Electrical engineering is the discipline that applies principles of electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism to design, develop, and optimize devices, systems, and technologies that power modern society. It encompasses diverse areas including power systems, electronics, communications, computing, controls, and emerging fields like quantum computing and photonics, addressing challenges in energy, healthcare, defense, computing, and countless other sectors.

Quantum, Electronics, and Photonics (QEP) 
This focus area centers on quantum, electronic, and photonic fundamentals and technologies. There is currently a strong need for more skilled workers in each of these three target areas, and the rapid pace of technological advancement in these industries necessitates further education and skill development to stay competitive. Emerging technologies such as quantum computing, semiconductor devices, and photonic integrated circuits are reshaping industries and opening new frontiers in applying physics principles to benefit humanity. The QEP thrust will provide a comprehensive understanding of quantum mechanics, the design and operation of electronic devices, and the principles of photonics—all of which are critical for the future of technology in communication, computing, energy systems, defense, and healthcare.

Signals and Computing Systems (SCS)
This focus area centers on signals and computing systems, which sits at the intersection of computing, signals and information processing, controls, networking, communications, and the hardware/software interface. This thrust has a strong dependence on optimization, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This SCS focus area interfaces with nearly all areas of technology development and is an area of ongoing growth and demand for trained engineers.

No undergraduate major is specified for admission. Applicants must have completed at least 24 credit hours in science and engineering (3.0 GPA or higher). Adequate background coursework in mathematics, physical science, computer science, and core aspects of electrical engineering is required. For example, for students interested in the QEP focus area, courses in modern physics, optics, or electromagnetic theory are appropriate, along with at least four semesters of math and at least one undergraduate electrical engineering course (such as circuits or electronics). For the SCS focus area, courses demonstrating programming proficiency are required, in areas such as algorithms and systems, along with at least four semesters of math (discrete math preferred) and one electrical engineering course (such as digital logic or signals & systems). Provisional admission with required remedial coursework is possible. Students who have not taken the appropriate introductory coursework will be allowed to take such courses at Tulane without credit towards the graduate degree to make up for this deficiency. Applicants may also demonstrate proficiency in the introductory material by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in electrical and computer engineering. Students must submit a transcript, a personal statement (which should include a statement about which EE area they would like to focus on), at least one letter of recommendation, and proof of proficiency in English (undergraduate degree from a program in which English was the language of instruction, or TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent standardized score). Applicants should select “Quantum, Electronics, and Photonics Focus Area”, “Signals and Computing Systems Focus Area”, or “Custom Focus Area” in Slate at the time of application.

Students admitted to graduate programs are admitted specifically into either the terminal MS or a PhD program. A student admitted to the EE MS program should not assume admission to a PhD program. A separate application is required for admission to any PhD program for a student to be eligible to work toward the PhD degree. If accepted, coursework from the Master’s program can be applied towards the PhD degree, subject to approval by the department overseeing the PhD.

We accept students from many foreign countries, including China and India.

The GRE General Exam is required for all applicants. The GRE Physics subject exam is strongly recommended, but not required, for applicants to the Physics Ph.D. Program. The TOEFL exam is required for all applicants who are non-native English speakers.

We have no minimum required GRE scores. We do have a minimum TOEFL score of 80. The test scores are used, along with other indicators such as GPA and recommendation letters, to make relative comparisons of applicants. We look for a complete picture in the application to find the students who we think will fit in best in our department. Test scores are just one part of that picture.

Every applicant is automatically considered for a TA, RA, or fellowship. Most admitted students are offered a TA position. Fellowships are available for exceptional applicants in the Physics program. RA positions may also be available in some research groups.

We usually receive over 100 qualified applications. Approximately 20% are offered admission.

Our staff is not able to provide individual advice or review your qualifications, other than through the admissions process. We encourage you to submit an application and assure you that every application will receive full consideration in due time.

We can accept unofficial TOEFL and GRE scores, such as photocopies of ETS score reports, at the time of your application. We will use the unofficial scores to make the admission decisions. However, if you are admitted and decide to enroll at Tulane, you will need to submit the official ETS scores.

All graduate students are required to carry health insurance, either through the Tulane plan or privately. In the Tulane plan, the student is responsible for paying a 50% portion of their health insurance, which is about $669 per semester. The School of Science and Engineering subsidizes the other 50% of the health insurance premium.

Please see the Research section of our website for a description of the research groups in our department.

Graduate students in the department receive financial assistance through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, tuition scholarships, University loans, and Louisiana Board of Regents Fellowships.

Research assistantships are provided by a student's faculty research advisor and are available at the advisor's discretion. Stipend amounts and durations are decided by the advisor, although the research assistantship is normally accompanied by a tuition waiver.

A small number of summer teaching assistantships are normally available, and are usually reserved for students with special circumstances.