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M.S. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is a 10 course (30 credit) program. This industry-oriented, career-focused and applied graduate program blends theory and research with practical engineering fundamentals. Conducted by faculty with extensive industry experience, the program is designed with considerable input from its industry. Our graduates receive the in-depth technical skills needed to make immediate and meaningful contributions to the technical vitality of the state of Minnesota.

Graduate electrical engineering students focus their study in a particular area of electrical and computer engineering by choosing one of the following concentration areas: Power Systems, Smart Grid and Electric Vehicles, Communications and Signal Processing, or Embedded Systems and Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, students can choose two concentration areas.

Contact

Cheol-Hong Min

Program Director, M.S. in Electrical Engineering
Cheol-Hong Min headshot
Email
cmin@stthomas.edu
Phone Number
651-962-5866

Coursework and Degree Requirements

To complete the requirements for the M.S. in Electrical Engineering, students must successfully complete 10 courses (30 credits) with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Students without an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related field may need additional courses beyond the 30 credits needed for this master's degree.

There are two pathways to complete the program:

  1. Project-based path: 8 technical courses (24 credits) and a two-semester design project (6 credits)
  2. Course-based path: 10 technical courses (30 credits)

See course descriptions in our course catalog

STEM Approved Program

The Power Systems concentration emphasizes the study and control of power systems, distribution, renewable energy, electrical machines and power electronics. Power electronics enables the economic viability of renewable energy systems via its ability to transform electrical energy in one form to another with near 100% efficiency.


Required Core Courses (5 courses = 15 credits)

  • ETLS 744 Power Systems and Smart Grids
  • ETLS 746 Power Electronics
  • ETLS 747 Electrical Machines and Vehicles
  • ETLS 748 Renewable Energy Generation
  • ETLS 810 Advanced Controls

Technical Electives (5 courses = 15 credits)
Choose five technical electives from course list below:

  • ETLS 620 Analog Communication Systems
  • ETLS 621 Digital Communication Systems
  • ETLS 630: Sensors for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Autonomy
  • ETLS 631 Wireless Sensor Networks
  • ETLS 675 Digital Signal Processing
  • ETLS 676 Real Time DSP
  • ETLS 678 Wearable Systems, Data and IoT
  • ETLS 679 Embedded Cyber Physical Systems
  • ETLS 699 Selected Topics
  • ETLS 739 EV Market and Technologies
  • ETLS 745 Power Systems Operations and Controls
  • ETLS 753 Power Systems Protection and Relay
  • ETLS 750 Smart Distribution Systems
  • ETLS 751 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
  • SEIS 631 Foundations of Data Analysis
  • SEIS 663 Information Technology Security and Networking
  • SEIS 763 Machine Learning
  • SEIS 764 Artificial Intelligence
  • ETLS 881 Engineering Project Credits (2 consecutive semester of 6 credits total)

Other ETLS/SEIS courses approved by Program Director

The Smart Grid and Electric Vehicles concentration prepares students to meet the challenges of the 21st century electric grid. Power engineers will lead the way in decarbonizing the electric grid and electrifying the transportation industry.

Required Core Courses (5 courses = 15 credits)

  • ETLS 744 Power Systems and Smart Grids
  • ETLS 746 Power Electronics
  • ETLS 747 Electrical Machines and Vehicles
  • ETLS 739 EV Market and Technologies
  • ETLS 750 Smart Distribution Systems

Technical Electives (5 courses = 15 credits)
Choose five technical electives from course list below:

  • ETLS 620 Analog Communication Systems
  • ETLS 621 Digital Communication Systems
  • ETLS 630: Sensors for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Autonomy
  • ETLS 631 Wireless Sensor Networks
  • ETLS 675 Digital Signal Processing
  • ETLS 676 Real Time DSP
  • ETLS 678 Wearable Systems, Data and IoT
  • ETLS 679 Embedded and Cyber Physical Systems
  • ETLS 699 Selected Topics
  • ETLS 745 Power Systems Operations and Controls
  • ETLS 748 Renewable Energy Generation
  • ETLS 751 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
  • ETLS 753 Power Systems Protection and Relay
  • ETLS 810 Advanced Controls
  • SEIS 631 Foundations of Data Analysis
  • SEIS 663 Information Technology Security and Networking
  • SEIS 763 Machine Learning
  • SEIS 764 Artificial Intelligence
  • ETLS 881 Engineering Project Credits (2 consecutive semesters of 6 credits total)

Other ETLS/SEIS courses approved by Program Director

The Communications and Signal Processing concentration focuses on the study of communication and processing of information, which is the foundation for all our digital lives. Applications can be found in all areas around us such as IoT, wearables, mobile health care, autonomous vehicles, Artificial Intelligence, and communication of such information over a variety of communication networks such as WIFI, Bluetooth, 4G LTE, and 5G wireless networks.

Required Core Courses (5 courses = 15 credits)

  • ETLS 620 Analog Communication Systems
  • ETLS 621 Digital Communication Systems
  • ETLS 631 Wireless Sensor Networks
  • ETLS 675 Digital Signal Processing
  • ETLS 678 Wearable Systems, Data and IoT

Technical Electives (5 courses = 15 credits)
Choose five technical electives from course list below:

  • ETLS 630: Sensors for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Autonomy
  • ETLS 676 Real Time DSP
  • ETLS 679 Embedded and Cyber Physical Systems
  • ETLS 699 Selected Topics
  • ETLS 739 EV Market and Technologies
  • ETLS 744 Power Systems and Smart Grids
  • ETLS 745 Power Systems Operations and Controls
  • ETLS 746 Power Electronics
  • ETLS 747 Electrical Machines
  • ETLS 748 Renewable Energy Generation
  • ETLS 750 Smart Distribution Systems
  • ETLS 751 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
  • ETLS 753 Power Systems Protection and Relay
  • ETLS 810 Advanced Controls
  • SEIS 631 Foundations of Data Analysis
  • SEIS 663 Information Technology Security and Networking
  • SEIS 763 Machine Learning
  • SEIS 764 Artificial Intelligence
  • ETLS 881 Engineering Project Credits (2 consecutive semesters of 6 credits total)

Other ETLS/SEIS courses approved by Program Director

The Embedded Systems and Internet of Things (IoT) concentration enables students to become proficient with microcomputers, sensors, interconnections and their composite systems used to design and control devices impacting many aspects of our daily lives from smart homes and cars to pacemakers and wearable devices.

Required Core Courses (5 courses = 15 credits)

  • ETLS 676 Real Time DSP
  • ETLS 679 Embedded and Cyber Physical Systems
  • ETLS 630: Sensors for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Autonomy
  • ETLS 631: Wireless Sensor Networks
  • ETLS 678 Wearable Systems, Data and IoT

Technical Electives (5 courses = 15 credits)
Choose five technical electives from course list below:

  • ETLS 620 Analog Communication Systems
  • ETLS 621 Digital Communication Systems
  • ETLS 675 Digital Signal Processing
  • ETLS 699 Selected Topics
  • ETLS 739 EV Market and Technologies
  • ETLS 744 Power Systems and Smart Grids
  • ETLS 745 Power Systems Operations and Controls
  • ETLS 746 Power Electronics
  • ETLS 747 Electrical Machines
  • ETLS 748 Renewable Energy Generation
  • ETLS 750 Smart Distribution Systems
  • ETLS 751 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
  • ETLS 753 Power Systems Protection and Relay
  • ETLS 810 Advanced Controls
  • SEIS 631 Foundations of Data Analysis
  • SEIS 663 Information Technology Security and Networking
  • SEIS 763 Machine Learning
  • SEIS 764 Artificial Intelligence
  • ETLS 881 Engineering Project Credits (2 consecutive semesters of 6 credits total)

Other ETLS/SEIS courses approved by Program Director

Graduate Programs That Work for You

Our evening class schedules allow both industry professionals and career changers to achieve their educational goals. And each class meets just once per week.

Convenient Schedule

Our programs serve working professionals with busy lives. You choose how quickly you move through the curriculum. And you may start in any of our three starts: fall, spring or summer.

View Our Course Schedule
Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan near St. Thomas Microgrid

Connecting and creating technology leaders

Center for Microgrid Research

The Center for Microgrid Research is a resource for the power community to transition to carbon free electricity. Through our research, partnerships, and educational programs we produce innovative engineers and technology leaders for the 21st century.

Get Connected
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Attend an Information Session

Attend an online information session to learn program details. Our programs serve working professionals with busy lives. Set your own pace and start fall, spring or summer. Classes are offered in the evenings. We look forward to meeting you.

Join us for an information session

Faculty

Dr. Greg Mowry

Dr. Greg Mowry

Prior to joining the School of Engineering in 2003, Dr. Mowry had a successful 25-year career as a product development engineer and corporate research scientist for fortune-500 companies and startups. His research focuses on the use of photonics, magnetics, and power electronics/systems for humanitarian applications.

Dr. Greg Mowry
Dr. Heather Orser

Dr. Heather Orser

Dr. Heather Orser has a background in electrical engineering product development and design with an emphasis on analog integrated circuits. Prior to joining St. Thomas, Dr. Orser worked at IBM, Medtronic, and most recently at Inspire Medical systems developing next generation sleep apnea treatments.

Dr. Heather Orser
Dr. Bob Mahmoodi

Dr. Bob Mahmoodi

Dr. Bob Mahmoodi has a wealth of experience in electronic systems. Prior to joining the School of Engineering in 2012, he spent 30 years in R&D in the design and integration of wireless RFID and biometric sensor implementation and design at 3M, and three years at Honeywell working on airborne radar system sensors and electronics.

Dr. Bob Mahmoodi

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