@OhioStateECE
Electrical & Computer
Engineering
Imagine Your Pathway

Graduate Program
Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee: Prof. Atilla Eryilmaz, eryilmaz.2@osu.edu
If you have questions, you are welcome send your inquiry to the ECE graduate program address, eng-ece-grad@osu.edu, or the Graduate Program Contacts.
Patricia K. Toothman, PhD Coordinator, toothman.8@osu.edu, 614-292-7623
Tricia assists the graduate studies chairperson with the admissions process for master's and PhD applicants, and assists ECE graduate students with course scheduling, etc.
Beth Bucher, MS Coordinator bucher.9@osu.edu, 614-292 3226 https://u.osu.edu/bucher.9/
Beth can answer questions about admission applications, enrollment issues, deadlines, finding Ohio State University resources/contacts, and graduation questions.
To schedule an appointment, find an open day/time on my online calendar, then choose New through your BuckeyMail calendar, and send an invite. Watch for a confirmation or reschedule request. It may not work from your phone. You are welcome to email me with a suggested time and date.
PhD after BS: 80-credit min. |
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Dissertation Research: ECE 8999 |
50-credit min. |
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Letter-graded Graduate Courses 5000+ grad level 6000+ advanced level |
28- credit min. |
21 credits ECE letter-graded courses |
2 ECE 6000+ letter-graded courses |
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6 credits secondary research area |
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Max. 9 credits for graduate courses in a related field |
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PHILOS or ECE 7080 Engineering Ethics (Waived for those who passed ECE 3080 or PHILOS 1332) |
1 credit |
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Individual Studies: ECE 8193 |
2-credit max. |
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ECE 8891 Seminar |
2 credits |
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Up to 24 course credits and up to 24 dissertation credits are transferable from another institution, as approved by ECE Graduate Studies Committee. |
PhD after MS: 80-credit min. |
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MS Degree |
30 Credits |
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Dissertation Research: ECE 8999 |
36-credit min. |
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Letter-graded Graduate Courses 5000+ grad level 6000+ advanced level |
14 credits |
Minimum 12 letter-graded credits |
21 ECE letter-graded courses from either MS or PhD program |
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2 OSU ECE 6000+ letter-graded courses |
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6 credits from secondary research area |
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PHILOS or ECE 7080 Engineering Ethics (Waived for those who passed ECE 3080 or PHILOS 1332) |
1 credit |
|
Individual Studies: ECE 8193 |
2-credit max. |
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ECE 8891 Seminar |
2 credits |
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Up to 9 course credits and up to 10 dissertation credits are transferable from another institution, as approved by ECE Graduate Studies Committee. |
MS Project Path (Non-Thesis): 30-credit min. |
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Letter-graded Graduate Courses 5000+ grad level 6000+ advanced level |
24- credit min. |
ECE Graduate Courses: 15-credit min. |
Adv. ECE Grad Courses: 6-credit min. |
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ECE 6070 (Project Management) Mandatory within first 2 semesters; Does not count as advanced course. |
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Submit an advisor-approved MS Plan of Study within the first semester. Deadlines based on last family name letter: A-H: Aug. 26-Sept. 27, J-R: Sept. 30-Oct.25, S-Z: Oct. 25-Nov. 22 |
Related Courses: 9-credit max (engineering, biological sciences, physics, math, chemistry, business, economics, ACCAD and stats). |
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PHILOS or ECE 8090 Engineering Ethics (Waived for those who passed ECE 3080 or PHILOS 1332) |
1 credit |
The Individual Studies max increases by 1 credit. Submit the MS Graduation Checkout Form during the final semester. |
Individual Studies: ECE 8193 |
5-credit max. |
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MS Non-Thesis Exam |
Project Requirements |
Before starting, submit a 1-page project proposal for advisor approval. |
Project Report: consult faculty advisor for format (verbal, written, etc.) |
MS Research Path (Thesis): 30-credit max. |
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Letter-graded Graduate Courses 5000+ grad level 6000+ advanced level |
18- credit min. |
ECE Graduate Courses: 9-credit min. |
Adv. ECE Grad Courses: 6-credit min. |
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Related Courses: 9-credit max (engineering, biological sciences, physics, math, chemistry, business, economics, ACCAD and stats). |
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PHILOS or ECE 8090 Engineering Ethics (Waived for those who passed ECE 3080 or PHILOS 1332) |
1 credit |
The Individual Studies max increases by 1 credit. Submit the MS Graduation Checkout Form during the final semester. |
ECE 6999 Thesis Research |
5-credit max. |
Submit an advisor-approved MS Plan of Study within the first semester. Deadlines based on last family name letter: A-H: Aug. 26-Sept. 27, J-R: Sept. 30-Oct.25, S-Z: Oct. 25-Nov. 22 |
Individual Studies: ECE 6193 |
1-credit max. |
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MS Thesis Exam |
Requirements |
Thesis and oral exam |
The Doctor of Philosophy Program
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in electrical and computer engineering Is to produce graduates who think independently and solve engineering problems based on first principle scientific and mathematical concepts. The training involves the in-depth study of a challenging research problem that has not been previously solved to a desired level of effectiveness.
Many ECE professors are renown worldwide as some of the top experts in their field. The programs of study they offer provide students with the chance to work on groundbreaking research, helping to advance society as a whole.
Please visit the ECE Faculty Directory and ECE Research Areas to learn more about faculty and their research.
ECE PhD Degree Requirements
The ECE department offers two different tracks to pursue a PhD:
- Direct PhD from BS degree
- PhD after the MS degree
Summary Requirements for the ECE PhD Degree
PhD after BS: 80-credit min. |
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Dissertation Research: ECE 8999 |
50-credit min. |
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Letter-graded Graduate Courses 5000+ grad level 6000+ advanced level |
28- credit min. |
21 credits ECE letter-graded courses |
2 ECE 6000+ letter-graded courses |
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6 credits secondary research area |
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Max. 9 credits for graduate courses in a related field |
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PHILOS or ECE 7080 Engineering Ethics (Waived for those who passed ECE 3080 or PHILOS 1332) |
1 credit |
|
Individual Studies: ECE 8193 |
2-credit max. |
|
ECE 8891 Seminar |
2 credits |
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Up to 24 course credits and up to 24 dissertation credits are transferable from another institution, as approved by ECE Graduate Studies Committee. |
Direct PhD from BS requirements
1. Course requirements include:
- At least 30 graduate course credits beyond the bachelor’s degree are required. Of the 30 graduate credits of coursework, at least 28 must be letter-graded courses. At least 21 credits must be letter-graded ECE courses and up to 9 credits can be graduate courses in a related field.
- Of the 21 ECE letter-graded graduate course credits, 6 must be associated with an area of concentration outside the student’s primary area of study.
- Two (2) of the letter-graded ECE courses must be Ohio State ECE 6000+ for students beginning the PhD program in autumn 2019 and after.
- Of the required 30 graduate credits of coursework, in addition to 28 letter-graded courses, 1 credit must be ECE 7080 or PHILOS 7080, and 1 credit can be ECE 8193, individual studies. ECE 7080 or PHILOS 7080 is waived for Ohio State University graduates who completed ECE 3080 or PHILOS 1332.
2. Transfer credit:
- Up to 24 graduate course credits and up to 24 dissertation credits (for a maximum of 48 credits) can be transferred from another institution into the direct PhD program subject to the approval of the ECE Graduate Studies committee.
3. Dissertation research requirements:
- A minimum of 50 research credits (ECE 8999) leading to a dissertation embodying a significant original research contribution.
PhD after MS: 80-credit min. |
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MS Degree |
30 Credits |
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Dissertation Research: ECE 8999 |
36-credit min. |
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Letter-graded Graduate Courses 5000+ grad level 6000+ advanced level |
14 credits |
Minimum 12 letter-graded credits |
21 ECE letter-graded courses from either MS or PhD program |
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2 OSU ECE 6000+ letter-graded courses |
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6 credits from secondary research area |
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PHILOS or ECE 7080 Engineering Ethics (Waived for those who passed ECE 3080 or PHILOS 1332) |
1 credit |
|
Individual Studies: ECE 8193 |
2-credit max. |
|
ECE 8891 Seminar |
2 credits |
|
Up to 9 course credits and up to 10 dissertation credits are transferable from another institution, as approved by ECE Graduate Studies Committee. |
PhD after MS requirements
1. MS degree counts for 30 credits.
2. Course requirements include:
- In addition to the MS degree, 14 credits of graduate coursework of which 12 must be letter-graded courses.
- The student must have taken at least 21 semester credits of letter graded ECE courses. These 21 credits can come from either the master’s or PhD program. The ECE courses from a non-Ohio State master’s must be approved by the Graduate Studies committee as being equivalent to ECE courses at OSU.
- Two (2) letter-graded ECE courses must be OSU ECE 6000+ for students beginning the PhD program in autumn 2019 and after.
- Six (6) of the 21 ECE credits must be associated with an area of concentration outside the student’s primary area of study.
- One (1) credit must be ECE 7080 or PHILOS 7080, and 1 credit can be ECE 8193, individual studies. ECE 7080 or PHILOS 7080 is waived for OSU graduates who completed ECE 3080 or PHILOS 1332.
3. Transfer credit
- Up to 9 PhD graduate coursework credits and up to 10 dissertation credits (for a maximum total of 19 credits) past the master’s degree from another institution can be transferred to Ohio State subject to the approval of the ECE Graduate Studies committee.
4. Dissertation research requirements:
- A minimum of 36 research credits (ECE 8999) leading to a dissertation embodying a significant original research contribution.
Summary of Additional Requirements in the ECE PhD Program
(Both Direct from BS and from MS)
1. The PhD plan of Study must be submitted by the end of the first semester.
2. PhD students must have a permanent advisor by the end of the second semester.
3. PhD students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
4. Graduate seminar (ECE 8891): at least two credit hours is required. Credit for these seminars is in addition to the 80 credit degree requirement.
5. The PhD proposal is submitted at the time of the candidacy examination. Two attempts are allowed
6. Submission of at least one substantial, original paper based on the dissertation research is required.
9. Successful completion of the dissertation (PhD thesis) and final oral examination complete the degree requirements.
- The doctoral student is expected to obtain a commitment from a faculty advisor and submit the PhD Plan of Study by the end of the first semester in the PhD program.
- The PhD Plan of Study will define an ECE primary research area of emphasis, an ECE secondary research area of emphasis and other graduate courses approved by the advisor and the ECE Graduate studies committee.
- By graduation, students must have completed at least two primary area courses and 6 credits in the secondary research area.
- If a student has earned a master’s degree from another institution, a transcript must accompany the Plan of Study form.
- Two faculty signatures are required to approve the plan prior to submission: the faculty advisor and a secondary area faculty.
- PhD Qualifying Examination
The PhD Qualifying Examination (QE) serves as one of the key filters in allowing a student to pass from simple admission to the PhD program to regular doctoral student status.
The QE is designed in accordance with the following principles:
- The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is to test the fundamental knowledge acquired by the student over prior coursework and assess the ability to apply this fundamental knowledge to approach research questions/problems.
- Both BS to PhD and MS to PhD students are required to take the QE in the first semester of their second year.
- Two (2) attempts are allowed. The second attempt must be during the time window in the semester following the semester of the failed attempt. If a student fails after two attempts, the student is no longer in the PhD program and can earn an MS degree after completing MS requirements. If the student does not take the QE during the semester he/she is required to take it, this will be considered a failed attempt.
- Effective autumn 2019: Students starting the ECE PhD program in autumn 2019 and after must complete three graduate letter-graded ECE courses by the scheduled exam term, including during the semester when the QE is administered. At least two of the three courses must be in the student's primary research area. ECE 5000 - level courses will meet the ECE QE course requirement.
- Failure to do so will be considered a failed attempt.
The Candidacy Examination is intended to establish the student’s preparation and readiness for independent doctoral level research by assessing the following:
- Intellectual independence of the candidate.
- Familiarity of the candidate with the literature relevant to her/his research area(s).
- The ability to formulate a meaningful research problem and a corresponding research plan.
The Candidacy Examination is comprised of a research proposal, a written exam and an oral exam. The candidacy exam is usually taken in the third year in the PhD program after all coursework is completed.
Please visit the ECE Graduate Handbook for more information about the candidacy exam process.
Dissertation, Final Defense, Submission of a Paper
Research conducted by students in the PhD program culminates in a dissertation that must be defended orally before the advisor and two other Dissertation Reading Committee members.
Submission of at least one substantial, original paper based on the dissertation research to a refereed, archival journal is required before approval of the final defense of the dissertation is granted. A signed Submission of Paper form by the faculty advisor must be provided with the Application to Graduate at the beginning of the semester of graduation. If the paper has not yet been published, the student must provide a copy of the email acknowledging the acceptance or submission of the paper to the journal. Typically, advisors expect two or more journal papers from their PhD students.
Graduate Research Areas
The Ohio State Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a broad and expansive set of curriculum choices, as students look to advance their studies and careers prospects.
Many ECE professors are renown worldwide as some of the top experts in their field. The programs of study they offer provide students with the chance to work on groundbreaking research, helping to advance society as a whole. The careers they find after graduation are often lucrative, plentiful and fulfilling.
Ohio State ECE Research Areas:
SOLID STATE ELECTRONICS AND PHOTONICS
Undergraduate Program
Schedule Appointment
Undergraduate Academic Advisors
Advisors' offices are in the ECE office at 205 Dreese Laboratories. ECE Advisors are available to meet with students by appointment only.
To make the most of your advising appointment, ECE Advisors have divided responsibilities according to the student program level.
Alissa Kasmer (she/her), Program Manager
Contact: kasmer.4@osu.edu
Alissa's advising focus is on students who are eligible to apply for graduation, as well as students returning to Ohio State from a leave of absence.
Louise Vasher (she/her), Senior Academic Advisor
Contact: vasher.2@osu.edu
Louise's advising focus is on students in the major, students in the pre-major, and students interested in pursuing ECE.
Melissa Hoyt (she/her), Academic Advisor
Contact: hoyt.50@osu.edu
Melissa's advising focus is students in the pre-major, students interested in pursuing ECE, and students early on in the major.
Worksheets & Curricula Information
Standards of Academic Performance
- Standards of Academic Performance (click the red link): Explains requirements for the successful completion of the BSECE degree and remaining in good standing in the department. Also includes special action probation policy.
Worksheets & Curricula Information
- Approved directed electives lists for students who started after the switch to the semester calendar and for those who started before the switch to the semester calendar who have elected to graduate meeting semester program requirements.
- Approved directed electives for the Computer Engineering Program, updated 9-21-21.
- Approved directed electives for the Electrical Engineering Program, updated 9-21-21.
Bingo Sheets (Curriculum Sheets)
The bingo sheets listed below are samples. You should work with an advisor to formulate your personalized plan. You can find course pre-requisites by going to the course catalog please click here
- Bingo sheets not listed below are available from your advisor, if needed. Your specific bingo sheet is determined by the term and year you started at Ohio State. Academy, returning, and Fresh Start students need to contact their advisor to determine applicable bingo sheet.
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Computer Engineering program of study bingo sheets:
2022-2023 |2021-2022 | 2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019 | 2017-2018 | 2016-2017 | 2015-16 | 2014-15 | -
Electrical Engineering program of study bingo sheets:
2022-2023 | 2021-2022 | 2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019 | 2017-2018 | 2016-2017 | 2015-16 | 2014-15|
Bingo Sheets for students who start in other math sequences Curriculum Year: 2022-2023
Bingo Sheet for students who start in Math 1150 EES
Bingo Sheet for students who start in Math 1150 CES
Bingo Sheet for students who start in Math 1140 EES
Bingo Sheet for students who start in Math 1140 CES
Bingo Sheet for students who start in Math 1148 EES
Bingo sheet for students who start in Math 1148 CES
General Education
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General education course list for students who started at Ohio State after the switch to the semester calendar (summer 2012 or later)
* All documents are available in alternative format from the ECE main office, Dreese Labs 205.
The College of Engineering offers a number of combined BS/MS programs for undergraduate students with outstanding academic records to encourage the best students to pursue advanced degrees. This allows well-qualified undergraduates to start graduate study before completing their BS degree. Enrolling in a combined BS/MS program can shorten the total time to get both a BS degree and a MS degree. By enrolling in a combined BS/MS program, you are eligible to count up to 12 semester credit-hours of courses taken as a BS student toward your MS degree.
Eligibility
You must meet all requirements imposed by the Graduate School for combined BS/MS programs. Section VIII of the official Ohio State Graduate School Handbook contains up-to-date information about these requirements. You are eligible to apply for a combined BS/MS program in engineering if:
• You are an Ohio State undergraduate student (not necessarily in engineering)
• You have at least a 3.5 CPHR in all previous undergraduate work
• You will have completed at least 90 undergraduate semester credit hours toward the BS degree prior to starting graduate study.
Application, Admission, and Enrollment
Students need to gain admission into the BS/MS program prior to enrollment in combined courses. Courses taken prior to BS/MS admission cannot be used for combined credit.
The first step is to discuss combined course choices with an undergraduate advisor to ensure all requirements are being met for the BS program. Next, apply to the graduate program from which you want a MS degree. Follow the regular graduate admission process. Go to the ECE Application Process page to begin the ECE admission application. Indicate on the application your desire to enter the combined BS/MS program.
Once all items have been received for the graduate application including letters of recommendation, submit the online BS/MS form to the Graduate School (https:// gradforms.osu.edu). Students enter the combined courses on the form. Students cannot change courses or edit the form once submitted.
The form needs approval from an ECE Undergraduate Advisor, MS Graduate Program Coordinator, and the College of Engineering undergraduate Graduation Coordinator. An email notificaiton of the pending form is sent to each after submission.The Graduate School completes the BS/MS approval and the MS admission.
These steps need to be done prior to enrollment in the combined courses. Courses already taken cannot be approved for combined course credit.
Additional Information
Here are some additional points you should consider:
- You apply, and are admitted, to graduate study under the regular graduate admission criteria and processes. Make sure to check for admission deadlines with the department whose graduate program you are considering as soon as you think you might be interested in a combined BS/MS program. The ECE MS application deadline is Feb. 1 for students seeking admission to either autumn or spring semesters of the following academic year.
- Once you are enrolled in a combined BS/MS program, you become a graduate student and are charged graduate tuition and fees. Since these are higher than undergraduate tuition and fees, the result can be a financial burden.
- Students enrolled in a bachelor’s/master’s combined program may hold Graduate Associate appointments that do not involve teaching of other students provided all other eligibility criteria are met. Check with your graduate program for details.
- If you hold a Graduate Associate position, then you must meet all graduate-credit-hour and other requirements associated with that position. The Graduate School has minimum enrollment requirements for students on appointment. The department appointing you may have additional enrollment requirements. Check with the graduate program.
- You will have two GPAs – one for undergraduate and one for graduate. You will be subject to academic standards at both levels.
- Always enroll for combined courses on your undergraduate record. The combined courses will be added to your graduate record after your BS graduation.
- While in the BS/MS program, students can take additional MS only courses that are not combined. This is the only case to enroll on the graduate record.
The Ohio State University is one of the largest and most extensive research universities in the world. Researchers at Ohio State are leaders in a variety of fields that touch our daily lives and shape our future. Undergraduates are a part of OSU's exciting community of discovery, creativity and innovation.
Why research?
As an undergraduate, research exposes you to a very different side of engineering, one where you work to solve open-ended problems that no one knows the answers to yet, and in some cases where understanding and defining the problem is the primary goal of the research. Research also gives you the opportunity to work closely with faculty and more advanced students to get more exposure to the next step in your career in engineering.
What would I be doing?
The research opportunities for undergraduate ECE students are diverse and challenging. Under the direction of a faculty member, students work on a research problem that may involve laboratory work, computer programming, data analysis, and literature searching. Research projects prepare students for future graduate studies and/or the corporate world in ways regular curriculum alone cannot achieve. View some example ECE undergraduate research projects.
How do I find a research project?
Ask the professor teaching your favorite class if there are any research opportunities on the class’s topic. You can also browse the faculty webpages for topics that are interesting to you and contact those faculty to set up appointments to discuss possible research projects. If you have multiple topics/classes that interest you, but don’t know which faculty to contact, you can make an appointment with the ECE department’s undergraduate honors and research coordinator, Prof. Bradley Clymer (clymer.1@osu.edu). Prof. Clymer can help you identify faculty who regularly advise undergraduate research on the various topics that interest you.
Opportunities for honors students
Students with a university honors designation (cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher) can develop their research project into an Honors Thesis during their senior year under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students who complete the requirements for the thesis project will graduate with Distinction in Electrical & Computer Engineering. Visit the Honors section to learn more.
What are the benefits?
Participation in undergraduate research benefits students educationally, professionally, and personally. Benefits include:
- Working closely with a faculty mentor
- Sharpening problem-solving skills and applying concepts learned in coursework to real life problems
- Exploring and preparing for future careers
- Developing marketable skills
- Enhancing professional communication skills
Get Involved
ECE students who are interested in being involved in an undergraduate research project can do so in a few easy steps.
- Students should be in good academic standing.
- Students should explore the various research areas ECE faculty members are involved in, chose an area of interest, and identify a particular professor as a potential research advisor.
- Think about how much time per week that you have to complete research.
- Contact the professor(s) directly and inquire about the available research opportunities, including the possibilities of joining an on-going research project, or perhaps even starting a new one. Indicate an area of research that you would like to work on. This will give the faculty member a better idea of what projects you may be available for.
Questions?
Prof. Bradley Clymer gives an annual seminar in early September on ECE Undergraduate Research that addresses when to begin research, how to find a research advisor, and some different scenarios that ECE students can use for undergraduate research. This seminar is recorded and the video and slides are posted on a special Carmen site for ECE Undergraduate Research. To get access to this Carmen site, email Prof. Clymer at clymer.1@osu.edu.
View some example abstracts of current senior honors thesis projects.
If you have additional questions about undergraduate research projects, please contact Professor Clymer.
Additional Resources:

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