Graduate

Guidelines
Department of
Electrical and Computer Engineering

Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Revised 8/14/18
 Graduate Guidelines

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Florida
P. O. Box 116200
Gainesville, FL 32611

Revised Fall 2018

Department Administration: For Information:

John Harris Graduate Advisor

Department Chair Student Services Office
230 Larsen Hall
Robert M. Fox P.O. Box 116200
Associate Chair for Academics University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611
John M. Shea (352) 392‐9758
Graduate Coordinator Email: [email protected]
439 NEB
(352) 505‐0740
Email: [email protected]

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 Table of Contents

I. Graduate Faculty and Research Areas ............................................................................................ 5

1. Computer Engineering ................................................................................................................ 5
2. Devices ........................................................................................................................................ 7
3. Electromagnetics and Electric Energy Systems .......................................................................... 8
4. Electronics................................................................................................................................... 9
5. Signals & Systems .................................................................................................................... 11
II. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 13
1. General Degree Requirements .................................................................................................. 13
2. Articulation Requirements ........................................................................................................ 15
III. Master’s Degree - Thesis Option .............................................................................................. 16
1. Course Requirements ................................................................................................................ 16
2. Appointment of Supervisory Committee .................................................................................. 17
3. Submission of Master’s Thesis ................................................................................................. 17
4. Final Examination Procedures .................................................................................................. 17
5. Checklist for Thesis Option ...................................................................................................... 18
IV. Master’s Degree - Non-thesis Option ....................................................................................... 19
1. Course Requirements ................................................................................................................ 19
2. Final Examination Procedures - Master of Science only .......................................................... 20
3. Checklist for Non-thesis Option ............................................................................................... 21
V. Doctor of Philosophy Degree .................................................................................................... 22
1. Course Requirements and Period of Concentrated Study ......................................................... 25
2. Ph.D. Faculty Advisor............................................................................................................... 26
3. Individual Development Plan…………………………………………………………………26
4. Appointment of Supervisory Committee .................................................................................. 26
5. Leave of Absence Policy .......................................................................................................... 26
6. Official Minor ........................................................................................................................... 27
7. Written Qualifying Exam .......................................................................................................... 27
8. Oral Qualifying Exam ............................................................................................................... 28
9. Status Meeting with Supervisory Committee ........................................................................... 29
10. Final Examination and Submission of Dissertation .................................................................. 29
11. Checklist for Ph.D. Degree ....................................................................................................... 31
VI. Certificates ................................................................................................................................ 33
1. Microsystem Technology Certification Program...................................................................... 33
2. Hardware and Systems Security Certificate…………………………………………………..33
VII. Administrative Procedures ........................................................................................................ 35
1. Graduate Bulletin Boards .......................................................................................................... 35
2. Degree Audits ........................................................................................................................... 35
3. Gatorlink Email Accounts ......................................................................................................... 35
4. Registration ............................................................................................................................... 35
5. Add/Drop Policy ....................................................................................................................... 36
6. GPA and Probation Policies. ..................................................................................................... 36
7. Transfer of Credits .................................................................................................................... 37
8. Internship Policy ....................................................................................................................... 37
9. Financial Aid ............................................................................................................................. 38
10. Tuition Waivers ........................................................................................................................ 39

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 11. No Assistantships While on Internship ................................................................................. 39
12. Readmission Procedures ....................................................................................................... 39
VIII. Format of Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Exam Proposal ..................................................................... 40
X. Graduate Course Descriptions .................................................................................................. 41
XI. Graduate Research Division Flow Charts ................................................................................. 42
a. Computer Engineering ........................................................................................................ 43
b. Devices ................................................................................................................................ 44
c. Electromagnetics & Energy Systems .................................................................................. 45
d. Electronics........................................................................................................................... 46
e. Signals & Systems .............................................................................................................. 47

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 I. Graduate Faculty and Research Areas

1. Computer Engineering

Daniela Oliveira – Area Chair

This division focuses on theoretical and applied research by which next‐generation computing and
communications systems are designed, developed, and exploited. Research fields include high‐performance
computer architectures, computer networks, wireless networks, mobile computing, social networks and
computing, privacy and security, parallel and distributed systems, reconfigurable systems, fault‐tolerant
computing, real time and embedded systems, and intelligent systems.

Swarup Bhunia
Ph.D., Purdue University, 2005. Hardware security, design, test and validation for secure systems,
adaptive nanocomputing, energy‐efficient electronics, design of bioimplantable and wearable
microsystems.

Yuguang (Michael) Fang

Ph.D., Boston University, 1997. Wireless networks and mobile communications; personal
communication services (PCS).

Renato Figueiredo
Ph.D., Purdue University, 2001. Computer architecture, network computing, distributed systems.

Domenic Forte
Ph.D., University of Maryland, 2013. Hardware security and trust, biometrics, reverse and anti‐
reverse engineering of electronics, nanoscale integration challenges, and digital VLSI/CAD.

Jose A. B. Fortes
BellSouth Eminent Scholar Chair; Ph.D., University of Southern California, 1984. Network computing,
advanced computing architecture, biologically inspired nanocomputing, distributed information
processing systems.

Ann Gordon‐Ross
Ph.D., University of California‐ Riverside, 2007. Low‐power design, reconfigurable computing,
platform design, dynamic optimizations, hardware design, real‐time systems, and multi‐core
platforms.

Yier Jin
PhD., Yale University, 2012. Cybersecurity, IoT and CPS, hardware security, formal verification,
microarchitecture.

Sanjeev Koppal
Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, 2009. Computer Vision, Computational Photography, Sensors,
Optics, Image/Video Processing.

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 Herman Lam
Ph.D., University of Florida, 1979. Computer engineering, database management and computer
architecture.

Haniph A. Latchman
Ph.D., Oxford University, 1986. Mathematical systems theory, control systems, communication
theory, data communication networks, multimedia information systems.

Tao Li
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 2004. Computer and digital system architecture; interaction of
computer architecture, emerging applications, operating systems, programming language features,
managed run‐time environments; modeling, simulation and evaluation of computer systems.

Xiaolin (Andy) Li
Ph.D., Rutgers University, 2005. Parallel and Distributed Systems (PDS) and Cyber‐Physical Systems
(CPS), focusing on design of scalable algorithms and software systems to enable large‐scale
applications.

Janise McNair
Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2000. Wireless and mobile networking, next generation
wireless systems, medium access control protocols.

Sean Meyn
Pittman Eminent Scholar Chair; Ph.D., McGill University, 1987. Markov processes (with or without
control), spectral theory and large deviations; Stochastic approximation, reinforcement learning and
simulation; Detection and inference; Networked systems: control, visualization, and performance;
Economics with applications to energy markets.

Kamran Mohseni
W.P. Bushnell Endowed Professor; Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, 2000. Aerial and
underwater vehicle control, autonomous systems, cooperative control, mobile wireless sensor
networks, and microfluidic devices.

Daniela Oliveira
Ph.D., University of California‐ Davis, 2010. Cross‐layered and human‐centric computer security,
operating systems and software vulnerability analysis.

Sandip Ray
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin; 2005. Trustworthy computing; security architecture, synthesis
and validation; hardware/firmware/software codesign; design-for-resilience techniques for
hardware/software systems; and post-silicon readiness and validation streamlining for System-on-
Chip designs.

Greg Stitt
Ph.D., University of California‐ Riverside, 2007. Embedded systems with an emphasis in synthesis,
compilers, reconfigurable computing, hardware/software co‐design, low power‐design, system‐on‐
chip multi‐core architectures, real‐time systems, and run‐time optimizations.

Mark M. Tehranipoor
Ph.D., University of Texas at Dallas, 2004. Hardware security and trust, supply chain security, and
reliable and testable circuit design at nanoscale.

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 Dapeng Wu
Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, 2003. Wireless communications, video coding, multimedia
communication, computer and communication networks, information and network security,
pervasive and mobile computing, information and communication theory, signal processing,
detection and estimation theory.

Tuba Yavuz
Ph.D., University of California‐ Santa Barbara, 2004. Automated verification and analysis, model
checking, and automated model extraction.

2. Devices

Jing Guo – Area Chair

The device division focuses on the behavior, fabrication, and design of devices. These include optoelectronics
(solar cells and detectors), transistors (SiGe, MIS, III‐V), MEM's (mechanical, optical, biological sensors), and
nanodevice concepts (CNT, Graphene, Molecular, Silicon‐based). There is research on both how materials
interact with voltage, current, photons, and radiation as well as the current‐voltage relationship of device
structures.

David P. Arnold
Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004. Design, fabrication, and characterization of magnetic
and electromechanical microsensors/microactuators, as well as miniaturized power and energy
systems.

Navid Asadi Zanjani

Ph.D., University of Connecticut, 2014. Devices, electronics, hardware security, reverse engineering,
3D imaging and image processing, failure analysis and sensors.

Jerry G. Fossum (Emeritus)

Ph.D., University of Arizona, 1971. Semiconductor device theory, modeling, and simulation;
nanoelectronics, integrated circuits (ICs), IC technology computer‐aided design (TCAD); silicon‐on‐
insulator (SOI) and double‐gate (DG) CMOS ICs.

Jing Guo
Ph.D., Purdue University, 2004. Modeling and simulation of nanoelectronic devices, carbon nano
electronics and photonics, physics of nanotransistors, computational nanobiotechnology.

Jack Judy
Intel/Charles E. Young Endowed Chair in Nanotechnology; Ph.D., University of California Berkeley,
1996. Neuroengineering, Micromachining and MEMS technologies, including microsensors,
microactuators, microsystems, and their biomedical applications.

Mark E. Law
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Ph.D., Stanford University, 1988. Design and modeling of IC
fabrication process, computer modeling of semiconductor process and device behavior, numerical
solution of partial differential equations.

Arnost Neugroschel (Emeritus)

Ph.D., Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, 1973. Semiconductor device physics, device
technology and characterization.
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 Toshikazu Nishida
Ph.D., University of Illinois‐Urbana, 1988. Research and development of reliable, high performance,
multi‐functional semiconductor devices and solid‐state physical sensors and actuators for
microsystems employing strained Si, SiGe, GaN, ferroelectrics, and polymers. Applications include
biomedical, energy harvesting, logic, and micro‐electro‐mechanical systems.

Roozbeh Tabrizian
Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2013. Theoretical and experimental investigation of mixed‐
domain micro‐ and nano‐physical devices; micromechanical resonators and resonant‐based sensors;
phonon engineering; as well as development of micro‐ and nano‐fabrication techniques for large‐
scale integration of microsystems.

Scott Thompson
Ph.D., University of Florida, 1992. Solid state electronics and nano technology, new materials and
devices to extend Moore's law. Electrical measurements and modeling of strained Si, Ge, GaN
semiconductors.

Ant Ural
Ph.D., Stanford University, 2001. Carbon nanotubes, semiconductor nanowires, and related
nanostructures. Integration of nanotechnology with silicon microfabrication processes. Molecular
electronics, nanoscale MEMS, and nanobiotechnology.

Huikai Xie
Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, 2002. Semiconductor devices, integrated microsensors and
microactuators, optical MEMS, biosensors, biomedical imaging, fiber optics, micro/nano fabrication
technology, and multi‐domain simulation.

Yong‐Kyu (YK) Yoon

Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004. 3‐D MEMS technology; micromachined metamaterials
for radio frequency and microwave applications; millimeter‐wave antennas and waveguides; lab‐on‐
a‐chip type bio/microfluidic systems; anodized nanoporous membranes and electrospun nanofibers
for its bio/optical applications; microsensors and actuators; electronic and MEMS packaging; and
ferroelectric materials and their RF applications.

Peter Zory (Emeritus)

Ph.D., Carnegie‐Mellon University, 1964. Semiconductor lasers physics and technology.

3. Electromagnetics and Electric Energy Systems

Henry Zmuda – Area Chair

This division spans a wide area of research of electromagnetic fields and their application. It includes
electromagnetic interaction with matter, guided wave devices, fiber optic communications, and photonic
devices and systems. UF is one of the few universities in the world conducting lightning
research. Experiments on lightning physics and lightning protection are performed each summer both on the
UF campus and at Camp Blanding, Florida.

David P. Arnold
Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004. Design, fabrication, and characterization of magnetic

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 and electromechanical microsensors/microactuators, as well as miniaturized power and energy
systems.

Arturo Bretas
Ph.D., Virginia Tech, 2001. Power Systems Protection, Analysis and Restoration; Distribution Systems
Engineering; Distributed and Renewable Generation Insertion Impact on Electric Power Systems;
Power Quality; Power Systems Transients; Distribution Systems Reliability; Power Systems State
Estimation; Smart Grids

Jenshan Lin
Ph.D., University of California‐ Los Angeles, 1994. Microwave/millimeter‐wave electronics and
wireless communication circuits, high speed electronics and broadband communication circuits.

Robert Moore
Ph.D., Stanford University, 2006. Electromagnetic waves, non‐linear energetic interactions in the
ionosphere, remote‐sensing applications of ELF/VLF wave propagation in the Earth‐ionosphere
waveguide.

Vladimir A. Rakov
Ph.D., Tomsk Polytechnic Institute, 1983. Lightning, atmospheric electricity, lightning protection.

Ramakant Srivastava (Emeritus)

Ph.D., Indiana University, 1973. Integrated optics and waveguide sensors.

Martin A. Uman
Ph.D., Princeton University, 1961. Lightning, atmospheric electricity, electromagnetics.

Shuo Wang
Ph.D., Virginia Tech, 2005. Power electronics, electrical power, electromagnetic interference,
renewable energy conversion and integration with power grid, power grid support with power
electronics, electrification of transportation.

Henry Zmuda
Undergraduate Coordinator, Ph.D., Cornell University, 1984. RF/Microwave photonic systems,
optically controlled phased array antennas, phased array signal processing, photonic high speed
analog‐to‐digital conversion.

Peter Zory (Emeritus)

Ph.D., Carnegie‐Mellon University, 1964. Semiconductor lasers physics and technology.

4. Electronics

Nima Maghari – Area Chair

This division covers a broad range of topics from the design and manufacturing of integrated circuits to their
applications in real world systems. Current research includes mixed‐signal electronics, data converters,
biomedical circuits and systems, integrated power management, low power VLSI design, radio frequency and
microwave circuits, IC test and validation, and modeling of materials, components, and circuits for high‐
frequency power electronics.

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 Rizwan Bashirullah
Ph.D., North Carolina State University, 2004. Circuit design techniques for high‐performance
analog/digital VLSI, electronic circuit devices and technology, high‐speed signaling techniques and
circuits for biomedical applications.

William R. Eisenstadt
Ph.D., Stanford University, 1986. Microwave integrated circuits, IC packages, VLSI, high‐frequency
measurements, mixed‐mode s‐parameters.

Domenic Forte
Ph.D., University of Maryland, 2013. Hardware security and trust, biometrics, reverse and anti‐
reverse engineering of electronics, nanoscale integration challenges, and digital VLSI/CAD.

Robert M. Fox
Associate Chair, Ph.D., Auburn University, 1986. Analog electronic circuit design.

John G. Harris
Chair, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, 1991. Analog and digital signal processing, VLSI,
adaptive and neural systems.

Mark E. Law
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Ph.D., Stanford University, 1988. Design and modeling of IC
fabrication process, computer modeling of semiconductor process and device behavior, numerical
solution of partial differential equations.

Jenshan Lin
Ph.D., University of California‐Los Angeles, 1994. Microwave/millimeter‐wave electronics and
wireless communication circuits, high speed electronics and broadband communication circuits.

Nima Maghari
Ph.D., Oregon State University, 2010. High performance data converters, delta‐sigma modulators,
synthesizable analog to digital converters, data converters for biomedical applications, time assisted
conversion techniques.

Scott Thompson
Ph.D., University of Florida, 1992. Solid state electronics and nano technology, new materials and
devices to extend Moore's law, Electrical measurements and modeling of strained Si, Ge, GaN
semiconductors.

Shuo Wang
Ph.D.., Virginia Tech, 2005. Power electronics, electrical power, electromagnetic interference,
renewable energy conversion and integration with power grid, power grid support with power
electronics, electrification of transportation.

Yong‐Kyu (YK) Yoon

Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004. 3‐D MEMS technology; micromachined metamaterials
for radio frequency and microwave applications; millimeter‐wave antennas and waveguides; lab‐on‐
a‐chip type bio/microfluidic systems; anodized nanoporous membranes and electrospun nanofibers
for its bio/optical applications; microsensors and actuators; electronic and MEMS packaging; and
ferroelectric materials and their RF applications.

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 5. Signals & Systems

Tan Wong – Area Chair

Studies in this field are related to the transmission, creation, manipulation, and understanding of signals and
systems. Signal processing looks to take data from a wide variety of sources (speech, audio, images, video,
radar, sensor networks) and transforming it into useable pieces. Communication systems are designed to
transmit information while minimizing the corruptive effects of noise and interference.

Zoleikha Biron
Ph.D., Clemson University, 2017. Cyber physical systems, Dynamic systems and control, Estimation
And fault diagnosis of dynamic systems, Control theory, Fault-tolerant control, Optimization, Multi-
agent systems, Cooperative and connected vehicles, Intelligent transportation systems, Energy
systems.

Jacob Hammer
D. Sci., Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, 1980. Mathematical system theory, control systems.

Joel Harley
Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, 2014. Signal Processing, data Science, machine learning,
ultrasonics, structural health monitoring, smart infrastructure monitoring.

John G. Harris
Chair, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, 1991. Analog and digital signal processing, VLSI,
adaptive and neural systems.

Sanjeev Koppal
Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, 2009. Computer Vision, Computational Photography, Sensors,
Optics, Image/Video Processing.

Haniph A. Latchman
Ph.D., Oxford University, 1986. Mathematical systems theory, control systems, communication
theory, data communication networks, multimedia information systems.

Jian Li
Ph.D., Ohio State University, 1991. Signal processing for wireless communications and radar.

Sean Meyn
Pittman Eminent Scholar Chair; Ph.D., McGill University, 1987. Markov processes (with or without
control), spectral theory and large deviations; Stochastic approximation, reinforcement learning and
simulation; Detection and inference; Networked systems: control, visualization, and performance;
Economics with applications to energy markets.

Kamran Mohseni
W.P. Bushnell Endowed Professor; Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, 2000. Aerial and
underwater vehicle control, autonomous systems, cooperative control, mobile wireless sensor
networks, and microfluidic devices.

Karim Oweiss
Ph.D., University of Michigan‐ Ann Arbor, 2002. Statistical signal processing and information theory,
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 computational and systems neuroscience, neural engineering, brain‐machine interfaces.

Jose C. Principe
BellSouth Chair; Ph.D., University of Florida, 1979. Adaptive non‐Gaussian signal processing,
nonlinear dynamical systems, information‐theoretic learning, applications to pattern recognition and
DSP systems, information technology in education.
John M. Shea
Ph.D., Clemson University, 1998. Wireless communications and networking, software‐defined radio,
and networked autonomous systems.

Fred J. Taylor (Emeritus)

Ph.D., University of Colorado, 1969. Digital signal processing, digital computer design and
architecture.

Tan F. Wong
Ph.D., Purdue University, 1997. Wireless communications, spread spectrum systems, multiuser
communications, adaptive signal processing.

Damon L. Woodard
Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, 2005. Biometrics, identity science, pattern recognition, machine
learning, as well as image / signal analysis.

Dapeng Wu
Ph.D.., Carnegie Mellon University, 2003. Wireless communications, video coding, multimedia
communication, computer and communication networks, information and network security,
pervasive and mobile computing, information and communication theory, signal processing,
detection and estimation theory.

Alina Zare Glenn

Ph.D.., University of Florida, 2008. Machine learning, image analysis, remote sensing, hyperspectral
image analysis, sparsity promotion and pattern recognition.

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 II. Introduction

The graduate program of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida
offers the Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
The ECE Graduate Guidelines (contained in this document) detail the departmental policies and regulations
governing these degree programs and should be used in conjunction with the University of Florida Graduate
Catalog. It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with both publications and to adhere to the
stated rules and policies.

More information regarding the Joint MS/MSM, Joint JD/MS, and other degree program options can be
found on the web at http://www.ece.ufl.edu/content/joint‐degree‐programs.

1. General Degree Requirements

For the Master’s degree, a minimum of 30 credit hours is required. The Ph.D. degree requires the
accumulation of at least 90 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree (excluding all credit hours from an
Engineer’s degree).

Master’s students may transfer a maximum of 9 credits from an outside institution approved by UF. Doctoral
students may transfer up to 30 credit hours from a Master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering
taken at an outside institution approved by UF.

The Master of Engineering (M.E.) degree is awarded only to students with a B.S. in engineering or to students
who have completed appropriate articulation courses. The Master of Science (M.S.) degree is awarded to
students with an undergraduate degree in any appropriate area of science or engineering.

All work counted for a Master’s degree must be completed during the seven years immediately preceding the
date on which the degree is to be awarded.

To graduate from any of the above‐mentioned degree programs, a 3.00 is required in the overall (UF) and
ECE‐cumulative grade point averages.

An off‐campus student who is a candidate for an electrical and computer engineering degree must take at
least half the coursework from full‐time University of Florida faculty members. Students can presently meet
this requirement by attending lectures on the UF campus or using lectures distributed via distance learning.

No graduate credit is allowed for electrical and computer engineering courses below the 5000 level.
Graduate students may take additional undergraduate courses, but credits earned in these courses are not
counted toward the minimum degree requirements. A summary of the pertinent degree requirements is
shown in the following table. For detailed requirements, see the appropriate sections that follow.

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 ME ME MS MS
Req.
(The.) (Non‐the.) (The.) (Non‐the.) Ph.D.

Total hrs. 30 30 30 30 90a

Min. ECE 18*h 21*h 18*h 21*h 15**h,k

course
credits

Depth Req. 9*hj 9*hj 9*hj 9*hj N/A

Breadth N/A
3*hi 3*hi 3*hi 3*hi
Req.

Minimum
number of
supervisory 3 1 3 1 4b
committee
members

Qualifying
no no no no
Ex. Req’d. yesc

Final Ex. orale none orale interviewd oralf

Time limit
for 5 yrsg
7 yrs 7 yrs 7 yrs 7 yrs
completing
degree

Footnotes:

* Excludes: EEL 5905, 6065, 6905, 6910, 6933, 6940, 6971

** Excludes: EEL 5905, 6065, 6905, 6910, 6933, 6940, 6971, 7940, 7979, 7980

a May include 30 hours from Master’s program

b Includes one member outside the ECE department
c Written part within the first year of entry
d Mock Job Interview
e On thesis and coursework
f On dissertation
g Five years from admission to candidacy
h UF ECE courses only, CDA 5636 approved by exception
i Credit hours must be in a research division outside of depth research division
j At least three credits must be at the 6000 level
k At least 50% of credits used for the Ph.D. degree must be from ECE at UF

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 2. Articulation Requirements

Students entering the graduate ECE program from a non‐ECE background are welcome in the department.

All students must have completed coursework in at least three of the eight topic areas cited in the Ph.D.
qualifying exam, which currently include:

• Digital Logic
• Signals and Systems
• Electronic Circuits
• Solid‐State Devices
• Electromagnetism and Energy Systems
• Microprocessor Applications
• Computer Organization and Architecture
• Data Structures and Operating Systems

These requirements may be satisfied, with a grade of B or higher, as follows:

• Previous undergraduate coursework (e.g. physics course in electromagnetics, computer

science courses in data structures and operating systems);

• Enrollment in and successful completion of appropriate UF undergraduate courses; or,

• Pass the Ph.D. written qualifying exam.

Additional courses may be required to fulfill necessary background material needed to successfully complete
graduate‐level course requirements. Many graduate‐level ECE courses have implicit undergraduate course
prerequisites. Students are expected to have mastered the undergraduate skills necessary to provide
appropriate foundation for graduate courses they attempt.

All articulation requirements must be satisfied within the first 12 months of beginning graduate studies.

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 III. Master’s Degree ‐ Thesis Option

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the thesis option for the Master of
Engineering and Master of Science degrees. A student seeking a Master’s degree with a thesis option is
required to pass an oral final examination.

1. Course Requirements

For the thesis option of a Master’s degree, students must complete at least 30 credit hours, which include a
maximum of six credit hours of EEL 6971 (Research for Master’s Thesis). Thesis students must be registered
for three credit hours of thesis (EEL 6971) in the term of graduation (Fall and Spring, and two credits in
summer). EEL 6065, EEL 6910, EEL 6933, and EEL 6940 cannot be used to fulfill any credit requirements for
the Master’s degree. The course requirements include a minimum of 18 hours of Electrical and Computer
Engineering courses, excluding EEL 5905, 6905, and EGN 5949. CDA 5636 (Embedded Systems) can be used
toward this course requirement by exception. This course requirement can only be fulfilled by completing
ECE coursework at the University of Florida.

Students are required to complete a 12 credit hour depth/breadth requirement in order to receive a Master’s
degree in ECE. To complete this depth/breadth requirement, students must take at least 9 depth credits of
ECE coursework from one of the five research divisions housed in the ECE department (i.e., Computer
Engineering, Devices, Electromagnetics and Energy Systems, Electronics, Signals & Systems). At least three of
these nine depth credits must be at the 6000 level. In addition, students must complete at least three
breadth credits of coursework in the ECE department outside of their declared depth research division.
Students can determine which ECE courses are housed in each research division by referring to the research
division flow charts at the end of this manual. ECE courses used to complete this depth/breadth requirement
will be counted toward the minimum 18 credits of ECE coursework required for the Master’s thesis degree.

Up to 18 hours of Special Topics (EEL 5934, 6935, and 7936) may be applied toward the degree. Up to six
hours of unstructured credit hours total (EEL 5905, EEL 6905 or EGN 5949) may be applied toward the
degree. Students can count a maximum of 3 credits of EGN 5949 toward their degree program.

Students must receive a final grade of “C” or better to receive degree credit for a letter graded course. A
course with a final grade of “C” and above cannot be repeated for credit. If a student receives a grade less
than a “C” for a course, s/he may retake the course and an average of both grades will be used when
compiling GPA graduation requirements. Courses in which students receive a grade of “C‐“ or lower will not
be used to fulfill credit requirements but will adversely affect a student’s GPA.

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 2. Appointment of Supervisory Committee
The supervisory committee is the group of faculty members that supervises and approves the student’s
graduate program. The committee’s function is to guide the student through his/her thesis research and to
administer the oral final examination.

The supervisory committee should be selected as soon as possible but no later than the end of the second
semester. After the committee has been determined, the student should obtain a Supervisory Committee
Form from the ECE Student Services Office (230 Larsen) and have the professors sign the form indicating their
willingness to serve on the committee. The Graduate School may deny degrees to any persons who have
failed to comply with this regulation at the proper time.

The committee for the Master’s degree, thesis option, must consist of at least three graduate faculty
members. The chairperson and at least one member must be a graduate faculty member in Electrical and
Computer Engineering department. The chairperson is usually the student’s academic advisor and should
advise the student in the selection of the other committee members.

3. Submission of Master’s Thesis

Students must submit their thesis electronically. Students should refer to the Graduate School Editorial
Office for more information regarding their thesis submission.
(http://gradschool.rgp.ufl.edu/editorial/introduction.html)

Electronic submission requires a signed ETD Submission Approval Form (submitted directly by student). A
hardcopy of Final Exam form and Signature Page must be submitted to the Student Services Office, 230
Larsen.

4. Final Examination Procedures

Up to six months prior to graduation, the supervisory committee will give the student an oral examination on
the thesis, on major and minor subjects, and on matters pertaining to any specific field of study.

Each student is responsible for applying for his/her degree by the published deadlines for the semester of
graduation. The degree application is available online via ONE UF (HTTP://ONE.UF.EDU). Students are also
required to meet with the Graduate Advisor in the Student Services Office at the beginning of the semester
that they intend to graduate to ensure that all degree requirements have been met. If a student fails to apply
by the specified deadline, s/he will not receive the degree that semester.

It is imperative that copies of the student’s thesis be given to the supervisory committee at least two weeks
in advance of the final examination. Graduation may be delayed for those who do not adhere to this rule.
The Student Services Office should be informed of the examination one week prior to the thesis defense date
in order to process the Final Exam Report form and send out notices.

Students are also required to complete an Exit Survey during the semester they plan to graduate. Students
can find more information about the Exit Survey in the Student Services Office.
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 5. Checklist for Thesis Option

To Do When

If appropriate, transfer up to 9 credit hours from graduate courses taken First

previously to your UF master’s program. semester

Appoint supervisory committee. This committee must be appointed by the Second

end of the second semester semester

Check with the Student Services Office to see if all graduation

requirements, including appropriate course hour credit, will be satisfied. Semester
before
If you have any grades less than C (i.e. C‐, D, I, or E grades), discuss your graduation
options for meeting graduation requirements.

Submit degree application online via ONE.UF (http://one.uf.edu).

Complete graduation check in Student Services Office.

Comply with Graduate School thesis and final examination deadline dates.

Be registered for at least the minimum number of thesis hours (3 hours in

the fall and spring semester, 2 hours in the summer)

Schedule the Thesis Defense with the supervisory committee. Inform the
Student Services Office of plans to take the examination, and reserve a
conference room. The Student Services Office will send the announcement
of exam and prepare the Final Exam Report.
Semester of
At least two weeks in advance of the final examination, give the
graduation
supervisory committee members a copy of the thesis.

On the day of the examination, report to the Student Services Office to

pick up the necessary forms.

Have the Final Examination Report form and the original signature page of
the thesis signed by the supervisory committee members. Return the Final
Examination Report form to the Student Services Office.

Submit the final thesis, as required, to the Graduate School Editorial

Office.

Complete the Exit Survey.

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 IV. Master’s Degree ‐ Non‐thesis Option

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the non‐thesis option for the Master of
Engineering and Master of Science degrees. The non‐thesis Master of Science student is required to do a
technical job interview with an assigned faculty member. No final exam is required for students pursuing the
non‐thesis Master of Engineering degree.

1. Course Requirements

For the non‐thesis Master’s degree option, students must complete 30 graduate level credit hours. EEL
6065, EEL 6910, EEL 6933, and EEL 6940 cannot be used to fulfill any credit requirements for the Master’s
degree. At least 21 hours of ECE coursework must be taken. This course requirement can only be fulfilled by
completing ECE coursework at the University of Florida. EEL 5905, 6905, and EGN 5949 are not counted for
this requirement. CDA 5636 (Embedded Systems) can be used toward this course requirement by exception.
No credit for EEL 6971 is allowed.

Students are required to complete a 12 credit hour depth/breadth requirement in order to receive a Master’s
degree in ECE. To complete this depth/breadth requirement, students must take at least 9 depth credits of
ECE coursework from one of the five research divisions in the ECE department (i.e., Computer Engineering,
Devices, Electromagnetics and Energy Systems, Electronics, Signals & Systems). At least three of these nine
depth credits must be at the 6000 level. In addition, students must complete at least three breadth credits of
coursework in the ECE department outside of their declared depth research division. Students can determine
which ECE courses are housed in each research division by referring to the research division flow charts at the
end of this manual. ECE courses used to complete this depth/breadth requirement will be counted toward
the minimum 21 credits of ECE coursework required for the Master’s non‐thesis degree.

Master of Science non‐thesis students must successfully complete a technical job interview with an ECE faculty
member (see section below). Master of Engineering non‐thesis students do not have to complete a final written
examination.

Up to 18 hours of Special Topics (EEL 5934, 6935, and 7936) may be applied toward the degree. Up to six
hours of unstructured credit hours total (EEL 5905, EEL 6905 or EGN 5949) may be applied toward the
degree. Students can count a maximum of 3 credits of EGN 5949 toward their degree program. No other
S/U credit can be counted toward the degree.

All non‐thesis students are required to have a one‐member supervisory committee. The ECE department
chair serves as the default non‐thesis committee member for all non‐thesis students and is automatically
appointed for all non‐thesis students during their graduating semester.

Students must receive a final grade of “C” or better to receive degree credit for a letter graded course. A
course with a final grade of “C” and above cannot be repeated for credit. If a student receives a grade less
than a “C” for a course, s/he may retake the course and an average of both grades will be used when

19
 compiling GPA graduation requirements. Courses in which students receive a grade of “C‐“ or lower will not
be used to fulfill credit requirements but will adversely affect a students’ GPA.

2. Final Examination Procedures ‐ Master of Science only

The MS non-thesis final exam will be administered each semester and students will complete their mock job
interview during their second semester of enrollment. Students will register for their mock job interview via a
registration web form and will select a preferred research division from which a faculty member will be assigned to
conduct the interview. After the registration period closes, the student will receive a faculty assignment from the
ECE Graduate Advisor. Each student will be responsible for emailing their assigned faculty member to set-up a mock
job interview. Interviews will need to be completed before the stated deadline for the semester.

Students will be required to submit a one-page job application cover letter and resume to their assigned faculty
member 24 hours in advance of their appointment via email. Students are required to dress appropriately for the
“job interview”. Students may contact the Career Connections Center for more information regarding appropriate
cover letter and resume formats. The Career Connections Center can also provide students with information
regarding appropriate dress for a job interview.

The faculty member will ask questions as deemed appropriate and students will be assigned a pass/fail grade. If a
student has deficiencies that result in a failing grade, he/she can schedule another interview with the same faculty
member to address those issues. Students are required to submit a signed MS non-thesis final exam form to the
Student Services Office (Larsen 230) by the stated deadline. Failure to submit this form by the deadline may result in
delayed graduation.

Students are also be required to complete an Exit Survey during the semester in which they intend to
graduate to complete the MS non-thesis final exam requirement.

20
3. Checklist for Non‐thesis Option

To Do When

If appropriate, transfer up to 9 credit hours from graduate courses taken First

previously to your UF master’s program. semester

Sign-up for a mock job interview. By the registration deadline, register for Second
the mock job interview online via the current graduate student web page Semester
of the departmental web site and indicate your selected area.
Check with the Student Services Office to see if all graduation
requirements, including appropriate course hour credit, will be satisfied. Semester
before
If you have any grades less than C (i.e. C‐, D, I, or E grades), discuss your graduation
options for meeting graduation requirements.

Submit degree application online via ONE.UF (http://one.uf.edu).

Complete graduation check in Student Services Office.

Complete the Exit Survey.

Semester of
graduation

21
 V. Doctor of Philosophy Degree

1. Course Requirements and Period of Concentrated Study

For the Ph.D. degree, at least 90 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree are required. These hours
include master’s degree work taken at the University of Florida or, if appropriate, up to 30 hours of master’s
degree work in ECE earned at another approved university outside UF. The hours accumulated for the Ph.D.
degree have the following restrictions:

• Ph.D. Coursework Requirement‐ At least 24 hours of 5000, 6000, or 7000 level College of
Engineering (COE), Math, Statistics, and/or Physics letter graded courses are required. Of these 24
coursework hours, at least 15 credits of graduate level letter graded coursework hours must be taken
in the ECE department. CDA 5636 (Embedded Systems) can be used toward this 15 credit ECE
coursework requirement by exception. Students must receive a grade of “B” or better in the 24
credit hour courses. These 24 coursework credit hours must be approved by the student’s faculty
advisor and supervisory committee. Students will need to work in conjunction with their faculty
advisor and supervisory committee to determine which courses will be most relevant to their
research topic. Individual work/independent study hours (i.e. EEL 5/6905), EEL 6065, EEL 6933, and
EEL 6940 cannot be used to fulfill this 24 coursework credit hour requirement. ECE courses taken in a
master’s program at UF are automatically included. This course requirement can only be fulfilled by
completing ECE coursework at the University of Florida. This coursework requirement must be
completed before the status meeting with the student’s supervisory committee (one year before
graduation).

• Seminar Requirement‐ Two semesters of EEL 6933 are required.

• Supervised Teaching Requirement‐ Two semesters of EEL6940 are required. This requirement
exposes Ph.D. students to the rigors of teaching in a higher education setting. Students will be
paired with a faculty member and will help manage, teach, grade, interact with students outside of
class and, if appropriate, will give a lecture in the course.

• Up to 18 hours of Special Topics (EEL 5934, 6935, and 7936) may be applied toward the degree. Up
to six hours of unstructured credit hours total (EEL 5905, EEL 6905 or EGN 5949) may be applied
toward the degree. Students can count a maximum of 3 credits of EGN 5949 toward their degree
program.

• All EEL 7980 (Research for Doctoral Dissertation) credit hours are counted. Students cannot
register for EEL 7980 hours until they have been officially admitted to candidacy (passed written and
oral qualifying exam). Students must be admitted to candidacy for a minimum of two semesters
before graduation. Students can count the semester that they are admitted to candidacy if they
complete their oral qualifying exam by the midpoint deadline of a semester. The midpoint of the
term is determined by the Graduate School and is published in its “Deadline Dates”.

• Fifty percent of all hours accumulated have to be in ECE at the 5000, 6000 or 7000 level (including
EEL 7979 & 7980).

• Only 30 hours from a Master’s degree not awarded by the ECE department at UF may be counted
22 toward the Ph.D. degree (see Transfer of Credit section of Administrative Procedures for more
information).
 Candidates for the doctoral degree must satisfy the minimum requirements for a period of concentrated
study, beyond the first 30 semester hours counted toward the doctoral program. Students must complete 30
credits enrolled at the University of Florida campus or the Graduate Engineering and Research Center (REEF).
Courses at the 1000 or 2000 level will not be counted toward the concentrated study requirement.

2. Ph.D. Faculty Advisor

All Ph.D. students must identify a faculty advisor during their first year of study. A preliminary program of study
signed by the faculty advisor must be submitted to the SSO no later than the mid‐point of the first summer semester
as a Ph.D. student. Ph.D. students are not permitted to register for doctoral research hours (EEL 7979, EEL 7980) until
they have submitted their preliminary program of study signed by their faculty advisor.

3. Individual Development Plan

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a series of documents that each doctoral student at UF must complete
with her or his faculty advisor each year. It is designed to identify students’ professional and personal goals,
highlight areas of weakness, and help students work with their advisors to create attainable steps for fulfilling long-
term goals.

The IDP is housed in Canvas, the University of Florida’s e-learning management system.

4. Appointment of Supervisory Committee

The supervisory committee is a group of faculty members who supervise and approve qualifications for the
Ph.D. degree. The committee should be appointed as soon as possible, but no later than the midpoint of the
second fall semester enrolled as a Ph.D. student. A hold may be placed on the student’s record if they do not
meet this requirement. The committee consists of four or more graduate faculty members with at least two
of the members having Graduate Faculty status in the ECE department. The committee chairperson must
have Graduate Faculty status and be from the ECE department or have an appointment in the ECE
department.

One member of the committee must be from a discipline outside of the department and must maintain
graduate faculty status in their respective department.

After the committee has been determined, in consultation with the faculty advisor, the student should obtain
a Supervisory Committee Form from the Student Services Office (Larsen 230) and have the professors sign the
form indicating that they are willing to serve on the committee.

5. Leave of Absence Policy

A doctoral student who will not be registered at UF for a period of more than one semester needs to request
written permission from his/her faculty advisor for a leave of absence for a designated period of time. A copy
of the written permission memo must be taken to the Student Services Office and placed in the student’s file.

26
26
 6. Official Minor
With the approval of the supervisory committee, a student may choose one official minor field (minimum 12
graduate credit hours). Official minor coursework cannot be counted toward the 24 hour ECE coursework
requirement.

Minor work may be completed in any department, other than ECE, that is approved for master’s or doctoral
degree programs as listed in the University of Florida Graduate Catalog and supports a program that is
related to the student’s Ph.D. research area.

If an official minor is chosen, the supervisory committee must include a representative from the minor field.

If an official minor is chosen, a representative of the minor department, who may or may not be on the
supervisory committee, shall designate at least one 6‐hour graduate course sequence in the minor field for
written qualifying examination. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the exam with the professor in
the minor department. The student must pass this exam in order for the minor to be valid. The official minor
exam must be completed before the student can be admitted to candidacy.

7. Written Qualifying Exam

The Ph.D. written qualifying exam is a test reviewing fundamental material that students are expected to
have covered before joining the doctoral program. The questions are taken from the following areas of ECE:

• Digital Logic
• Signals and Systems
• Electronic Circuits
• Solid State Devices
• Electromagnetism and Energy Systems
• Microprocessor Applications
• Computer Organization and Architecture
• Data Structures and Operating Systems

Each student selects three areas before the examination and receives two questions in each one of the
selected areas. Answers must be given to four of the six questions, including at least one question from each
of the three areas. The examination tests problem solving skills, fundamental understanding, reasoning
ability, and written communication skills. The test will last for two hours. No materials are allowed during
the examination. The department will provide scientific calculators for use during the exam.

The written qualifying exam is offered only once a year in January on a Saturday shortly after the start of
Spring classes. Students must sign up for their selected areas in the Student Services Office by the end of
November in the preceding year. Detailed study guides will be available in the fall semester.

Students must take the written qualifying exam during their first year in the doctoral program. Financial
support may be contingent on taking the exam. Upon failure, the written qualifying exam can be retaken the
next time it is offered. If more than two attempts are required, students may petition the Graduate Petitions
Committee for permission to retake the exam. A successful petition must include a letter of support from the

27
 proposed Ph.D. advisor.

For students that transfer to UF with a faculty member hired from another university and that have already
completed the qualifying exam at their previous university, the faculty member may petition for the student
to take an alternative form of the qualifying exam based on the previous exam under certain conditions. The
faculty member should contact the Graduate Coordinator for details.

Students with a minor in another department have to arrange for a written qualifying exam in their minor to
satisfy the Graduate School requirements. The exam must be administered by the student’s minor
supervisor.

8. Oral Qualifying Exam

The Ph.D. oral qualifying exam (i.e. oral proposal) must be completed by the end of the second spring
semester enrolled as a Ph.D. student. The oral qualifying exam consists of:

• Presenting his/her written research proposal

• Answering questions asked by the supervisory committee and others present

Format specifications for the oral proposal document can be found in Section VII of this document.

The Student Services Office must be notified at least one week in advance of the oral qualifying examination
so the Announcement of Examination form can be mailed and the Admission to Candidacy form prepared.
This form should be taken to the qualifying exam by the student, signed by the supervisory committee and
returned to the Student Services Office for processing.

If the student fails the oral portion of the qualifying exam, s/he may retake it only once and it must be
retaken within two semesters.

If a student fails the oral qualifying exam for a second time, the Graduate School will be notified. A re‐
examination may be requested but it must be recommended by the student’s supervisory committee and
approved by the Graduate School. At least one semester of additional preparation is considered essential
before re‐examination.

Between the date of completion of the qualifying exam and the date of the degree, there must be a
minimum of two semesters if the candidate is in full‐time residence or a calendar year if the candidate is in
attendance on less than a full‐time basis. The semester in which the qualifying examination is completed is
counted provided that the exam is completed before the midpoint of the term. No more than five years may
pass between the completion of the qualifying exam and the conferring of the degree.

The doctoral student becomes a doctoral candidate when the following requirements are satisfied:

• The student academic record is satisfactory.

• Half (12 credits) of the Ph.D. coursework credit hour requirement is complete.
• The Supervisory Committee certifies that the student has made satisfactory progress to be
admitted to candidacy.
• The student has a dissertation topic approved by his/her supervisory committee.

28
28
 • The student has passed both the written (including the official minor exam if applicable) and
oral portions of the qualifying exam.
• The Admission to Candidacy form has the required formal approvals.

9. Status Meeting with Supervisory Committee

A status meeting with the student’s supervisory committee must be held at least two semesters before
graduation and no sooner than the second semester after the oral proposal. Students will present their
current progress on their dissertation to their supervisory committee. The supervisory committee will review
the procedure, progress, and expected results of the dissertation topic and may make suggestions for
completion of the dissertation. Students are expected to have completed their 24 credit Ph.D. coursework
requirement as well as half of their dissertation before the status meeting can be scheduled.

The Student Services Office must be notified at least one week in advance of the meeting so the appropriate
paper work can be prepared. This paper work should be taken to the status meeting by the student, signed
by the supervisory committee and returned to the Student Services Office for processing.

A draft of the dissertation, formatted according to the Graduate School Editorial Office’s specifications, will
need to be provided to committee members at least two weeks in advance of the status meeting. Formatting
requirements and technical assistance are available at the Academic Technology Office
(https://asc.helpdesk.ufl.edu/etd.html).

10. Final Examination and Submission of Dissertation

The Ph.D. final exam consists of an oral defense of the research results that are described in the doctoral
dissertation. This exam is given within six months of graduation, after the first submission of the dissertation,
and the completion of all other prescribed work for the degree.

Students must submit the dissertation electronically. Students should refer to the Graduate School Editorial
Office for more information regarding their dissertation submission. The guidelines are also online
(http://gradschool.rgp.ufl.edu/editorial/introduction.html).

Electronic submission requires a signed ETD Submission Approval Form (submitted directly by student), Final
Exam Form and Signature Page to the Student Services Office.

The Student Services Office should be informed of the examination one week prior to the defense date in
order to process the Final Exam Report form and send out notices.

Copies of the student’s dissertation must be given to the supervisory committee members at least two weeks
in advance of the final examination. Graduation may be delayed for those who do not adhere to this rule.

At the time of the defense, all committee members should sign the signature pages in the dissertation and

29
 sign the Final Exam Report form which is to be returned to the Student Services Office.

Students are also required to complete an Exit Survey during the semester they plan to graduate. Students
can find more information about the Exit Survey in the Student Services Office.

All work for the Ph.D. degree must be completed within five calendar years after the completion of the Ph.D.
qualifying exam.

30
30
11. Checklist for Ph.D. Degree

To Do When

If appropriate, transfer graduate coursework to doctoral degree.

Take the written portion of the qualifying exam. First Year

Identify faculty advisor and turn in preliminary program of study by the
midpoint of the first summer semester.

Appoint supervisory committee. The committee must be appointed no

later than the midpoint of the second fall semester.

Arrange with the supervisory committee the details of your written

research proposal that is to be presented in the oral exam.
Second Year
Complete oral qualifying exam by the last day of the second spring
semester.

At least one week in advance of the oral exam, notify, in writing, the
Student Services Office of plans to complete the qualifying exam.
Complete the 24 credit hour Ph.D. coursework requirement.

Seminar

Two semesters of Supervised Teaching

One Year
Arrange with the supervisory committee the details of your status Before
meeting (two semesters prior to graduation). Provide supervisory Graduation
committee with dissertation draft two weeks prior to the status meeting.
At least one week in advance of the status meeting, notify, in writing, the
Student Services Office of plans to complete the status meeting

Check with the Student Services Office to see if all graduation

requirements, including appropriate course hour credit, will be satisfied. Semester
before
If you have any grades less than C (i.e. C‐, D, I, or E grades), discuss your graduation
options from meeting graduation requirements.

Submit degree application online via ONE.UF (http://one.uf.edu).

Complete graduation check in Student Services Office.

Comply with Graduate School dissertation and final examination deadline Semester of
dates. graduation

Be registered for at least the minimum number of dissertation hours (3

hours in the fall and spring semester, 2 hours in the summer)

31
 Checklist for Ph.D. Degree – Continued

To Do When

Schedule the doctoral defense with the supervisory committee. Inform the
Student Services Office of plans to take the examination one week prior to
the exam and reserve a conference room. The Student Services Office will
send the announcement of exam and prepare the Final Exam Report.

At least two weeks in advance of the final examination, give the

supervisory committee members a copy of the dissertation

On the day of the examination, report to the Student Services Office to Semester of
pick up the necessary forms. graduation
Have the original Final Examination Report form, Publishing Agreement
(submit directly online), and ETD Signature Page of the dissertation signed
by the supervisory committee members. Return these forms to the
Student Services Office immediately after the dissertation defense for
processing.
Submit an electronic copy to the Editorial Office of the Graduate School
and the Student Services Office.

Complete the Exit Survey.

32
32
 VI. Certificates

The ECE department offers students two certificate options. Interested students should contact Shannon
Chillingworth ([email protected]) for more information.

1. Microsystem Technology Certification Program

The Microsystem Technology certificate prepares students for the complex, interdisciplinary development of
microsystem technologies such as microactuators, microsensors, microfluidic devices, micropower systems,
microoptical devices, and other microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Students who successfully
complete this certificate will receive a printed certificate from the UF Graduate School and a notation of
completion on their transcript.

Requirements for Admission:

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. Students must be registered in a
graduate degree program in the College of Engineering and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Required Certificate Course Work

Course Work
EEE 5405 Microelectronic Fabrication
Technologies
Choose any two courses below:

EEE 5354L Semiconductor Device Fabrication

Laboratory
EEL 5225 Principles of Micro‐Electro‐
Mechanical Transducers
EEE 6465 Design of MEMS Transducers
EEE 6460 Advanced Microsystem Technology
BME 5580 Microfluidics and BioMEMS

2. Hardware and Systems Security Certificate

The Hardware and Systems Security graduate certificate provides comprehensive training and education on
all aspects of hardware security and its interaction with software and systems security. Courses provide a
solid foundation of security issues and solutions related to electronic hardware.

Requirements for Admission:

Admission requires a bachelor's degree, in electrical and computer engineering (ECE) or similarly appropriate
major (as defined by the ECE Dept.), from a regionally accredited institution. The program is open to
currently enrolled UF graduate students and to non-degree-seeking students as well.

33
 Required Coursework:

Required courses - (Total: 9 credits):

EEL 5855 Cross-Layered Systems Security (3 credits);
EEE 5716 Introduction to Hardware Security and Trust (3 credits);
EEL 6XXX Hands-On Hardware Security (3 credits);

Students must complete all three courses with a grade of B or better to earn the graduate certificate.

34
34
 VII. Administrative Procedures

1. Graduate Bulletin Boards/ECE Graduate Student Canvas Page

At least once a week, check the ECE Graduate bulletin boards, located outside 230 Larsen Hall, for
announcements, changes in course offerings or room schedules, notices of examinations, and for other
matters of interest to ECE graduate students. All ECE graduate students are members of the ECE
Graduate Student Canvas page. Important notices and academic deadlines are posted to this page. All
ECE graduate students are expected to monitor this Canvas page regularly. Please inform the ECE
Graduate Advisor if you do not have access to this Canvas page.

2. Degree Audits

A student’s degree audit is a condensed summary of their degree progress. Students can check their degree
progress by viewing their degree audit online at ONE.UF (http://one.uf.edu). Students are expected to
periodically review their degree audit to monitor their academic progress. Degree audits are a guidance tool
and should be used in conjunction with advisement resources available in the Student Services Office.

3. Gatorlink Email Accounts

All ECE students are required to check their Gatorlink email accounts regularly. The Student Services Office
and the University of Florida uses the Gatorlink accounts to deliver important announcements and deadline
information to students. Failure to adhere to changes in policy and/or critical deadlines will result in delayed
degree progress.

4. Registration

Students can register for classes online at ONE.UF (http://one.uf.edu). The Student Services Office is also
available for help with registration and for registration to departmentally controlled courses.

Graduate students on appointment (TA, RA, GA) must register for the appropriate course load as indicated in
the table below. Audited courses do not count as part of the hourly requirements for full time students or
those on assistantships.

Appointment Minimum Credit Registration Maximum Credit Registration

Fellows and Trainees 12 18
1/4 Time Assistants 9 15
1/3 Time Assistants 9 15

35
 1/2 Time Assistants 9 15
3/4 Time Assistants 6 9
Full‐Time Assistants 3 3

Graduate students may not, in general, take any course under the S/U option except for certain graduate
courses that have only S/U grading (as specified in the Graduate Catalog). Master’s thesis and Ph.D. students
who complete all graduate degree requirements during a given semester, but after the deadlines specified by
the Graduate School, may receive their degree in the following semester without registering as clear prior
students. Graduate School will determine a student’s clear prior eligibility. Students whose degree
requirements are not completed before the first day of classes of the following semester and all non‐thesis
Master’s students must register for a minimum of three credit hours (two credits in the summer term) which
will apply to the degree. The Graduate School will not accept petitions to this policy.

5. Add/Drop Policy

Graduate students are allowed a limited number of schedule adjustments after the midpoint deadline of the
semester*. Students are permitted one schedule adjustment after the midpoint deadline per degree
program. A schedule adjustment is defined as any of the following: adding a course, dropping a course,
and/or switching coursework hours for another course (research hours, independent study, etc.). Student’s
requesting additional adjustments must petition the Graduate Coordinator for approval. A successful
petition would require a letter of support from the student’s faculty advisor.

*Students will be held fee liable for ANY course adjustments made after the stated university add/drop
deadline.

6. GPA and Probation Policies

In compliance with Graduate School rules, graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher in order
to be in good standing. Students cannot graduate if their GPA is below 3.00.

Please note that the term “GPA” includes three different numbers, all of which need to satisfy the
requirement of 3.00 or higher.

• The grade point average of all courses (3000 level and above) taken while classified as a graduate
student;

• The grade point average of all ECE graduate level courses taken while classified as a graduate
student;

• The grade point average of all graduate level courses that are part of a minor.

An academic hold will be placed on the records of all students whose GPA is below 3.00, thus placing the
student on academic probation. These students will be able to register for courses only through the Student
Services Office. This will enable our office to provide advice and guidance on an individualized basis.

Students on academic probation are not entitled to receive financial assistance in the form of Teaching
Assistantships, Research Assistantships, or Fellowships.

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36
Students with a GPA below 3.00 must show progress each semester towards improving their GPA, even if it
takes more than one semester to reach a GPA of 3.00 or higher.

Students who do not make sufficient academic progress as determined by the Graduate Coordinator will be
dismissed from the program.

7. Transfer of Credits
Master's and Ph.D. Students may apply to transfer graduate‐level science and engineering coursework from
another university or from non‐degree seeking UF/EDGE coursework according to the policies below.
Students may petition to transfer graduate level courses which were taken while classified as an
undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, or non‐degree seeking student, if proof is provided indicating that
courses were not used to satisfy degree requirements for another degree. In all cases, only courses with a
grade of "B" or better may be transferred. Credits obtained in non‐degree programs, e.g. continuing
education, may not be transferred. Credits transferred will be applied toward meeting the degree
requirements, but the grades earned will not be computed in the student's grade point average unless the
coursework was completed at UF. Credits for schools operating with more than two periods (e.g., trimesters)
during the academic year will be scaled accordingly by the Graduate School; for example, 3 credits in a course
that lasted one trimester will transfer as 2 credits by the Graduate School.

Application for transfer of credit earned after admission to a UF graduate program must be filed with the
Graduate School as soon as possible but before the last day of classes preceding the term in which the degree
is to be conferred. The student must provide a complete description of the graduate course in consideration
for transfer and a transcript indicating the grade earned. The approval of the Graduate Coordinator and the
Dean of the Graduate School are required for the acceptance of transfer credits.

Master's Students:

Up to 9 credit hours of coursework may be transferred from an outside institution. Up to 15 credits of

graduate‐level non‐degree seeking UF/EDGE coursework may be transferred. No more than 15 credits may
be transferred into the student's Master's degree program.

Ph.D. Students:

Students may transfer up to 30 credits of coursework from an outside institution into the student's Ph.D.
degree program. Students with a Master's and additional Ph.D. coursework at another institution may
petition the Graduate Coordinator to transfer up to 15 additional hours of coursework into the student's
Ph.D. degree program. Up to 15 credits of graduate level non‐degree seeking UF/EDGE coursework may be
transferred. No more than 45 credits may be transferred into the student's Ph.D. degree program.

8. Internship Policy

ECE students can count up to three credits of EGN 5949 (Internship Work) toward their degree program.

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 In order to participate in the ECE Graduate Internship Program, students must have completed at least 18
UF ECE graduate level credits. Students must also have a minimum departmental and cumulative grade
point average of 3.0. International students will also need to contact the International Center to verify their
CPT eligibility. Internships are voluntary and are meant to compliment a student’s degree program.
Internships that impede a student’s timely progress toward their degree will not be approved. Students who
choose to complete an internship must be cognizant of the appropriate academic deadlines. Internships
CANNOT conflict with the start and end dates of the academic semester.

Students who hold appointments at UF must be cognizant of the start and end dates of their appointments
while making internship plans. Students are not permitted to be on appointment and be on internship at the
same time. Students on appointment are responsible for knowing the start and end dates of their appointment
when negotiating the timeframe of their internship. Students who arrange internships that conflict with their
UF appointment start and/or end dates will NOT be appointed for that semester.

To be classified as an internship and to receive up to three elective credits (EGN 5949), the job duties of the
internship must consist of engineering design. Positions not acceptable for graduate internship credit include
undergraduate level work, technician, data entry, clerical work, part‐time work, etc. Students must also
complete a technical report in order to receive credit for their internship.

Students can count a maximum of 3 credits of EGN 5949 toward their degree program. Internship credits will
count toward the independent study total of a student’s degree program (i.e., Master’s students can only count
a maximum of 6 credits of EEL 5905, EEL 6905, and/or EGN 5949 toward their degree program).

Each student is required to generate a technical report (2000‐word minimum, excluding graphs, equations,
circuits, and/or computer code) to receive credit for their internship. The report must meet IEEE publication
guidelines and include the following: title, author’s name, abstract, introduction of the tasks carried out,
methodology used, results, discussion, acknowledgements, and references. Confidential material should not
be included, but students are expected to include technical details and assessments, equations, graphs, circuits,
etc.

More information about the ECE Graduate Internship Program can be found in the Student Services Office.

9. Financial Aid

Applications for teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships are available from the
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Fellowships are highly competitive and generally
require completed applications by January each year. Recipients of teaching assistantships are selected by
the Associate Chairman of the ECE department. Research assistantships are awarded by individual faculty
members with funding from governmental or industrial sources and are generally awarded only to those
students who have been in residence at least one semester.

The minimum stipend for students on appointment in the ECE department is $21,400 for a 12‐month
appointment. Minimum stipends for other departments and assigned duties for teaching assistants are
determined by the Graduate School and are in accordance with the assistantship appointment. Duties
include grading, staff meetings, class preparation, student consultation, required lecture attendance, and
research not directly related to the student’s thesis or dissertation. Students will also have assigned
classroom or laboratory teaching responsibilities. International students who wish to be eligible for graduate

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assistantships must pass the SPEAK (TSE) or TOEFL iBT test. The passing score for the SPEAK test is 55.
Students who score a 45 or 50 must take EAP 5836, Academic Spoken English, but are still allowed to hold a
graduate assistantship. A passing score for the TOEFL iBT test is a 28. Students who score in the 23‐27 range
must enroll in EAP 5836 during your first semester of teaching. Students who score less than 23 on the
TOEFL iBT will be required to take the SPEAK test to be considered for a TA position.

10. Tuition Waivers

Tuition waivers are awarded to graduate students who have been awarded an assistantship from 1/4 time ‐
1/2 time. Fee waivers are contingent on the availability of funds. Due to the limit of available funds, no fee
waivers are available without assistantship appointments. The waivers are processed under strict guidelines
provided by the Graduate School.

11. No Assistantships While on Internship

Due to intellectual property rights, it is the policy of the ECE department that students on an assistantship
cannot keep their assistantship while on an internship. It is expected that a student with an assistantship
fulfill the terms of that assistantship.

Students who hold appointments at UF must be cognizant of the start and end dates of their appointments
while making internship plans. Students are not permitted to be on appointment and be on internship at the
same time. Students on appointment are responsible for knowing the start and end dates of their
appointment when negotiating the timeframe of their internship. Students who arrange internships that
conflict with their UF appointment start and/or end dates will NOT be appointed for that semester. The
assistantship will be terminated and the tuition waiver cancelled for students who leave for a paid internship
after the semester has begun. The student will be liable for all fees covered by the tuition waiver at the
appropriate rate.

Students returning from a paid internship after the semester has started will not be reappointed to the
assistantship until the beginning of the following semester.

12. Readmission Procedures

Students who have left the program prior to graduating and wish to be readmitted, require the following:

• A minimum GPA of 3.00 for readmission into the Master’s program and a minimum GPA of 3.5 for
readmission to the Ph.D. program.

• GRE scores that satisfy the admission requirements of the ECE program in effect at the time of
readmission.

• Three letters of recommendation from faculty members in the ECE department.

Readmission is not guaranteed, irrespective of the circumstances that necessitate it.

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 VIII. Format of Ph.D. Oral Qualifying Exam Proposal

The written proposal should be submitted to the dissertation committee members no later than 15 days
before the proposal defense.

The written proposal must outline the area of research and its importance, problem statement, background
to the research area, specific tasks that will be performed, preliminary results, and subsequent steps. A
number of excellent manuals (consult, for example, references available via www.nsf.gov) are available on
writing research proposals and may be used as guides in preparing the proposal. A maximum of 15 single‐
spaced, typed (10‐point or larger font) pages, including figures and tables is allowed. It should include a title,
a table of contents, references, and an abstract in addition to the 15 pages of text. A maximum of two
appendices such as submitted papers, detailed derivations, etc. could be included in addition to the 15‐page
proposal. The main body of the text would typically consist of the following:

• Introduction: A concise overview of the research area and topic and their
importance.
• Background: Literature review and relevant background needed to place the
proposed study in the larger context and to highlight the relevance and the novelty
of the proposed work.
• Problem description: A description of the specific problem and the objectives of the
proposal and the novelty of the proposed work.
• Specific tasks: A description of proposed theoretical and/or experimental work and a
list of specific tasks needed to accomplish the proposed objectives.
• Preliminary work: Description of any preliminary work performed by the student and
an analysis or discussion of such preliminary work.
• Future tasks: Details of the subsequent steps planned to achieve the specific
objectives of the research.
• Concluding remarks.
• References: A list of references cited in the proposal. List of references does not
count toward 15‐page limit.

Tables and figures used in the proposal should be integrated into the text.

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 X. Graduate Course Descriptions

Course syllabi can be found at the Associate Chair’s website

(http://www.associatechair.ece.ufl.edu/syllabi.html). Syllabi not available on this website can be requested
from the course instructor.

The latest graduate course descriptions are located in the online graduate catalog at
http://gradcatalog.ufl.edu/index.php?catoid=11

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 XI. Graduate Research Division Flow Charts

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 1. Computer Engineering

EEL 5737 EEL 5718 EEL 5721 EEL 5764 CNT 6805 CDA 5636 EEL 5666C EEE 5716 EEL 5855
Principles of Computer Reconfigurable Computer Network Embedded Intelligent Intro to Cross
Computer Communications Computing Architecture Science & Systems (F) Machine Hardware Layered
Design (F) (F,Su) (F,S) (F) Apps. (F) Security (S) Computer
Design (A)
Security (S)

EEL 6686 EEE 6744 EEL 6935

Embedded Hardware Advanced
Systems Security Lab Hardware
EEL 6781 Seminar (S) (F) Security (F)
Software EEL 6706
EEL 6763 Fault
Defined EEL 6507 EEL 6591 Parallel Tolerant
Systems (F) Queueing Wireless Computer Computer
Theory and Networks Architecture Architectur
Data (A) (S) e (A)
Comm.
(S)

EEL 6761
EEL 6935 EEL 6588 EEL 6935 Cloud EEL 6892
Distributed Wireless Ad Billion Transistor Computing Virtual
Computing (S) Hoc Networks Computer and Storage Computers
(A) Architecture (A) (F) (S)

Special Topics
Key
EEL 5934 EEL 6935 EEL 5934 EEL 5934 EEL 5934 EEL 5934
F = Fall Internet of Big Data VLSI Design System-On- Automated Advanced
S = Spring Things (F) Ecosystems Verification Chip Design HW/SW Systems
(S) and Test (F) (S) Verification Programming
Su = Summer
(F) (S)
A = Aperiodic
2 = Every 2 years

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 2. Devices

EEE 5400 EEE 5426 EEE 5725 EEL 5934 EEL 5354L EEE 5405 EEE 5225 EEL 5417
Future of Introduction to Acoustics RF/Power Semiconductor Microelectronic Principle of Applied
Microelectronics Nanodevices (S) Electronic Microfab Lab Fabrication Tech MEMS Magnetics
Technology (F,S) (F) Dev (F) (F, S, C) (F, C) (F, C) (F)

OR OR

EEE 6390 EEE 6325 EEE 6431 EEE 6397 EEE 6460 EEE 6465
EEE 6428
VLSI Device Computer Carbon Semiconduc Advanced Design of MEMS
Nanoscale
Design (S) Simulation Nanotube tor Device Microsystems Transducers
Devices for
of ICs and (S) Theory (A) Technology (A,C) (S, C)
VLSI (S)
Devices (S)

Key Special Topics

F = Fall EEL 5934 EEL 5934 EEE 5216 EEL 5934
S = Spring Modern Mem Resonant Intro. to Optical
Dev. MEMS (S) Biophotonics Engineering
Su = Summer Technology (S) (F) (F)
A = Aperiodic
2 = Every 2 years
C = Certificate

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 3. Electromagnetics & Energy Systems

EEL 5441 EEL 5547 EEL 5490 EEL 5486 EEL 5462 EEE 5216 EEL 5285 EEL 5250
Fundamental Introduction Lightning (EEL 4473) Advanced Introduction Smart Grid Power
s of to Radar (F) Electromagnetic Antenna to for System
Photonics (S) Fields and Systems Biophotonics Sustainable Analysis
(F) (A) Energy (F)
Applications (S)
(F)
(F)

EEL 6487 EEL 6275

Advanced Topics Power
EEL 5447 in System
Laser Protection
Electromagnetic
Theory and (S)
Design Fields
(S) (S)

Special Topics
Related Courses:
Key EEE 5426 Introduction to Nanodevices
EEL 5934 EEL 5934
F = Fall Microwave Antenna EEE 6328C Microwave IC Design
S = Spring Systems Engineering EEE 6374 RF Circuits and Systems
(A) (A)
Su = Summer EEE 6382 Semiconductor Physical Electronics
A = Aperiodic EEE 6397 Semiconductor Device Theory
2 = Every 2 years EEE 6428 Computational Nanoelectronics
EEE 6431 Carbon Nanotubes
EEL 5451L Photonics Lab

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 4. Electronics

EEE 5364 EEE 5317C EEE 5320 EEL 5426 EEL 5408 EEE 5322 EEE 5374
Fundamentals of Power Analog IC RF/uWave Mixed-Signal VLSI Circuits and Radio Frequency
Data Converters Electronic Design I (F) Passive IC Test (F) Technology Electronics
(S) Circuits (F) Circuits (F,S)

EEE 6323 EEE 6374

EEL 6246 EEE 6321 EEE 6328C Advanced VLSI RF Circuits and
Power Analog IC Microwave IC Design (S) Systems (S)
Electronics 2 Design II (S) Design (F)
(F)

Key

F = Fall Special Topics

S = Spring
Su = Summer
A = Aperiodic EEL 6935
Mixed-Signal
2 = Every 2 years IC Test 2 (S)

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 5. Signals & Systems

EEL 5182 EEL 5547 EEE 5544 EEL 5840

EEL 5406 EEE 5502
State Variable Introduction to Noise in Linear Fundamentals of
Computational Foundations of Digital
Methods in Linear Radar Systems Machine
Photography Signal Processing (F.,
Systems (F) (F) (F) Learning (F)
(F) Su)

EEL 6614 EEL 6617 EEE 6504

Modern Linear EEE 6287
Machine Learning for EEL 6825
Control Theory Multivariable Brain Machine
Time Series (S) Pattern Recognition
(S) Control (F) Interface
and
Engineering (A)
Intelligence Systems
(S)
EEL 6533 EEL 6814
Statistical Decision Neural Networks for
Theory (A) Signal Processing
(A)
EEL 6537
Spectral Estimation
(A)
EEL 6509
EEL 6532 EEE 6527
Wireless
Information Theory Digital Filtering
Communications (F) EEL 6535
(A) (A)
Digital
Communications (S)
EEE 6512
EEL 6550
Image Processing
Error Correction EEE 6586
Computer Vision (F)
Coding (A) Automatic Speech
EEL 6528 Processing (A)
Digital Comm. w/
Software-Defined
Key Radios (A) EEL 6827
Fundamentals of
F = Fall Biometric
S = Spring EEL 6555
Identification (S)
Signal Processing for
Su = Summer
A = Aperiodic
Special Topics Active Sensing (A)

2 = Every 2 years
EEL 5934 EEL 6935 EEL 6935
Neural Signals, Stochastic Stochastic
Systems & Methods 2 (S) Control
Technology (S) (A)

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