The degree is intended for students who want to get broader knowledge in ECE. The MS degree students have three study options: 1) course only: take ten courses beyond their BS degree and pass a Master Comprehensive Exam, 2) project: take nine courses beyond the BS degree and do a master project with an ECE faculty mentor, and 3) thesis: take eight courses beyond the BS degree and do a master thesis with an ECE faculty advisor. The MS thesis option is intended for students who want the opportunity to develop research expertise in a specific ECE area. For this option, students must do research under direct advising by an ECE faculty member in their chosen area of specialization, write and defend an original thesis.