Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Electrical engineers and computer scientists are everywhere—in industry and research areas as diverse as computer and communication networks, electronic circuits and systems, lasers and photonics, semiconductor and solid-state devices, nanoelectronics, biomedical engineering, computational biology, artificial intelligence, robotics, design and manufacturing, control and optimization, computer algorithms, games and graphics, software engineering, computer architecture, cryptography and computer security, power and energy systems, financial analysis, and many more. The infrastructure and fabric of the information age, including technologies such as the internet and the web, search engines, cell phones, high-definition television, magnetic resonance imaging, and artificial intelligence, are largely the result of innovations in electrical engineering and computer science. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at MIT and its graduates have been at the forefront of a great many of these advances. Current work in the department holds promise of continuing this record of innovation and leadership, in both research and education, across the full spectrum of departmental activity.

The career paths and opportunities for EECS graduates cover a wide range and continue to grow: fundamental technologies, devices, and systems based on electrical engineering and computer science are pervasive and essential to improving the lives of people around the world and managing the environments they live in. The basis for the success of EECS graduates is a deep education in engineering principles, built on mathematical, computational, physical, and life sciences, and exercised with practical applications and project experiences in a wide range of areas. Our graduates have also demonstrated over the years that EECS provides a strong foundation for those whose work and careers develop in areas quite removed from their origins in engineering.

Undergraduate students in the department take introductory subjects in electrical engineering and computer science, and then systematically build up broad foundations and depth in selected intellectual theme areas that match their individual interests. Laboratory subjects, independent projects, and undergraduate research projects provide engagement with principles and techniques of analysis, design, and experimentation in a variety of fields. The department also offers a range of programs that enable students to gain experience in industrial settings, ranging from collaborative industrial projects done on campus to term-long experiences at partner companies.

Graduate study in the department moves students toward mastery of areas of individual interest, through coursework and significant research, often defined in interdisciplinary areas that take advantage of the tremendous range of faculty expertise in the department and, more broadly, across MIT.

Undergraduate Study

For MIT undergraduates, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers several programs leading to the Bachelor of Science. Students in 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, 6-7, 6-9, or 6-14 may also apply for one of the Master of Engineering programs offered by the department, which require an additional year of study for the simultaneous award of both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (Course 6-3)

The 6-3 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering and is designed for students whose interests focus on software, computer systems, and theoretical computer science. The degree has a required core of 2.5 subjects in programming, 3 subjects in systems, and 3 subjects in algorithmic thinking and theory, along with a math subject in either linear algebra or probability and statistics. Students then take two upper-level courses in each of two specialized tracks, including computer architecture, human-computer interaction, programming tools and techniques, computer systems, or theory. 6-3 students may alternatively choose an electrical engineering track from the 6-5 degree, or an artificial intelligence and decision-making track from the 6-4 degree.

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making (Course 6-4)

The 6-4 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making and is designed for students whose interests focus on algorithms for learning and reasoning, applications of artificial intelligence, and connections to natural cognition. The degree has a required foundation of 6 subjects in basic mathematics and computer science; a breadth requirement of 5 subjects covering data, model, decision, computation, and human-centric areas; two subjects drawn from applications or other advanced material; one additional breadth subject; and one additional communications-intensive subject.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with Computing (Course 6-5)

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with Computing is for students whose interests range across all areas of electrical engineering, from analog circuit design to computer engineering to quantum engineering to communications. The degree program has a required foundation of five subjects in basic mathematics, programming, and algorithms. Students then build on these fundamental subjects with three core system design subjects encompassing the discipline, along with an integrative system design laboratory class. Four subjects drawn from a range of application tracks, one communication-intensive subject, and one additional elective round out the curriculum.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (Course 6-7)

The 6-7 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology. Offered jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Biology (Course 7), the program is for students who wish to specialize in computer science and molecular biology. Students begin with introductory courses in math, chemistry, programming, and lab skills. They then build on these skills with five courses in algorithms and biology, which lead to a choice of electives in biology, with a particular focus on computational biology. Additional information about the 6-7 program can be found in the section Interdisciplinary Programs.

Bachelor of Science in Computation and Cognition (Course 6-9)

The 6-9 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computation and Cognition. Offered jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (Course 9), the program focuses on the emerging field of computational and engineering approaches to brain science, cognition, and machine intelligence. It is designed to give students access to foundational and advanced material in electrical engineering and computer science, as well as in the architecture, circuits, and physiology of the brain. Additional information about the 6-9 program can be found in the section Interdisciplinary Programs.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science (Course 6-14)

The 6-14 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science. Offered jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Economics (Course 14), this program is for students who wish to specialize in computer science, economics, and data science. It is designed to equip students with a foundational knowledge of economic analysis, computing, optimization, and data science, as well as hands-on experience with empirical analysis of economic data. Students take eight subjects that provide a mathematical, computational, and algorithmic basis for the major. Students then take two subjects in data science, two in intermediate economics, and three elective subjects from data science and economics theory. Additional information about the 6-14 program can be found in the section Interdisciplinary Programs.

Bachelor of Science in Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science (Course 11-6)

The 11-6 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science. This program, offered jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (Course 11), is for students who wish to specialize in urban science and planning with computer science. Additional information about the 11-6 program can be found in the section Interdisciplinary Programs.

Minor in Computer Science

The department offers a Minor in Computer Science. The minor provides students with both depth and breadth in the field, as well as the opportunity to explore areas of their own interest. 

To complete the minor, students must take at least six subjects (six-unit subjects count as half-subjects) totaling at least 72 units from the lists below, including:

• at least one software-intensive subject, and
• one algorithms-intensive subject at either the basic or advanced level. 

Introductory Level
Select up to 12 units of the following:		6-12
6.1000	Introduction to Programming and Computer Science
6.100A	Introduction to Computer Science Programming in Python
6.100B	Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science
or 16.C20[J]	Introduction to Computational Science and Engineering
6.1903	Introduction to Low-level Programming in C and Assembly
or 6.1904	Introduction to Low-level Programming in C and Assembly
Basic Level
Select up to 63 units of the following:		0-63
6.1200[J]	Mathematics for Computer Science
6.1910	Computation Structures
6.3700	Introduction to Probability
6.3800	Introduction to Inference
18.200	Principles of Discrete Applied Mathematics
18.200A	Principles of Discrete Applied Mathematics
18.211	Combinatorial Analysis
Algorithms-intensive
6.1210	Introduction to Algorithms
Software-intensive
6.1010	Fundamentals of Programming
Advanced Level
Select at least 12 units of the following:		12-72
6.1220[J]	Design and Analysis of Algorithms
6.1400[J]	Computability and Complexity Theory
6.1420	Fixed Parameter and Fine-grained Computation
6.1600	Foundations of Computer Security
6.1800	Computer Systems Engineering (CI-M)
6.1810	Operating System Engineering
6.1820[J]	Mobile and Sensor Computing
6.3730[J]	Statistics, Computation and Applications
6.3900	Introduction to Machine Learning
6.4110	Representation, Inference, and Reasoning in AI
6.4120[J]	Computational Cognitive Science
6.4210	Robotic Manipulation (CI-M)
6.4300	Introduction to Computer Vision (CI-M)
6.4400	Computer Graphics
6.4500	Design for the Web: Languages and User Interfaces
6.4610	Natural Language Processing (CI-M)
6.5151	Large-scale Symbolic Systems
6.5831	Database Systems
6.8371	Digital and Computational Photography
6.8611	Quantitative Methods for Natural Language Processing (CI-M)
6.8701[J]	Computational Biology: Genomes, Networks, Evolution
6.8711[J]	Computational Systems Biology: Deep Learning in the Life Sciences
18.404	Theory of Computation
6.C01	Modeling with Machine Learning: from Algorithms to Applications
6.C011	Modeling with Machine Learning for Computer Science
Algorithms-intensive
6.1220[J]	Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Software-intensive
6.1020	Software Construction
6.1040	Software Design
6.1060	Software Performance Engineering
6.1100	Computer Language Engineering
6.1120	Dynamic Computer Language Engineering
6.1920	Constructive Computer Architecture
6.4200[J]	Robotics: Science and Systems (CI-M)
6.4550[J]	Interactive Music Systems
6.5081	Multicore Programming

Inquiries

Additional information about the department’s undergraduate programs may be obtained from the EECS Undergraduate Office, Room 38-476, 617-253-7329.

Graduate Study

Master of Engineering

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science permits qualified MIT undergraduate students to apply for one of three Master of Engineering (MEng) programs. These programs consist of an additional, fifth year of study beyond one of the Bachelor of Science programs offered by the department.

Recipients of a Master of Engineering degree normally receive a Bachelor of Science degree simultaneously. No thesis is explicitly required for the Bachelor of Science degree. However, every program must include a major project experience at an advanced level, culminating in written and oral reports.

The Master of Engineering degree also requires completion of 24 units of thesis credit under 6.THM . While a student may register for more than this number of thesis units, only 24 units count toward the degree requirement. Adjustments to the department requirements are made on an individual basis when it is clear that a student would be better served by a variation in the requirements because of their strong prior background.

Programs leading to the five-year Master of Engineering degree or to the four-year Bachelor of Science degrees can easily be arranged to be identical through the junior year. At the end of the junior year, students with strong academic records may apply to continue through the five-year master’s program. Admission to the Master of Engineering program is open only to undergraduate students who have completed their junior year in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. Students with other preparation seeking a master’s level experience in EECS at MIT should see the Master of Science program described later in this section.

A student in the Master of Engineering program must be registered as a graduate student for at least one regular (non-summer) term. To remain in the program and to receive the Master of Engineering degree, students will be expected to maintain strong academic records.

Four MEng programs are available:

• The Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (6-P) program is intended to provide the depth of knowledge and the skills needed for advanced graduate study and for professional work, as well as the breadth and perspective essential for engineering leadership in an increasingly complex technological world.
• The 6-A Master of Engineering Thesis Program with Industry combines the Master of Engineering academic program with periods of industrial practice at affiliated companies. An undergraduate wishing to pursue this degree should initially register for one of the department’s three bachelor’s programs.
• The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science jointly offers a Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (6-7P) with the Department of Biology (Course 7). This program is modeled on the 6-P program, but provides additional depth in computational biology through coursework and a substantial thesis.
• The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science jointly offers a Master of Engineering in Computation and Cognition (6-9P) with the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (Course 9). This program builds on the Bachelor of Science in Computation and Cognition, providing additional depth in the subject areas through advanced coursework and a substantial thesis.

Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Course 6-P)

Through a seamless, five-year course of study, the Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (6-P) program leads directly to the simultaneous awarding of the Master of Engineering and one of the three bachelor’s degrees offered by the department. The 6-P program is intended to provide the skills and depth of knowledge in a selected field of concentration needed for advanced graduate study and for professional work, as well as the breadth and perspective essential for engineering leadership in an increasingly complex technological world. The student selects 48 units from a list of subjects approved by the Graduate Office; these subjects, considered along with the subjects from the bachelor’s program, must include at least 36 units in an area of concentration. A further 18 units of electives are chosen from a restricted departmental list of mathematics and engineering subjects.

Master of Engineering Thesis Program with Industry (Course 6-A)

The 6-A Master of Engineering Thesis Program with Industry enables students to combine classroom studies with practical experience in industry through a series of supervised work assignments at one of the companies or laboratories participating in the program, culminating with a Master of Engineering thesis performed at a 6-A member company. Collectively, the participating companies provide a wide spectrum of assignments in the various fields of electrical engineering and computer science, as well as an exposure to the kinds of activities in which engineers are currently engaged. Since a continuing liaison between the companies and faculty of the department is maintained, students receive assignments of progressive responsibility and sophistication that are usually more professionally rewarding than typical summer jobs.

The 6-A program is primarily designed to work in conjunction with the department's five-year Master of Engineering degree program. Internship students generally complete three assignments with their cooperating company—usually two summers and one regular term. While on 6-A assignment, students receive pay from the participating company as well as academic credit for their work. During their graduate year, 6-A students generally receive a 6-A fellowship or a research or teaching assistantship to help pay for the graduate year.

The department conducts a fall recruitment during which juniors who wish to work toward an industry-based Master of Engineering thesis may apply for admission to the 6-A program. Acceptance of a student into the program cannot be guaranteed, as openings are limited. At the end of their junior year, most 6-A students can apply for admission to 6-PA, which is the 6-A version of the department's five-year 6-P Master of Engineering degree program. 6-PA students do their Master of Engineering thesis at their participating company's facilities. They can apply up to 24 units of work-assignment credit toward their Master of Engineering degree. The first 6-A assignment may be used for the advanced undergraduate project that is required for award of a bachelor's degree, by including a written report and obtaining approval by a faculty member.

At the conclusion of their program, 6-A students are not obliged to accept employment with the company, nor is the company obliged to offer such employment.

Additional information about the program is available at the 6-A Office, Room 38-409E, 617-253-4644.

Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (Course 6-7P)

The Departments of Biology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science jointly offer a Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (6-7P). A detailed description of the program requirements may be found under the section on Interdisciplinary Programs.

Master of Engineering in Computation and Cognition (Course 6-9P)

The Departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science jointly offer a Master of Engineering in Computation and Cognition (6-9P). A detailed description of the program requirements may be found under the section on Interdisciplinary Programs.

Master of Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science (Course 6-14P)

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Economics jointly offer a Master of Engineering in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science (6-14P). A detailed description of the program requirements can be found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section.

Predoctoral and Doctoral Programs

The programs of education offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the doctoral and predoctoral level have three aspects. First, a variety of classroom subjects in physics, mathematics, and fundamental fields of electrical engineering and computer science is provided to permit students to develop strong scientific backgrounds. Second, more specialized classroom and laboratory subjects and a wide variety of colloquia and seminars introduce the student to the problems of current interest in many fields of research, and to the techniques that may be useful in attacking them. Third, each student conducts research under the direct supervision of a member of the faculty and reports the results in a thesis.

Three advanced degree programs are offered in addition to the Master of Engineering program described above. A well-prepared student with a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field from some school other than MIT (or from another department at MIT) normally requires about one and one-half to two years to complete the formal studies and the required thesis research in the Master of Science degree program. (Students who have been undergraduates in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and who seek opportunities for further study must complete the Master of Engineering rather than the Master of Science degree program.) With an additional year of study and research beyond the master's level, a student in the doctoral or predoctoral program can complete the requirements for the degree of Electrical Engineer or Engineer in Computer Science. The doctoral program usually takes about four to five years beyond the master's level.

There are no fixed programs of study for these doctoral and predoctoral degrees. Each student plans a program in consultation with a faculty advisor. As the program moves toward thesis research, it usually centers in one of a number of areas, each characterized by an active research program. Areas of specialization in the department that have active research programs and related graduate subjects include communications, control, signal processing, and optimization; computer science; artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, and graphics; electronics, computers, systems, and networks; electromagnetics and electrodynamics; optics, photonics, and quantum electronics; energy conversion devices and systems; power engineering and power electronics; materials and devices; VLSI system design and technology; nanoelectronics; bioelectrical engineering; and computational biology.

In addition to graduate subjects in electrical engineering and computer science, many students find it profitable to study subjects in other departments such as Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Economics, Linguistics and Philosophy, Management, Mathematics, and Physics.

The informal seminar is an important mechanism for bringing together members of the various research groups. Numerous seminars meet every week. In these, graduate students, faculty, and visitors report their research in an atmosphere of free discussion and criticism. These open seminars are excellent places to learn about the various research activities in the department.

Research activities in electrical engineering and computer science are carried on by students and faculty in laboratories of extraordinary range and strength, including the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Laboratory for Energy and the Environment (see MIT Energy Initiative), Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, Lincoln Laboratory, Materials Research Laboratory, MIT Media Lab, Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, Operations Research Center, Plasma Science and Fusion Center, and the Microsystems Technology Laboratories. Descriptions of many of these laboratories may be found under the section on Research and Study.

Because the backgrounds of applicants to the department's doctoral and predoctoral programs are extremely varied, both as to field (electrical engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, biomedical engineering, etc.) and as to level of previous degree (bachelor's or master's), no specific admissions requirements are listed. All applicants for any of these advanced programs will be evaluated in terms of their potential for successful completion of the department's doctoral program. Superior achievement in relevant technical fields is considered particularly important.

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The general requirements for the degree of Master of Science are listed under Graduate Education. The department requires that the 66-unit program consist of at least four subjects from a list of approved subjects by the Graduate Office which must include a minimum of 42 units of advanced graduate subjects. In addition, a 24-unit thesis is required beyond the 66 units. Students working full-time for the Master of Science degree may take as many as four classroom subjects per term. The subjects are wholly elective and are not restricted to those given by the department. The program of study must be well balanced, emphasizing one or more of the theoretical or experimental aspects of electrical engineering or computer science.

Electrical Engineer or Engineer in Computer Science

The general requirements for an engineer's degree are given under the section on Graduate Education. These degrees are open to those able students in the doctoral or predoctoral program who seek more extensive training and research experiences than are possible within the master's program. Admission to the engineer's program depends upon a superior academic record and outstanding progress on a thesis. The course of studies consists of at least 162 units, 90 of which must be from a list of subjects approved by the Graduate Office, and the thesis requirements for a master's degree.

Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Science

The general requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Science are given under the section on Graduate Education. Doctoral candidates are expected to participate fully in the educational program of the department and to perform thesis work that is a significant contribution to knowledge. As preparation, MIT students in the Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program will be expected to complete that program. Students who have received a bachelor's degree outside the department, but who have not completed a master's degree program, will normally be expected to complete the requirements for the Master of Science degree described earlier, including a thesis. Students who have completed a master's degree elsewhere without a significant research component will be required to register for and carry out a research accomplishment equivalent to a master's thesis before being allowed to proceed in the doctoral program.

Details of how students in the department fulfill the requirements for the doctoral program are spelled out in an internal memorandum. The department does not have a foreign language requirement, but does require an approved minor program.

Graduate students enrolled in the department may participate in the research centers described in the Research and Study section, such as the Operations Research Center.

Financial Support

Master of Engineering Degree Students

Students in the fifth year of study toward the Master of Engineering degree are commonly supported by a graduate teaching or research assistantship. In the 6-A Master of Engineering Thesis Program with Industry, students are supported by paid company internships. Students supported by full-time research or teaching assistantships may register for no more than two regular classes totaling at most 27 units. They receive additional academic units for their participation in the teaching or research program. Support through an assistantship may extend the period required to complete the Master of Engineering program by an additional term or two. Support is granted competitively to graduate students and may not be available for all of those admitted to the Master of Engineering program. The MEng degree is normally completed by students taking a full load of regular subjects in two graduate terms. Students receiving assistantships commonly require a third term and may petition to continue for a fourth graduate term.

Master of Science, Engineer, and Doctoral Degree Students

Studies toward an advanced degree can be supported by personal funds, by an award such as the National Science Foundation Fellowship (which the student brings to MIT), by a fellowship or traineeship awarded by MIT, or by a graduate assistantship. Assistantships require participation in research or teaching in the department or in one of the associated laboratories. Full-time assistants may register for no more than two scheduled classroom or laboratory subjects during the term, but may receive additional academic credit for their participation in the teaching or research program.

Inquiries

Additional information concerning graduate academic and research programs, admissions, financial aid, and assistantships may be obtained from the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Graduate Office, Room 38-444, 617-253-4605, or visit the EECS website.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Computational Science and Engineering

The Master of Science in Computational Science and Engineering (CSE SM) is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a strong foundation in computational methods for applications in science and engineering. The CSE SM program trains students in the formulation, analysis, implementation, and application of computational approaches via a common core, which serves all science and engineering disciplines, and an elective component which focuses on particular disciplinary applications. The program emphasizes:

• Breadth through introductory courses in numerical analysis, simulation, and optimization
• Depth in the student’s chosen field
• Multidisciplinary aspects of computation
• Hands-on experience through projects, assignments, and a master's thesis

Current MIT graduate students may qualify to apply to pursue a CSE SM in conjunction with a department-based master's or PhD program. For more information, visit the CCSE website or see the full program description under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Joint Program with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

The Joint Program with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is intended for students whose primary career objective is oceanography or oceanographic engineering. Students divide their academic and research efforts between the campuses of MIT and WHOI. Joint Program students are assigned an MIT or WHOI faculty member as academic advisor; thesis research may be advised by MIT or WHOI faculty. Pre-candidacy, students are typically in residence at MIT.  Once they achieve candidacy, they are expected to live near the same campus as their advisor (MIT or WHOI). Students in the applied ocean science and engineering discipline follow a program similar to that of other students in their home department. MIT-WHOI Joint Program students in other disciplines follow the curriculum set out in their discipline's handbook. The program is described in more detail under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Leaders for Global Operations

The 24-month Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program combines graduate degrees in engineering and management for those with previous postgraduate work experience and strong undergraduate degrees in a technical field. During the two-year program, students complete a six-month internship at one of LGO's partner companies, where they conduct research that forms the basis of a dual-degree thesis. Students finish the program with two MIT degrees: an MBA (or SM in management) and an SM from one of eight engineering programs, some of which have optional or required LGO tracks. After graduation, alumni lead strategic initiatives in high-tech, operations, and manufacturing companies.

System Design and Management

The System Design and Management (SDM) program is a partnership among industry, government, and the university for educating technically grounded leaders of 21st-century enterprises. Jointly sponsored by the School of Engineering and the Sloan School of Management, it is MIT's first degree program to be offered with a distance learning option in addition to a full-time in-residence option.

Technology and Policy

The Master of Science in Technology and Policy is an engineering research degree with a strong focus on the role of technology in policy analysis and formulation. The Technology and Policy Program (TPP) curriculum provides a solid grounding in technology and policy by combining advanced subjects in the student's chosen technical field with courses in economics, politics, quantitative methods, and social science. Many students combine TPP's curriculum with complementary subjects to obtain dual degrees in TPP and either a specialized branch of engineering or an applied social science such as political science. See the program description under the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society.