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Electrical Engineering
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Areas of Specialization:
Electromagnetics
Photonics
Systems and Information Processing
Wireless Systems and Technology
Doctor of Philosophy
DEPARTMENT HEAD
Robert L. Sullivan, Ph.D.
Professors
Chang-wen Chen, Ph.D.
Barry G. Grossman, Ph.D.
John Hadjilogiou, Ph.D.
Fredric M. Ham, Ph.D.
Samuel P. Kozaitis, Ph.D.
Robert Sullivan, Ph.D.
Associate Professors
Veton Z. Këpuska, Ph.D.
Syed H. Murshid, Ph.D.
Assistant Professors
Georgios C. Anagnostopoulos, Ph.D.
Susan Earles, Ph.D.
Ivica Kostanic, Ph.D.
Brian A. Lail, Ph.D.
GRADUATE
PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The mission of the department of electrical and computer engineering is to prepare students to become successful professionals in a dynamic global
environment. By fostering a desire for lifelong learning through a broad-based interdisciplinary core education, both electrical and computer engineering programs provide opportunities for undergraduate research that reflects the expanding world around us, and gives students the tools to advance the
state-of-the-art in a chosen specialization area.
Master of Science Degree Program
The master of science program can be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. A two-year projection of course offerings is available on request.
Course offerings are arranged to permit the master’s program to be completed in three semesters for full-time students and in two calendar years for
part-time students.
Admission Requirements
The undergraduate backgrounds of applicants for admission to the master’s degree programs vary considerably. An applicant from a U.S. school should
have a bachelor of science or equivalent degree from an electrical engineering program accredited by ABET. In evaluating an international application,
consideration is given to academic standards of the school attended and the content of the courses leading to the degree obtained.
Applicants whose bachelor’s degrees are in other engineering fields, mathematics, or the physical sciences may be accepted, but will be required to remedy any deficiencies by satisfactorily completing a number of undergraduate courses in preparation for graduate study in electrical engineering.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is offered with both thesis and nonthesis degree paths. Each requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of
approved graduate study; however, course choices vary considerably depending on the student’s area of interest. Prior to the completion of nine credit
hours, a student must submit for approval a master’s degree program plan to indicate the path chosen and the specific courses to be taken. Up to six
credit hours of thesis may be included in the 30-credit-hour requirement. A nonthesis candidate must pass the master’s comprehensive examination.
The master’s comprehensive exam measures the student’s understanding of the technical concentration area they have chosen and corresponds to the
department research areas.
Curriculum
To earn the master of science degree, the student must complete an approved program plan for a total of 30 credit hours. The program may be tailored
to a specific area of study or it may follow the requirements for one of the available specialization areas. The program plan must include at least five ECE
5000-level courses, three of which are all from either the 51xx, 52xx or 53xx level. The program plan must also include at least two courses with the MTH
(mathematics) or PHY (physics) prefix at the graduate-level (5000-level or above).
Electromagnetics
This area of specialization provides a background in applied and computational electromagnetics. Students develop analytical and computational tools
needed to understand and solve for complex field interactions including antennas and radiating structures, radar, field and wave propagation, scattering
and interaction with materials. The curriculum requirements are provided as follows:
ECE 5410 Electrodynamics I........................................3
ECE 5425 Antennas 1..................................................3
ECE 5431 Computational Electromagnetics.................3
Approved electives
(may include 6 credits of thesis)................21
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED
30
Photonics
Recent advances in optical communications and sensing have been largely due to the development of photonic devices and systems. This specialization
is oriented to both devices and systems encompassing a wide range of areas including fiber-optic communication and sensing, lasers and laser system
applications, and optical computing and signal processing. The study and research of these advanced devices and systems comprise the direction of this
program.
Students are highly recommended to take the following three introductory courses:
College of Engineering
Department of Electrical
and Computer Engineering
150 West University Boulevard
Melbourne, Florida 32901-6975
(321) 674-8060
http://ee.fit.edu
GA-491-807
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ECE 5301 Semiconductor Device Theory......................3
ECE 5350 Optical Electronics
......................3
ECE 5351 Optical Communication Systems..................3
Approved electives
(may include 6 credit hours of thesis)........21
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED
30
Recommended Electives
ECE 5311 Microelectronics Fabrication Laboratory
ECE 5333 Analog IC Design
ECE 5352 Fiber-optic Sensor Systems
ECE 5354 Acoustooptic and Electrooptic Devices
ECE 5355 Electrooptics Laboratory
ECE 5356 Optical Waveguides and Devices
ECE 5410 Electrodynamics 1
ECE 5418 Field Theory of Guided Waves 1
MTH5201 Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering
MTH5202 Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering 2
PHY5020 Optics
Electrical Engineering
Financial Aid
Graduate student assistantships for
instruction and research are available
to well-qualified­ master’s and doctoral
degree students. Assistantships carry
stipends plus a tuition waiver. In some
cases, a tuition waiver alone may be
awarded for a limited amount of service.
Assistantships for master’s degree
students are normally for an academic­
year; assistantships for doctoral students
are renewable on a yearly basis.
The university
Florida Institute of Technology is a distinc­
tive, independent university, founded in
1958 by a group of scientists and engineers
to fulfill the need for specialized,
advanced educational opportunities
on Florida’s Space Coast. Florida Tech is
the only comprehensive, independent
scientific and technological university
in the Southeast. Supported by both
industry and the community, Florida Tech
is the recipient of many research grants
and contracts, a number of which provide
financial support for graduate students.
Location
Melbourne is located on the central
east coast of Florida. The area offers a
delightful year-round subtropical climate
and is 10 minutes from the ocean and
beaches. Kennedy Space Center and the
massive NASA complex are just 45 minutes
north of Melbourne. The city of Orlando,
Walt Disney World, EPCOT and many other
attractions are one hour west of Florida
Tech’s main campus.
Systems and Information Processing
Within this area of specialization, courses are selected to allow concentrations in areas that include systems, digital signal and image processing, neural
networks and controls. Each student plans program of study with a member of faculty whose professional field is related to student’s interest. Curriculum requirements for this area are provided as follows.
ECE 5201 Linear Systems 1..........................................3
ECE 5234 Communication Theory................................3
or
ECE 5223 Digital Communications..............................3
ECE 5245 Digital Signal Processing 1...........................3
MTH5425 Theory of Stochastic Signals........................3
Mathematics Elective...................................3
Approved Electives
(may include 6 credits of thesis)................15
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED
30
Wireless Systems and Technology
This area is focused on technologies surrounding wireless communication. It covers a wide range of topics both on the system level and the component
level. On the system level, some of the studied areas include 2G and 3G cellular communication systems, wireless sensor networks, radars systems, smart
antenna and MIMO communication systems, multi-media communication, radars, WLAN and WiMAX. On the component level, this specialization covers
topics in electronics, electromagnetics and antenna design. Additionally, enabling signal processing, linear system theory and radio propagation topics
are covered. The curriculum requirements are separated into two parts as follows:
A ll courses from the core curriculum list......................15
Approved electives
(may include 6 credit hours of thesis)..........................15
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED
30
Core Curriculum
ECE 5111 Radio Frequency Propagation .....................3
ECE 5201 Linear Systems.............................................3
ECE 5234 Communication Theory................................3
ECE 5245 Digital Signal Processing 1...........................3
ECE 5555 Wavelet Transforms.....................................3
MTH5425 Theory of Stochastic Signals........................3
Recommended Electives
ECE 5113 Wireless Local Area Networks
ECE 5115 Modern Wireless System Design
ECE 5117 Multimedia Communications
ECE 5118 Wireless Sensor Systems
ECE 5221 Personal Communication Systems
ECE 5223 Digital Communications
ECE 5238 Error Control Coding
ECE 5246 Digital Signal Processing 2
ECE 5248 Advanced Filtering
ECE 5251 Radar Systems
ECE 5333 Analog IC design
ECE 5418 Field Theory of Guided Waves
ECE 5425 Antennas 1
ECE 5426 Antennas 2
ECE 5450 Automated RF Measurements
ECE 5451 Microwave Circuit Design
With an approval of student’s adviser other 5000-level courses may be added to the list of the approved electives.
Program for Graduates from Other Fields
A student admitted to this program is expected to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent, with an undergraduate major in an engineering discipline, mathematics or the physical sciences, and an academic and/or professional record indicating a high probability
of success in graduate work. Preparatory courses may be required to provide a student with the background necessary for successful graduate study.
Depending on the individual’s background, other courses (e.g., differential equations and linear algebra) may also be required. Proficiency in these areas
may be demonstrated by either successful course completion or by passing an equivalency examination. When possible, a student will be notified of
deficiencies at the time of acceptance. In addition to the preparatory work described, all degree requirements listed above must be fulfilled.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program
The doctor of philosophy degree is offered to students who want to pursue advanced research in an area of existing faculty expertise. The doctoral
degree is granted in recognition of high achievement in a program of study, required examinations and original research in the field of electrical
engineering.
Admission Requirements
Admission to doctoral study is granted to applicants who have received master’s degrees in electrical engineering or related fields from accredited institutions or from international institutions that provide suitable preparation for doctoral-level studies.
Included with the application should be a short, clear statement of the applicant’s interests and objectives. An on-campus interview is highly recommended, although not required for admission.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the University Catalog.
Degree Requirements
The degree of doctor of philosophy is conferred primarily in recognition of creative accomplishment and ability to investigate scientific or engineering
problems independently, rather than for completion of a definite course of study. The work will consist of advanced studies and research leading to a
significant contribution to a chosen research area.
The doctoral program in electrical engineering may be completed with a minimum of 48 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. Each student must
complete an approved program of study beyond that required for a master’s degree, pass a comprehensive written examination, complete a program of
significant original research, and prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research.
General degree requirements are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the University Catalog.
COURSE WORK AND THESIS SUMMARY
CREDITS
Doctoral course work minimum beyond master’s degree.........................24
Doctoral research and dissertation...........................................................24
TOTAL MINIMUM BEYOND THE MASTER’S DEGREE 48
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Electrical Engineering
For More Information
To obtain more detailed information
about this Graduate Program or to obtain
application materials, visit our home page
at www.fit.edu/grad or the University
Catalog at www.fit.edu/catalog, or
contact:
Florida Institute of Technology
Office of Graduate Admissions
150 W. University Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32901-6975
(321) 674-8027
(321) 723-9468/Fax
(800) 944-4348
Florida Institute of Technology is an independent
university located in Melbourne, Florida. Florida Tech
is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate,
master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees.
Florida Tech admits students of any race, color,
national or ethnic origin, and does not discriminate
on the basis of disability in admission or access to
its programs.
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Curriculum Degree Requirement
A minimum of 24 credit hours of course work and at least 24 credit hours of Dissertation Research (ECE 6999) beyond a master’s degree are required.
Up to nine credit hours outside of electrical and computer engineering can be counted toward the degree.
The student’s adviser and the department head must approve a program of study. A wide degree of latitude is allowed in course selection and research
interest within the capability of the university and the student’s academic background. This requirement is imposed at the discretion of the doctoral
committee.
After admission to doctoral candidacy, a yearly seminar demonstrating progress must be presented to the graduate faculty.
Research Activities and Facilities
Signal Processing: Research is performed in neural networks, image processing, pattern recognition and speech processing. Algorithms have been
developed for near-real-time detection and classification for several applications such as communications, noise reduction, and speaker identification.
Techniques being used include traditional techniques and others that include wavelets, fractals, higher-order statistics and morphology. Projects include
the analysis and classification of infrasound signals, development of pattern recognizers, denoising of imagery and speech identification.
Lightwave and Optronics Laboratory: Research includes unique fiber-optic devices and techniques using modal multiplexing, allowing communications channels to operate with expanded bit rates and optical encryption and switching devices. Fiber-optic sensors are developed for 2-D and 3-D
structural health monitoring of strain and material failure; environmental parameters such as temperature, pressure, magnetic field, ammonia, pH and
salinity; and other sensors, such as level sensors for cryogenic, combustible and corrosive liquids, hydrogen leak detection and intrusion detection sensors for homeland security applications. Instrumentation includes tunable lasers, optical spectrum analyzers, optical power meters, bit error rate test
sets, fiber amplifiers and digitally controlled attenuators, fiber-optic transmitters and receivers, optical time domain reflectometers, fiber splicers and
customized data processing systems for data acquisition and signal processing. The work is also used for the design, development and analysis of nanojunction-based electronic and photonic devices.
Microelectronics Laboratory: See the Research: Institutes, Centers and Major Laboratories section of the University Catalog.
Wireless Center of Excellence (WiCE): See the Research: Institutes, Centers and Major Laboratories section of the University Catalog. In addition,
faculty in the WiCE address topics in high-performance computers and communications, server and router load balancing, multimedia over the Internet,
multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) and firewall design issues with emphasis on computer security and the protection of computer-related assets.
A component-based, distributed network management framework is being developed that will provide reliability, flexibility, scalability, policy-based
intrusion detection, automatic patch updates, and efficiency through plug-and-play of management components. Java, CORBA and portable C++ are
used to provide mobile code capability and location transparency. The center also includes an anechoic chamber and an RF screen room, which permit
totally enclosed indoor antenna pattern measurements and quiet RF measurements. Of particular interest is the use of the anechoic chamber to make
planar, cylindrical and spherical near-field measurements whose Fourier transforms yield far-field radiation patterns of a variety of radiators without
outdoor measurements. An azimuth positioner and a digital pattern recorder, along with oscilloscopes and associated electronics support the operation
of the laboratory.