Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the two master’s programs?
The primary difference is that the PMP has a professional vs. research focus. Students in our program tend to go on to careers in industry vs. further graduate study/ careers in academia. The PMP offers both full-time and part-time options with greater flexibility than our daytime program. Additionally, our courses are offered in the evening vs. during the day. This allows our part-time students to continue with their careers and our full-time students to pursue internship opportunities during the day.
Does this lead to the same degree?
Yes, our program leads to the same Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) degree.
Is the curriculum the same?
About 25% of our coursework is also offered in the daytime master’s program. These tend to be classes in the classic EE disciplines such as Digital Signal Processing and Linear Systems Theory. The remaining coursework has been developed specifically for PMP with a focus on industry trends. These classes include subjects such as The Self-Driving Car: Intro to AI for Mobile Robots, Software Engineering for Embedded Applications, TinyML, Deep Learning for Big Visual Data, and Quantum Computing and Quantum Mechanics for Engineers. Please also view our PMP Basics section.
Are the courses taught by UWECE faculty?
Yes, our courses are taught by a mix of UWECE tenure-track faculty and industry leaders. Our industry lecturers are some of our most popular instructors since they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience into the classroom!
Can I still complete research? What about a thesis?
The PMP is a coursework-only degree and students do not complete a thesis. Our students are able to join research labs and receive research credit through EE P 599 (independent study). We allow up to 8 credits of EE P 599 to count towards the MSEE degree.
Check out this profile of one PMP’s students experience with research!
I want to get a PhD. Is this the right program for me?
Research is a critical component in PhD admissions, and so our coursework-only program is not the best fit for students who want to pursue further graduate study in a PhD program. However, some PMP students have gone on to PhD programs after obtaining research experience through EE P 599 credits. Remember that our PMP does lead to the same MSEE degree as our daytime program.
Can I transfer to the daytime program?
No, there is no transfer mechanism between programs. Students in the PMP who wish to be in the daytime master’s program must apply separately (and vice versa).
Can I appeal the admissions decision or be placed on a waitlist?
Unfortunately all decisions for the daytime master’s are final and there is no waitlist. We are happy to provide you with another pathway to an MSEE from UWECE and we hope you will find the PMP to be a good fit!
Can I take courses in other fields or courses in the daytime program?
Yes, we do allow 12 credits (3 classes) from outside PMP. This can be from our daytime master’s program or from a related field outside of the ECE department.
Will employers care if I receive my MSEE through the daytime program vs. PMP?
You receive the same MSEE degree without any additional notation of daytime or PMP. If anything, employers are likely to respond favorably to the industry-focused coursework and topics that are taught in the PMP!
Can I access the same resources as the daytime program students?
Yes, as an enrolled UW student, you have access to all the same resources as any other student on campus.
Since the classes are in the evening, what do I do during the day if I’m a full-time student?
There are lots of options! You can work on campus, join a research lab for 599 credits, participate in one of the over 800 student organizations, or even complete an internship during the day. We also have career development and social activities planned during the day.
Are there TA/RA opportunities?
The majority of TA/ RA positions are given to our PhD students who are on guaranteed funding offers. As such, the majority of our master’s students (in both programs) are self-funded.
How much does it cost compared to the daytime program?
The PMP is a self-sustaining program and all students (in state/ out of state/ international) pay the same tuition rate. The 23-24 tuition rate is $1064 per credit. Please also view the Costs and Finances section.
Can I defer my admissions offer to a future term?
Yes, we offer a one time admissions deferral, allowing you to move your admission from Fall 2024 to Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025. Your enrollment Confirmation Deposit will be moved to a future quarter as well.
F1 visa international student considerations
Am I eligible for CPT and OPT with the PMP?
Yes, PMP students are eligible for the same CPT and OPT opportunities as our daytime master’s students.
Is this a STEM program? Will I be eligible for the STEM extension?
Yes, in addition to the 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT), F1 students are eligible for the 24 month STEM OPT extension, allowing you to gain valuable work experience in the US after graduation!