Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Portland

Program Overview

Northeastern’s Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (concentration in computer networks and security) incorporates rigorous coursework, hands-on research, and experience-focused projects. You gain the skills needed for careers in wired and wireless secure networked systems, research and development, and academia.

The curriculum is delivered at Northeastern’s Roux Institute in Portland, Maine. Classwork covers technologies for communication networks, including hardware and software aspects. You'll learn about wireless sensor networking, NextG network technologies, internet trends, and smart optimization of networked systems. Students gain critical knowledge of communication and network security, approaches to cybersecurity, malware attacks, side-channel leakage, and hardware/software hardening.

All Roux Institute programs provide content relevant to the urgent and emerging industry needs in Maine and the rapidly evolving regional, national, and global economy. Students can pursue co-ops and virtual Experiential Network projects with the leading Maine employers.

  • Portland

    Location

  • Full-Time
    Part-Time

    Commitment

  • 2 Years

    Duration of Program

Unique Features

  • Grow your career in wired and wireless secure networked systems with an advanced degree from Northeastern University that focuses on the future workforce in computer networks and security.
  • Learn from industry partners and gain career connections with a range of leading employers and organizations.
  • Build vital experience with access to the world’s largest wireless RF emulation platform and the largest millimeter-wave and terahertz networking platforms in the nation.
  • Gain a comprehensive knowledge of topics from engineering to policy and standardization through institutional involvement with the International Telecommunication Union, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, and multiple standardization bodies (e.g., O-RAN, IEEE, 3GPP).
  • Graduate skilled in future network technologies, telecommunication policy, ethical use of security, and with the theoretical and experimental background to tackle the open problems in the networking field.
  • Students can participate in the research activities of the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (especially through the M.S. Thesis option) and through the connection with dozens of companies in the networking and telecommunication sectors.

Career Outlook

  • By 2023, the number of devices connected to the internet is expected to surpass three times the global population, with more than 70% of that population having access to mobile wireless connectivity.
  • Wired and wireless networks will require a highly qualified workforce covering all the wireless and network engineering aspects ranging from hardware design and electromagnetic characterization to communication techniques and networking protocols for present and future network generations from 5G to 6G and beyond.
  • The rapid development and real-world deployments of novel networking technologies favored by enhanced spectrum utilization and policies have an unprecedented impact on job creation. The revolution in technology brought by 5G and 6G wireless network systems alone will affect 100% of the national economy, with a projected creation of 4.6 million jobs by 2034.

Scholarships and aid

$57.6K

Tuition

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2023-2024 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

Generous scholarships

The Roux Institute is currently offering generous scholarships to meet the financial needs of all students through its Alfond Scholars Initiative. Each award is determined by an individual assessment. And Northeastern alumni receive a Double Husky Scholarship —a tuition discount of 25 percent.

Learn more about the Alfond Scholars Initiative

Corporate tuition benefits

Many employers subsidize education for their employees. Speak with yours about any tuition benefits your company may offer.

Special military scholarships

For military veterans and servicemembers, a limited number of donor-funded scholarships are available even after all other aid has been awarded to help with commuting costs, childcare, and other costs of living.

Learn more about military scholarships

Federal aid

You can apply for federal aid grants and loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Learn about the FAFSA

Admission Requirements

  • Completed online application form
  • Application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, or 2023-2024 academic years
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resumé
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Admission Dates

Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.

Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • International student deadline outside the US: June 1
  • International student deadline inside the US: July 1
  • Domestic student deadline: August 1

Program Curriculum

Please view the Course Catalog for information regarding the program curriculum.

Experiential Learning

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges. The cooperative education program, also known as co-op, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program, students gain up to eight months of professional experience employed in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving them a competitive edge upon graduation. The College of Engineering has over 2,000 co-op employer partners globally. Our dedicated team of co-op coordinators prepare students for the co-op experience through resume building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development.