University of Delaware

Also known as UD, the University of Delaware is the largest university in the state. With a main campus in Newark, the school also operates satellite campuses in Georgetown, Lewes, Wilmington and Dover. The University of Delaware educates more than 4,500 graduate students and 18,500 undergraduate students. It is classified as a "very high research activity" university, and the school offers highly ranked degree programs in biochemistry, chemistry, biomolecular and chemical engineering, history, agriculture, engineering, business and science, to name a few. The University of Delaware is also one of only four schools in the country to offer a major in art conservation, and in 1923, it became the first U.S. college to provide opportunities for students to study abroad. The University of Delaware grew from a school that was founded in 1743, making it one of the oldest in the country, although it was only chartered in 1833. Its first class of 10 students included James Smith, Thomas McKean and George Read — all three of whom would eventually sign the Declaration of Independence.

University of Delaware Accreditation Details

The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Accreditation ensures that the programs and degrees offered by the school meet or exceed the high standards set forth by the accrediting body.

University of Delaware Application Requirements

In order to be accepted into the online MSECE, students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution. They must have maintained a GPA of 3.0 and earned an undergraduate degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or related disciplines. The school also requires three letters of recommendation, two reference letters, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Some students may need to complete the GRE, although waivers may be available for those who qualify.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The online MSECE degree costs $1,999 per credit hour. With 30 credits required for the degree program, students can expect to pay a total tuition of $35,970. In order to determine eligibility for financial aid, students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may be entitled to loans, scholarships, grants and work-study programs. In addition, veterans, active military members and their dependents may be eligible for military education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill and vocational rehabilitation.

Online Master's in Computer Engineering Degree Available

The University of Delaware's engineering program was ranked 10th in the country by The Princeton Review in 2006. The graduate engineering program was ranked 45th in 2010 and 56th in 2012 by U.S. News & World Report. Most recently, USNWR ranked the graduate engineering program 48th in the U.S. The College of Engineering houses six academic departments and offers three degree programs that are focused on challenges associated with the environment, healthcare, energy and sustainability.

The University of Delaware offers an online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE) degree for students seeking to further their careers. The program is designed to build students' expertise in data science, engineering and math. It prepares students to develop sophisticated communications and data solutions for today's rapidly growing industries. The online MSECE does not require students to participate in any on-campus residencies or activities, although students are welcome to attend any on-campus events of interest, including recruiting opportunities and career fairs.

The degree is intended for professionals who hold prior degrees in mathematics, computer science or mechanical, computer, or electrical engineering. The online degree furthers students' skills and understanding in data science, math and engineering. With an equal focus on cybersecurity, data analytics, communication networks, information processing and signal processing, the MSECE degree uses hands-on skill-building and foundational theory to challenge students to develop efficient algorithms and implement functional protocols for organizations.

The program is developed by a faculty with diverse research and corporate backgrounds, and students can complete the flexible online degree in as few as two years. Within the 30-credit program, students will learn to strengthen their expertise in efficient algorithm design, learn to lead the development of wireless communications, better understand the essentials of cybersecurity and apply advanced engineering training in communications and signal processing protocols. Graduates also gain insights from world-class faculty about the biggest communications and data issues faced by today's organizations.

The curriculum consists of core courses in signals and systems, mathematical methods for signal processing, computer networks, modern machine learning, digital communication and digital signal processing. Students will also receive an introduction to cybersecurity and investigate applied cryptography, search and data mining and smart grid technologies. The online computer and electrical engineering courses last seven weeks, and UDel offers multiple start dates throughout the year.

The online degree brings together discovery-based learning, expert faculty and the flexible access that only distance education can offer. For working professionals, obtaining an online degree is the best way to advance their skills with a graduate degree program while continuing to maintain a busy life and career. The University of Delaware's online platform promotes active, collaborative and interactive learning through interactive assignments, on-demand video resources, learning communities, student support resources and application. Students who earn the online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering gain similar benefits as students who pursue the same on-campus degree. Online students also have the option to participate in the school's graduation ceremony.

Related Resource: 30 Best Online Master's in Industrial or Systems Engineering Degrees

After graduating from University of Delaware's online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree, students are prepared to fill a variety of critical roles. Career opportunities include a cybersecurity specialist, design or computer engineer, information security analyst, network systems administrator, R&D engineer, information security analyst and an electrical, software or hardware engineer.

The electrical and computer engineering department at the University of Delaware is one of the most innovative and oldest of its kind in the country. This has helped the school to establish vital research partnerships with employers in some of today's fastest-growing fields, including technology, finance, telecommunications, government and aerospace. These companies, which fuel employment demand, acknowledge the importance of advanced specialists who are both motivated leaders and complex problem-solvers. Students who are pursuing a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Delaware may benefit from these partnerships and hands-on learning experiences as they enter the career force for the first time or move to completely switch professional fields.