The MS in Electrical Engineering at Northwestern is designed for those ready to shape the next era of technological innovation. This is not just a degree — it’s a launchpad for engineers who want to transform what’s possible.
In a world defined by rapid advances in AI, quantum systems, photonics, and ultrahighspeed connectivity, electrical engineering is the foundation. This is the discipline that powers leading tech sectors, including nextgeneration semiconductors, wireless networks, energy systems, sensing technologies, and intelligent hardware.
You’ll work alongside world-renowned faculty and tackle real-world research projects, pushing the frontiers of quantum devices, nanoelectronics, photonic computing, signal processing, and integrated circuits. With a curriculum that spans fundamental science and cutting-edge application, you’ll gain the depth, agility, and vision to engineer systems that are fast, efficient, scalable — and built for what comes next.
Graduates leave not just with a credential, but with the mindset, experience, and vision to lead in a world that demands technical depth, crossdomain fluency, and bold thinking.
The basics at-a-glance
Earn your degree in 9-15 months by completing at least 12 credits according to one of the following plans:
9 courses + thesis
Join a deep, research-driven experience under the guidance of world-renowned faculty. You’ll complete advanced coursework and develop a thesis featuring original research contributions — solving real-world challenges and preparing for PhD programs or high-impact innovation roles.
9 courses + applied research project
Combine cutting-edge coursework with a hands-on research project guided by top-tier faculty. You’ll deliver a professional report grounded in advanced techniques or theory, with results applicable to real-world engineering and technology domains.
12 advanced courses
Customize your path with 12 rigorous graduate courses in electrical engineering and adjacent areas of interest. Ideal for professionals looking to deepen technical expertise across computer engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science —with access to faculty shaping the future of tech.
Students can choose from the following specializations, or create a custom program to gain exposure in any number of areas of interest.
Round out your expertise through research experience and complementary minors
With a culture of collaboration and a commitment to excellence, our faculty members and students are shaping the future of electronics, computing, and intelligent systems. As a top-tier research department within a world-renowned institution, we turn bold ideas into real-world impact — from deep theory to transformative technologies.
Our research ecosystem spans three core divisions:
Gain the skills to launch startups, lead high-impact teams, and develop complex solutions that advance your career. Complement your MS by adding a minor to build leadership, deepen technical expertise, and gain the strategic edge that sets you apart in today’s competitive landscape.
Situated along the lake, 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Northwestern’s unique location offers unsurpassed access to research partnerships and networking opportunities with neighbors such as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, Ford, Motorola, Nokia, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Sandia National Labs. The department also has robust connections with Northwestern's other schools, including Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, and local hospitals, such as Northwestern Medicine, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Where do we go from here?
Professional development is integrated throughout your experience —with weekly tech seminars, industry-leading guest speakers, monthly networking events, company showcases, career fairs, and full access to Northwestern’s comprehensive career support and placement resources.
Graduates of Northwestern’s master of science in electrical engineering drive innovation through breakthroughs in AI, quantum systems, aerospace, renewable energy, and beyond. Many continue on to pursue PhDs, while others shape the future at top companies, national labs, and cutting-edge startups—taking on high-impact roles that demand deep expertise, bold thinking, and the ability to turn ideas into real-world change.
In addition, our career advisers in Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement assist students with career development and placement.
72% work in fields such as design and management; micro-electronics and semiconductors; application specific hardware and software systems; and computer-aided design tools for digital, aerospace, defense, and networked systems.
28% pursue a PhD at prestigious universities throughout the world.
Where our alumni work in industry
Request a customized program guide about the master of science in electrical engineering.
