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Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is a vibrant academic and research community of scholars.

We encourage you to become familiar with the research areas in the Department, to reach out to our faculty for support, and to become actively engaged in the Department community. One way we encourage our students to become involved is by attending the colloquium series we hold throughout the academic year. This is an opportunity to learn about advances in the academic community and to network with faculty and students from across campus.

We are committed to helping you achieve your career goals. Students can take full advantage of what the University has to offer by learning about the graduate resources available in the College and the campus resources available at the University.

For the most current information about your particular degree of study, you can refer to the Graduate Course Catalog. The Graduate School maintains a checklist of Graduate Requirements that all graduate students should be familiar with to ensure they are on track for degree completion. This site also has many necessary forms, dates and deadlines, and access to resources. Engineering and Computer Science IT Support (CIT)

Here you will find the most frequently asked questions as well as technology and procedural how-to's.  We hope that this resource will assist you in finding all the correct answers to your questions!

Prospective and Admitted Students

Graduate - ECS – Syracuse University-information for prospective students, including the application process.

Grant/Merit scholarship will be applied to your student account after the drop deadline and before the bill is due

Consideration for scholarships is given at time of application review. No further funding is available after admission.


Bridge courses cannot be waived, and must be completed during the first semester you are enrolled

To enroll e-mail Rebecca Noble with your SU ID and course name and number

If you were not assigned a bridge course during the admission process, but would like to take one a one-on-one meeting with the department chair can be arranged to determine if the course will be beneficial for your academic success.

​Graduate Admission Transcript Requirement - Syracuse.edu

To submit your transcript by mail/express delivery or by electronic delivery directly from the institution:

MAIL OR DHL:
Syracuse University

Graduate Admissions Processing

400 Ostrom Avenue

Syracuse, NY 13244

THE INSTITUTION SENDS DIRECTLY USING SECURELINK
Many U.S. colleges and universities allow you to order a transcript for electronic delivery.
Use this email address when you order a transcript from the institution for electronic delivery to SU: grad@syr.edu

4+1 (BSMS) Program

Invitations are made to rising seniors after completion of their junior year, eligible students will be notified via email and asked to apply after posting of spring grades. Accepted students will be notified after the application review is completed.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Overall GPA 3.3 or better; and

Completion of three of the following four courses with B+ or better in each course*

    • ELE 324
    • ELE 333
    • ELE 351
    • ELE 354

Student has completed no more than 4 technical electives (leaving at least 2 technical electives)

COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Overall GPA 3.3 or better; and

Completion of three of the following four courses with B+ or better in each course*

    • CIS 351
    • CSE 381
    • CIS/CSE 486
    • CSE 464

Student has completed no more than 4 technical electives (leaving at least 2 technical electives)

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Overall GPA 3.3 or better; and

Completion of three of the following four courses with B+ or better in each course*

    • CIS 341
    • CIS 352
    • CIS 477
    • CIS/CSE 486

Student has completed no more than 4 upper-division electives (leaving at least 2 upper-division electives).

*Note: If only three of the four courses have been completed, student may be conditionally accepted until the course is completed, and the minimal grade of B+ has been earned. The applicant must be registered for, and complete, the remaining course during the fall semester. Acceptance will be made official provided the stated criteria (course completion, minimal course grade, and overall GPA) have been met at the end of the semester.

For more information, e-mail eecsadmissions@syr.edu

EECS Graduates

Complete the ECS Internship Application Form:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezfkHtpcYnbgD41

Questions should be sent to contacts listed


Graduates of our department who apply for work visa or permanent residency/green card often need verification of the skills they obtained during their graduate studies. To request a “Skills Verification” letter please follow the below steps:


  • E-mail your request to the EECS Graduate Office: EECS Grad Students Requests cptorskillsrequest@syr.edu , please include:
    • Your full name
    • 9-digit SU student ID number
    • The degree you received and the semester/year in which you received it.
    • The courses you would like a skill for (ex: CSE 742; ELE 621; CIS 689).
    • Skill(s) associated with course you have chosen (See skill descriptions below.  Note: skill verbiage cannot be changed, and we cannot add attendance dates to a letter.) 
      See sample letter (your request must be in the same format as in the sample letter).
  • Please note
    • We cannot verify skills in courses taken as audit (AU), undergraduate classes or for those courses where a grade of B- or below was earned.
    • The letter will be prepared on letterhead and signed by the Graduate Records Office, all letters are signed electronically.
    • Only topics and skills included in course catalog descriptions can be certified. Letters cannot be modified and customized with skills beyond those which are mentioned in the course catalog description.
    • If you are requesting a skill, be added please add it to the bottom of your request and highlight it in yellow.  It may take 1-4 weeks for a response on a new skill request as it must go before a faculty committee.  Note: not all requests will be approved.
    • Skill letters will only be allowed to be revised once - please review your request with the person requesting the skills before you send the request to our office.

Skill descriptions

  • E-mail the form to cptorskillsrequest@syr.edu. Only one revision will be permitted.  Please allow 5-14 business days for processing (longer if requesting an additional skill). 

Current Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Guidelines for EECS International Students

What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

CPT is intended to provide international students work experience directly related, and integral to, a student’s degree. While not intended for general, ongoing work authorization, CPT can help students build their professional network while they are enrolled as a student providing learning outside of their classrooms.

Who is eligible for CPT?

A student must be in valid F-1-status and have been a full-time student in the U.S. for one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) before participating in CPT. CPT is not available for students who have completed their coursework and completed their program of study. CPT approval is authorized for one semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer) new CPT paperwork must be submitted and approved each semester. Approval from EECS is required for CPT.

CPT Eligibility requirements:

Fall Admits

  1. Completion of 18 credits of course work in the EECS Department at Syracuse University
  2. Completion of a minimum of 2 core courses
  3. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in program of study
  4. Passing all program requirements

Spring Admits

  1. Completion of 18 credits of course work in the EECS Department at Syracuse University
  2. Completion of a minimum of 2 core courses
  3. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in program of study
  4. Passing all program requirements
  5. Completion of spring and fall semester, eligibility for CPT begins during a student’s second summer session

Academics will be reviewed at time of CPT request and considered as part of the CPT application process.

CPT application process:

Step 1: Please highlight all information in yellow.

Provide a formal offer letter, on company letterhead, which includes all of the following:

  1. Company address, including street address of where you will be working (no P.O. Box)
  2. Job title and formal job description.
  3. Placement location: onsite, remote or hybrid.
  4. Company location of placement, if your position is remote or hybrid
  5. Exact start and end date, dates must begin and end within the semester.

Fall 2023 CPT processing is closed

Spring 2024 semester (last day of classes April 29, 2024):

Placement can run from December 20, 2023-May 12, 2024 (Placement cannot end sooner than the first week in May 2024).

Summer 2024 semester:

Placement can run from May 13, 2024-August 27, 2024 (tentative)

**Please note: If CPT is being completed in your final semester your placement must end on the last day of classes

  1. Hours per week
  2. Paid (include salary) or unpaid
  3. Signed by company representative with applicable contact information

Step 2:

Identify a EECS full-time faculty sponsor who will monitor progress and assign a grade complete the Independent Study Form with them.

  1. All fields must be completed by the student and/or faculty sponsor
  2. Course Elective, Type: experience credit
  3. Form must be submitted with student signature
  4. Form must be submitted with faculty sponsor signature

Fall and Spring CPT only: Full-Time Certification Form must be completed if you will be registered for less than 9 credits while completing your CPT. Do not use this form if it is your final semester.

Step 3:

  1. Submit all completed documentation to: cptorskillsrequest@syr.edu
  2. Paperwork will be reviewed for completion and student eligibility
  3. EECS will submit all paperwork to the University Registrar’s Office with the student cc’d
  4. University Registrar's Office will process and post to the student account: (exp. CPT)EECS will send approved recommendation letter to students SU email account

Additional Notes:

  1. If paperwork has been processed and approved for a CPT site and the student decides to complete CPT at a new site new paperwork must be completed
  2. Students are responsible for ensuring a grade is posted for you by your faculty sponsor at the end of the semester
  3. An I20 cannot be extended for CPT
  4. Registration for CPT must be completed before the add deadline each semester, completed paperwork must be submitted no later than 10 business days before the add deadline.

Fall 2023 CPT processing is closed

Spring 2024 semester: January 23. 2024 (add deadline)

Summer 2024 semester: May 6, 2024

  1. Registration for CPT will result in a charge of 1 credit hour of tuition on a student bill
  2. CPT credits do not count towards required program credits for completion of your degree
  3. Students may participate in one off campus, in-person CPT during their academic program
  4. Delays in processing will occur if forms and supporting documentation are not provided

***CPT policy is subject to change, check back for updates***

How do I apply for RA and TA positions?

  1. Research Assistantship appointments: Contact the faculty member with whom you want to work.
  2. Teaching Assistantship appointments:  TA application requests will be sent out to EECS students in late fall (Nov., Dec.) and early spring (March). 

Reminder, first year MS students will not be considered for TA positions in their first semester of study.

How will I be notified of a TA appointment?

  1. Fall semester offer letters will be emailed by July 7
  2. Spring semester offer letters will be emailed by December 20

Additional Notes:

  1. Those who do not receive stipend-bearing TA offer may be considered for hourly positions depending on department needs and positions available.
  2. Please do not resend inquiries or requests for additional consideration after the deadline mentioned in the TA information/application email.
  3. Students must register for classes as soon as open enrollment starts, all students with an assistantship appointment must be registered for classes.

I am a RA. How do I get a key to the lab?

Please have your advisor email Shawn Knight slknight@syr.edu and request a key.

What should I do with my lab key at the end of the semester?

All keys are to be returned to Shawn Knight in person.  Do not leave the key with a fellow student or faculty member. It is your responsibility to turn in your own key!

I am locked out of my lab. Whom should I contact?

During normal office hours, you can contact any staff member in the department to give you access to your lab. Call (315) 443-2652 weekdays until 5 p.m. during the academic year and 4:30 p.m. during the summer. Weekends– Please contact DPS at (315) 443-2224

I am a TA. Will I be assigned an office for office hours?

EECS Dept. currently has 2 TA rooms that are available to be used for office hours located in the basement of CST.  Each door has a sign-up sheet that is used to reserve the room.

I’m a new student hire, what should I do?

  1. Visit You’re Hired - 'Cuse Works – Syracuse University for important employee related information
  2. Visit Sign up for Direct Deposit for instructions on setting up direct deposit

For issues with your personal payroll account contact payroll@syr.edu or 315-443-4042 (option2)

  1. Visit Recording Time to learn how to complete your timesheet

Reminder, you must clock in and out each time you work a shift. If your timesheet needs to be corrected contact Cynthia Bromka-Skafidas at skafidas@syr.edu immediately

All returning EECS students (MS/PhD in EECS) are required to early register. Fall registration begins in April; Spring registration begins in November. New student registration is in August for the fall semester, and in January for the spring semester. Individual students are responsible for their course registration.  (See Academic Calendar)

If you have a hold on your account, you will see a red circle with a line through it. Click on that and it will indicate which office to contact. All registration should be completed before the add deadline. (See Academic Calendar).

Academic questions regarding registration of a class should be sent to your academic advisor.  Questions regarding difficulties using MySlice can be answered here,

https://answers.syr.edu/display/RO/Registration+-+Getting+Help or you can contact IT if the problem persists.

If the add deadline has passed, MySlice will not allow you register; this policy is strictly enforced.

Generally, residential students do not take online courses as our department does not offer them. If our department is offering an online class for residential students, the department will notify students via SU e-mail.

When searching for classes, be sure to select in-person classes from the drop-down menu.

(2U on-line classes are for students in the on-line program and not eligible to be taken by residential students.)

Taking a Winterlude course - if you are here on a "F or J” VISA - please contact the International Office before registering for Winterlude to see what immigration rules may or may not apply.

It is recommended to drop classes before the add deadline. 

If the add deadline has passed, MySlice will not allow you to drop a class on-line if you are an international student; All international students have blocks on their accounts to stop them from dropping below full-time without first consulting with their program and with the Center for International Services. In these situations, either the student or department can reach out to us directly stating that they are international, wish to go below full-time, and specify the class(es) they want to drop. Registrar’s office will then consult with CIS to confirm this won’t impact their visa, and then if approved, would drop them from the class.

If it is not your last semester, you cannot drop below 9 credits if you are a full-time student.

Did you turn in your last semester memo? (Students on F1 VISA - if it is your last semester and you filed your diploma request when you early registered, you should have received your last semester memo in your SU e-mail during the first two weeks of classes.)


Class Waitlists: Some instructors may keep a waitlist at their discretion; contact the instructor.  If an instructor gives consent to add you to a closed class, there are seats available and there are no other limitations on the course; the instructor must send Rebecca Noble an e-mail with your name, SU ID, course number and section number.

The student is responsible for course registration including swapping classes/sections and adding or dropping classes - staff cannot swap classes for you.

Be aware, throughout the semester, of the Academic Calendar and plan accordingly. The student is responsible for adhering to deadlines.

Remember forms, petitions and other academic paperwork processing can take up to 5 business days to be reviewed. Do not wait until a deadline to submit paperwork.

Graduate students can withdraw from classes on their own through MySlice; however, if they’re planning to withdraw under full-time credits then they’ll need to submit a Class Withdrawal Petition for review no later than the Withdrawal Deadline.

  • Reach out to the instructor or TA if you need help in your class.
  • MS programs:
    • Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering e-mail Dr. Qinru Qiu or visit her during open office hours.
    • MS Computer Science, e-mail Dr. Nadeem Ghani or visit him during open office hours.
    • Cybersecurity, e-mail Dr. Shiu-Kai Chin for an appointment.
  • At any time that a student is not meeting all of their program requirements, they are considered on academic warning.
  • At any time, the department can terminate a student due to lack of academic progress based on the fact that they are not meeting all of their program requirements.
  • You may or may not receive a notice from the department that your academics are failing. It is your responsibility to know your program requirements.  Please review the course catalog for the year and semester that you matriculated into the program and/or check Degree Works. You can access Degree Works via MySlice; it will appear under the Advising tile on your home page. (If you were in another program, please make sure you are reaching out to your Master’s program advisor and not your previous advisor).  
  • (When checking the academic calendar for your requirements, make sure you are in the correct catalog year.)
  • To retain your percent grant you must:
  • Be registered for 9 credits that can be used in your program of study each semester.  You do not have to be registered for 9 credits during your final semester.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher after the second semester and remain at 3.0 or higher.  Failure to do so means that the grant will be permanently removed.
  • Once your new grade from your repeated course is posted to your account, complete the flag petition and e-mail to Cynthia Salanger.
  • Both your original and new grade will be posted to your transcript.
  • Once the flag petition is processed the original grade will have a (*) notation, indicating it has been repeated.
  • Only your new grade will be used to calculate your cumulative GPA.

QE1 are generally administered each spring semester

Tentative date for January 6, 2024. Students will be notified once final date is determined

  • QE2 committee consists of the advisor and one other EECS tenured/tenure-track faculty member (no formal approval needed). Any exceptions require department chair approval.
  • Focus: presentation of a written report and an oral critique of one or more publications. The successful student will demonstrate their ability to understand and analyze publications, as well as write and speak satisfactorily.
  • Student reading list should be approved by the committee at least a month before the oral presentation; when committee approval is given student will complete request for examination form and submitted to Cynthia Salanger via e-mail.
  • Student must ask Advisor to send Cynthia Salanger an e-mail after the exam with pass/fail information.
  • Preparing for Graduation – Graduate School
  • The examining committee is called the Research Committee and consists of the advisor + two other EECS tenured/tenure-track faculty members.
  • The focus is on presenting work done so far, describing what further work is planned, and getting agreement from the committee about the same.
  • The student should circulate the written proposal (to the committee) at least a week before the oral presentation.
  •  Request-for-exam e-mail completed form to Cynthia Salanger and Rebecca Noble.
  • Student must ask Advisor to send Cynthia Salanger an e-mail after the exam with pass/fail information. 
  • The objective of the student’s presentation(s) at the Department Colloquium Series is to communicate the student’s research results to the faculty and students of the department. The student must give at least one talk at this colloquium based on his/her dissertation prior to the final dissertation defense.
  • The completed request for colloquium presentation must be sent via email to Cynthia Salanger and Rebecca Noble, no less than 2 weeks prior to the presentation date.
  • Presentation must be scheduled within the academic semester when students are on campus, and not during reading days or final exams.
  • At a minimum, the dissertation defense committee consists of four SU tenured or tenure track faculty members, including the oral defense chair and the student’s dissertation advisor. The oral exam chair must be a tenured or tenure track faculty member at Syracuse University from outside of the student’s program of enrollment.  The committee membership needs to be approved by the department chair a month before the defense. Once the committee membership has been approved, the student sends the Request for Examination to the Graduate School.
  • Exceptions to committee membership requirements need to be approved by the department and the graduate school. The student sends the department chair the Request for Examination/CV of anyone on the committee who is not a tenured/tenure-track faculty member along with a petition explaining why they should be on the committee. No petition is needed if a prospective committee member is a part-time or research faculty member who has research experience (with publications) in the student’s area of study. Post-doctoral research associates are not faculty members and cannot serve on the committee even if they have helped advise the student and know more about the work than the student or the advisor.
  • The focus is on evaluating work that has been accomplished.
  • The student should circulate the written dissertation (to the committee) at least two weeks before the oral presentation.
  • Doctoral candidates with dissertation (Guidelines)
  • Request for Examination (Please make sure to e-mail a copy to Cynthia Salanger  and Rebecca Noble before sending your signed form to The Graduate School).
  • Student must ask Advisor to e-mail Cynthia Salanger  with the pass/fail information.
  • The Master’s Thesis must be started at least 2 semesters before you graduate. (It cannot be started in your final semester.) Registration must include 3 credits of thesis for your last two semesters.
  • Fill out a petition to the faculty asking permission to do a Master’s Thesis as part of your program of study.  Please include what your research will be about, you and the full-time faculty from our department who has agreed to monitor your thesis, must sign the petition.
  • Students must file a Diploma Request in MySlice before classes start (preferably when you early register for your last semester).
  • Check Degree Works to see if you are on track to graduate. You can access Degree Works via MySlice; it will appear under the Advising tile on your home page.

If you are graduating with a thesis:

What classes can I take in my MS Cybersecurity program?

  • Updates pending.

Independent Study requirements?

  • After the faculty sponsor (must be f/t faculty from EECS) signs the Proposal for Independent Study, the student must email the form to
    EITHER:
    – Students in MSCS (only), send to : Dr. Nadeem Ghani
    OR
    – Students in MSEE, MSCE or MS Cyber, send to: Graduate Program Director Dr. Qinru Qiu.
  • After the Graduate Program Director approves, it will be forwarded to: Cynthia Salanger who will review the form and e-mail it to the Registrar’s office (with a cc to student). Registrar’s office will post the Independent Study to your course registration.  (Please allow 7-10 business days or longer during high volume periods). 
  • PhD students - will send Cynthia Salanger the Proposal for Independent Study form after their PhD advisor signs the form - she will get the other needed signatures.
  • Proposal for Independent Study  

Where can I find documentation of enrollment/status?

Can I extend my I20?

  • If you have an academic reason for extending your I20 you may be able to extend for one semester.  
  • You cannot extend your I20 if the delay was due to an internship.  

Where can I get my core course final exam grades?

  • All core course final exam grades can be found in “Degree Works”.
  • It may take 2-3 weeks after the semester has ended for these grades to post.
  • *Note – in Degree Works, the core course final exam grades will show under:  Core Course Examinations.
  • Students must average a grade of B- (2.667) or higher in the four final exams from the core courses.
  • (Completion of all core course final exams does not mean you have met the B- (2.667) requirement).
  • A grade calculator is available on MySlice which can be used to compute your final exam average.

How to transfer from one program to another within our department

  • Returning students can submit a transfer request until two weeks before the first day of classes.  You are encouraged, however, to submit a transfer request early so you can select courses based on your new program of study during the course registration period for returning students. E-mail the form to eecsadmissions@syr.edu 
  • New students must wait until grades have been posted from their first semester to submit a transfer request.
  • Note - if you transfer from one program to another and are currently receiving a percent grant, it may not transfer to the new program.

What should I do if my transfer request is approved, and a class in my new program is closed?

  • You will have to follow the same procedure as other students who are waiting for a seat to open.  See above "Is there a waitlist?"

 I have a CO-OP from the Case Centers. Who needs to sign the form in the EECS Department?

  • E-mail cptorskillsrequest@syr.edu your completed co-op form for needed signatures.  Once the form has been reviewed and approved, it will be sent to the CASE Center (student will be cc’d on e-mail). Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible.

Do I have access to a copier?

When will I receive my Last Semester Memo and OPT Letter?

  •  Cynthia Salanger sends the LSM and OPT letters during the first two weeks of the semester to students who have filed their diploma request when they early registered. 
  •  (Check your SU e-mail for the letter and memo; if you did not file your diploma request when you early registered and did not receive the letter,  please e-mail her and include your name and SU ID number once the diploma request has been filed). 

Do I need to fill out a Program of Study?

  • MS students do not need to fill out a Program of Study.
  • PhD students: Your Degree Audit will be sent to the Graduate School by the department when you reach ABD status.  (ABD status - completed QE1, QE2 and all coursework).

Why has my insurance been canceled in my last semester?

  • If you are not taking 9 credits in your last semester, you are not considered full-time.
  • You were issued a Last Semester Memo (for international students) which indicates to immigration that, although you are not full-time, we are aware that you are finishing your program.
  • Part-time students are only eligible for certain insurance plans. Visit the Center for International Services  for other insurance options.

How do I get readmitted to one of the EECS programs?

E-mail this form to Cynthia Salanger: Application for Readmission/ Termination of Leave of Absence

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