Professor and Ex-Graduate Program Director
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

As the graduate program coordinator in Electrical and Computer Engineering, I am often asked the question of why one should consider graduate school. Afterall, I am often told, with a bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, jobs are plentiful and the starting salaries attractive. Yet the reasons for considering an advanced degree go way beyond these considerations of instant job gratification and income. There are numerous reasons why a graduate degree should be considered.

A graduate degree opens doors that are not otherwise accessible. These opportunities include research positions at major high-tech corporations and national laboratories, as well as teaching and research positions in academia. Moreover, a career at this level brings an enormous amount of prestige and self-satisfaction. You will put yourself into a position of respect; you will be able to explore your own ideas and fully utilize your creativity. A graduate degree will allow you to expand your knowledge. You will acquire new skills in analysis and problem solving creating challenging opportunities for a full, rewarding career.

So, what talents are needed to succeed in a graduate program? First and foremost is a desire to learn. For many, this is merely natural curiosity and a desire to advance the state-of-the-art. Others may be motivated by the enhanced independence that an advanced degree brings and the challenge of placing oneself at the forefront of technology. Some are motivated by the desire to teach at the university level.

Why should you consider the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan State University for your advanced degree? Our graduate program is built on the quality of our research faculty and the quality of their research. We have programs in the major electrical and computer engineering disciplines that will fit your needs. We have top-notch laboratory facilities, many of which are world leaders in their respective fields. A graduate degree at MSU will enable you to develop the intellectual skills you need to compete among the best engineers in the world and you will receive world-class training preparing you for a fulfilling career in industry, research, or teaching.

Alumni Testimonials:

Hossein Mousavinezhad, Ph.D., IEEE Senior Member & Professor and Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western Michigan University
Gregg A. Motter, Development Scientist, The Dow Chemical Company
Brian M. Kent, Ph.D., Research Fellow, Air Force Research Laboratory