written document, quality of the oral presentation, and the ability to effectively address questions.
RQE S TUDENT E VALUATION BY RQE F ACULTY
RQE Student Evaluation by RQE Faculty
Please enter a score between 2 and 5 for the student examined:
3: performance is marginal, would need to improve by quite a bit
4: good performance, should be able to prepare a solid dissertation 5: outstanding performance, should become one of our stars
• Clarity and completeness of written document
Exam seemed reasonable with no observed exceptions(Yes/No): _
If No, please add comments below:
RQE S TUDENT E VALUATION BY F ACULTY A DVISOR
RQE Student Evaluation by Faculty Advisor
Please enter a score between 2 and 5 for your advisee:
3: performance is marginal, would need to improve by quite a bit
4: good performance, should be able to prepare a solid dissertation
5: outstanding performance, should become one of our stars
• Clarity and completeness of written document
D OCTORAL S TUDENT M AJOR /M INOR C ONCENTRATIONS
Doctoral Student Major/Minor Concentrations
Student Name (Last, First): RCS ID:
First Semester as PhD Student: Expected DCE Date:
Introduction to Stochastic Signals and Systems)
Introduction to Stochastic Signals and Systems)
Waivers requested (if none, leave blank):
Course Name Institution Month/Year