UMBC's Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department offers both M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Computer Engineering. Below you will find information on both Computer Engineering graduate programs, and information about how to apply.
Research Areas
- VLSI design and test: mixed signal design and test, test structure design for process variations, power supply modeling, hardware security.
- VLSI arithmetic algorithms and security: arithmetic algorithms, cryptology, computing security, anonymity, security in cloud computing data, networks, architecture.
- Mixed-signal VLSI: analog and digital VLSI design, intelligent sensor interfacing, imaging systems, VLSI hardware security.
- Embedded systems: RTOS, distributed real-time systems, fault tolerant computing, energy-aware design, security.
- Energy efficient and high performance systems: architecture, application and chip design for many cores systems, ultra low power DSP for biomedical applications, efficient FPGA/ASIC hardware for communications and DSP.
- Bioelectronics: novel energy conversion systems using bioelectronics design and theory, optimization methods for physical circuit design, low-voltage and biologically inspired computing, sensor-processor integration, and communications.
- Wireless Networks: design and management of wireless sensors networks, MAC and routing protocols, network planning and topology repair, anonymity and anti-traffic analysis measures for wireless networks, underwater communication and networks.
Meet the Professors
Dr. Tinoosh Mohsenin, Energy Efficient and High Performance Systems
Dr. Tinoosh Mohsenin runs UMBC's Engergy Efficient High Performance Computing Lab, where she works to develop highly accurate, low-power communications and healthcare devices. Currently, Dr. Mohsenin is pursuing three distinct projects in conjunction with her lab that fall within the realm of digital signal processing (DSP) and VLSI implementation: 1) many-core architectures for DSP and secured trusted platforms, 2) low-power processors for portable healthcare devices, and 3)efficient error correction techniques for communication devices. For more information, read her research profile.
Dr. Gymama Slaughter, Bioelectronics
Dr. Gymama Slaughter runs UMBC's Bioelectronics Laboratory (BEL@UMBC), which combines different projects in the areas of electronics, biology, medicine and chemistry. She is currently working on designing a closed-loop system that monitors blood glucose levels and administers insulin to diabetic patients. Dr. Slaughter says that what she desires most is to reduce complications in the lives of diabetic patients and their families. “If I can do that,” she says, “I will count what I do as successful. ” For more information, read her research profile.
Click here for a complete list of Computer Engineering Faculty.
How to Apply
Pre-requisites for Admission
An applicant to a graduate program in Computer Engineering is expected to have a strong background in computer engineering and mathematics courses. This includes Calculus I and II, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations and Probability & Statistics in mathematics. Applicants are expected to have taken the equivalent of the following UMBC courses:
- CMPE 212: Principles of Digital Design
- CMPE 306: Basic Circuit Theory
- CMPE 310: Systems Design and Programming
- CMPE 314: Electronic Circuits
- CMPE 315: Principles of VLSI Design
- CMSC 341: Data Structures
- CMSC 411: Computer Architecture
The Application Process
Apply online through UMBC's Graduate School Website. Applicants must also submit:
- An Official Transcript
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or GRE Waiver Form
- TOEFL scores (International students only)
Application Deadlines
International Students
- Fall: January 1st
- Spring: June 1st
Domestic Students
- Fall: January 1st (for financial consideration), June 1st
- Spring: June 1st (for financial consideration), November 1st