The master of science in AI engineering (ECE) approaches AI fundamentals with an engineering mindset, addressing engineering challenges of AI systems including infrastructure from chips to data centers as well as physical and engineering applications of AI. The program is designed to prepare experts who can keep the AI momentum going with new and robust technical innovations.  

The program embodies rigorous foundational AI and engineering and computing hardware and systems knowledge. The curriculum comprises core courses that can be taken by graduate students from physical science and engineering disciplines, then branches out into specialization tracks, including AI computing and systems, smart grids and sustainable AI, and cloud/edge intelligence and security.

Identical to ECE programs: MS Electrical Engineering and MS Computer Engineering

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

Thesis option—30 credits, including 12 credits in core courses, 12 credits in one focus area, and 6 credits in thesis.  

Non-thesis option—30 credits, including 12 credits in core courses, 12 credits in one focus area, and 6 credits in elective courses.

Colloquium requirements

In addition to required coursework, students must attend five in-person, non-credit bearing colloquia as part of their program of study. At least two of the required five must be attended in the first two semesters. Each colloquium attended is verified by a faculty member in attendance. Upon the attendance of five colloquia, the student must submit to the department the colloquium attendance form signed by the faculty advisor prior to applying for graduation.

Core courses
For courses (12 credits) selected from the following:
ECE 6005Computer Architecture and Design
ECE 6105Introduction to High-Performance Computing
ECE 6210Machine Intelligence
ECE 6850Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning
ECE 6882Reinforcement Learning
Focus area requirement
Completion of all four courses (12 credits) in any one of the following focus areas:
AI computing and systems focus area:
ECE 6125Parallel Computer Architecture
ECE 6130Big Data and Cloud Computing
ECE 6150Design of Interconnection Networks for Parallel Computer Architectures
ECE 6217Neural Networks and Hardware Implementations
Smart grids and sustainable AI focus area:
ECE 6070Electrical Power Systems
ECE 6669Smart Power Grids
ECE 6690Power Systems Economics
ECE 6699Energy and Sustainability
Cloud/edge intelligence and security focus area:
ECE 6035Introduction to Computer Networks
ECE 6130Big Data and Cloud Computing
ECE 6160Secure Computing Systems
ECE 6565Network Security
Thesis option
6 credits taken in the following courses:
ECE 6998Thesis Research I
ECE 6999Thesis Research II
Non-thesis option
Two graduate elective courses (6 credits), which can be a combination of courses in any SEAS department(s), including ECE, and/or any other department(s) of the University, subject to the approval of the advisor.
The following is a list of recommended elective courses organized by focus area:
AI computing and systems courses:
ECE 6015Stochastic Processes in Engineering
ECE 6030Device Electronics
ECE 6120Advanced Microarchitecture
ECE 6160Secure Computing Systems
ECE 6213Design of VLSI Circuits
ECE 6214High-Level VLSI Design Methodology
ECE 6245Microfabrication and Nanofabrication Technology
ECE 6250ASIC Design and Testing of VLSI Circuits
ECE 6565Network Security
ECE 8150Advanced Topics in Computer Architecture
Smart grids and sustainable AI courses:
ECE 6010Linear Systems Theory
ECE 6015Stochastic Processes in Engineering
ECE 6660Electric Power Generation
ECE 6610Electrical Energy Conversion
ECE 6662Power Electronics
ECE 6666Power System Transmission, Control, and Security
ECE 6667Nuclear Power Generation
ECE 6668Power Distribution Grids
ECE 6670Power System Protection
ECE 6691Power Systems Reliability
Cloud/edge intelligence and security courses:
ECE 6015Stochastic Processes in Engineering
ECE 6132Secure Cloud Computing
ECE 6134Cloud Computing and Security
ECE 6150Design of Interconnection Networks for Parallel Computer Architectures
ECE 8150Advanced Topics in Computer Architecture
Other recommended ECE courses:
ECE 6800Computational Techniques in Electrical Engineering
ECE 6810Speech and Audio Processing by Computer
ECE 6815Multimedia Processing
ECE 6845Image Synthesis
ECE 6880Adaptive Signal Processing
Recommended courses outside of ECE:
BME 6489Telemedical Robotics and Machine Learning
CSCI 6511Artificial Intelligence
CSCI 6525Autonomous Robotics: Manipulation
EMSE 6701Operations Research Methods
EMSE 6710Optimization Models and Algorithms
MAE 6245Robotic Systems