Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Applications are currently open for Spring II, Summer, and Fall I start dates. For specific deadlines and start dates, please refer to the academic calendar below.

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

The Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is designed for engineers and technical professionals seeking to deepen their expertise without pausing their careers. Delivered fully online, the program builds advanced knowledge across key areas of electrical engineering and prepares graduates to address complex engineering challenges in technology-driven industries. Students gain rigorous, graduate-level instruction from expert faculty while developing the technical depth needed for advanced roles in industry, government, research, or further academic study.

Download the Program Flyer (PDF)

Program Overview

Through graduate-level coursework, students develop advanced technical expertise grounded in core electrical engineering principles and emerging technologies. The curriculum emphasizes analytical problem-solving, system design, and applied engineering skills aligned with high-growth areas of the field.

Taught by expert faculty, the program prepares graduates to contribute to technology-driven innovation, advance in specialized technical roles, and pursue opportunities in industry, government, or research environments. The degree also provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in doctoral study or academic research in electrical engineering or related disciplines.

This program is designed for advanced technical specialization and does not prepare graduates for professional engineering licensure on its own.

How Much Does This Degree Cost?

Tuition for the online Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is $1,200 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. With 30 total credit hours, the estimated total tuition cost is $36,000, billed per semester based on enrolled courses.

A $495 non-refundable tuition deposit is required upon admission and is applied toward first-semester tuition. The program includes no additional fees, and required eBooks and software are provided at no extra cost. Student veterans, military personnel, and eligible dependents are encouraged to inquire about available military education benefits.

How Long Does the Program Take, and How Is It Delivered?

The online Master’s in Electrical Engineering can be completed in as little as one year for full-time students, with part-time options available. Courses are delivered fully remote and combine live, scheduled instruction with asynchronous coursework.

Quick facts (bulleted list):

• Format: 100% online
• Class schedule: One evening per week (Monday-Thursday), 6:30-9:50 p.m. ET
• Session length: Nine-week sessions
• Enrollment structure: Students enroll in four nine-week sessions, with an optional fifth summer session
• Start options: Up to five start terms per year

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum consists of 10 courses (30 total credit hours) designed to build advanced technical expertise across core areas of electrical engineering. Courses combine synchronous and asynchronous learning, providing live instruction alongside flexible coursework focused on analysis, system design, and applied electrical engineering practice.

Focus Areas Include

• Power systems and energy
• Signal processing
• Electromagnetics
• Photonics
• Renewable energy
• Emerging technologies

Learn more about the courses

ECE 6045 Special Topics: Foundations of Electrical Engineering: Circuit elements and circuit analysis techniques. Circuit theorems for performing such fundamental computations for electrical engineering as sinusoidal steady-state analysis and maximum power or power dissipation calculations. Hands-on experience with CAD tools for designing circuits. (3 credit hours)

ECE 6045 Special Topics: Power System Harmonics and EMI: Power quality in electrical systems, including classification of power quality phenomena, sources of harmonics, impacts of harmonic distortions on magnetic circuit devices, remediation techniques, standard practices and recommended guidelines for systems integration, computation of aging and 
derating factors in the presence of harmonics, simulation and analytical tools. (3 credit hours)

ECE 6070 Electrical Power Systems: AC power grids, transmission line parameters, load flow, economic dispatch voltage, frequency, and power flow control. Voltage, current, and power limitations. Fault analysis and stability considerations. Effect of independent power producers and variable energy sources and energy storage. (3 credit hours)

ECE 6210 Machine Intelligence: Machine learning theory; classification and linear models; perceptron model; artificial neural networks; training, inference, software, programming; vector matrix multiplications; design vectors of AI system and performance; AI applications. Prerequisites: Undergraduate-level knowledge in electrical and/or computer engineering or computer science. (3 credit hours)

ECE 6610 Electrical Energy Conversion: Three-phase and single-phase AC rotating machines and transformers, DC machines, rotating machines as circuit elements, power semiconductor converters. Renewable generation, utility grid integration, smart grid applications. (3 credit hours)

ECE 6662 Power Electronics: The application of electronics to energy conversion. Principles of operation, analysis, and control of circuits including solid-state electronic switches. Methods of solving power electronic circuits and finding the steady-state values of important quantities. Deriving the linear model of the studied power electronic circuits and designing controllers for these devices. A general knowledge of electric circuits and linear control theory is required. (3 credit hours)

ECE 6667 Nuclear Power Generation: Review of nuclear reactor engineering, traditional and developing reactor design, issues regarding the safe operation of nuclear plant, control and regulatory aspects of nuclear power generation.  (3 credit hours)

ECE 6669 Smart Power Grids: Overview of probability theory. Overview of basic power market reliability modeling and evaluation. Generation supply reliability techniques, modeling and evaluation. Reliability of transmission system and delivery of supply. Loss of load probability evaluation. Forced and maintenance outages and impact on system reliability. Load forecasting and probability of interconnected systems. Risk evaluation in power system operation. Operating reserve techniques and indices. Distribution system reliability including substations. Composite system reliability modeling. Reliability worth and value. (3 credit hours)

ECE 6670 Power System Protection: Protection philosophy in power systems; protection systems and approaches; reliability and security of protection systems; protection of generators, transformers, motors, and transmission lines; protection requirements of distributed energy sources.  (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6820 Program and Project Management: Problems in managing projects; project management as planning, organizing, directing, and monitoring; project and corporate organizations; duties and responsibilities; the project plan; schedule, cost, earned- value and situation analysis; leadership; team building; conflict management; meetings, presentations, and proposals. (3 credit hours)

Academic Calendar

Session	Dates	Application Deadlines
Summer 2026	week of 6/1/26 – week of 6/29/26	5/16/2026
Fall-1 2026	week of 8/31/26 – week of 10/19/26	8/15/2026
Fall-2 2026	week of 10/26/26 – week of 12/14/26	10/15/2026
Spring-1 2027	week of 1/11/27 – week of 3/16/27	12/7/2026
Spring-2 2027	week of 3/22/27 – week of 5/10/27	3/1/2027

The course order is determined by academic advisors based on student progress. Course details are provided through Blackboard approximately one month before classes begin.

What Can You Do With a Masters in Electrical Engineering?

Graduates of the online Master’s in Electrical Engineering are prepared for advanced technical and engineering roles that focus on designing, analyzing, and improving complex electrical systems. The degree supports career advancement for professionals seeking deeper specialization, greater technical responsibility, and opportunities to contribute to innovation across engineering-driven industries.

Admissions Requirements

Who Should Apply

The online Master’s in Electrical Engineering is designed for applicants with a strong academic background in engineering or related technical disciplines who are prepared for advanced, graduate-level study.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, information technology, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still apply and will be considered through a holistic review of application materials.)
• Applicants outside the United States should review international admissions requirements for additional criteria

Application Materials

There is no application fee for GW’s online engineering programs.

A complete application includes:

• Resume or CV
• Statement of Purpose (250 words or fewer) outlining academic goals, research interests, and relevant experience
• Official transcripts from all institutions where a degree was earned
• Two letters of recommendation, including at least one professional reference
• GRE scores (optional), which may be submitted if available to strengthen the application

After You Apply

Applicants are expected to remain engaged throughout the admissions process. You will receive email updates as your application is reviewed, and timely responses to requests for materials are required to keep your application moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a master’s degree in electrical engineering differ from a professional engineering (PE) licensure path?

A master’s degree in electrical engineering is designed to deepen technical expertise, support advanced specialization, and prepare professionals for roles in industry, research, or further academic study. While the program emphasizes advanced engineering knowledge and applied problem-solving, it does not, on its own, lead to professional engineering (PE) licensure. Students interested in licensure should review state-specific requirements and pathways separately.

Do I need an engineering degree to apply?

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical field. Candidates with other quantitative or technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on academic preparation and professional experience.

Is the GRE required?

No. The GRE is not required for admission to the online Master’s in Electrical Engineering.

Can I work full time while enrolled?

Yes. The program is designed for working professionals. Courses are delivered online with one scheduled evening class per week, allowing students to balance coursework with full-time employment.

Are international applicants eligible?

Yes. International applicants are welcome to apply. Additional documentation, including proof of English language proficiency, may be required depending on prior education and background.

Ready to Take the Next Step?