The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Colorado Boulder offers a rigorous, fully online curriculum designed for working professionals. With focus areas in embedded systems, power electronics, and photonics, students receive the same high-quality education as on-campus, taught by world-class faculty combining theoretical foundations with practical experience.
Instructors:
English

Course Start Date:
January 13, 2025
Applications Deadline:
February 21, 2025
Duration:
12-24 Months
₹ 16,60,830
Overview
The MS in Electrical Engineering program at CU Boulder offers a comprehensive online learning experience focusing on advanced electrical engineering concepts. The curriculum includes over 50 courses across specializations in power electronics, embedded systems, and photonics. Students benefit from world-class faculty instruction and practical, industry-relevant coursework.
Why MSc (Master of Science)?
The program stands out for its performance-based admission process, flexible learning format, and comprehensive curriculum. Students can complete the degree in 12-24 months while working full-time. The program offers weekly office hours with facilitators and virtual networking opportunities.
What does this course have to offer?
Key Highlights
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Same diploma as on-campus program
Over 50 courses to choose from
Flexible 8-week sessions
Pay-as-you-go tuition model
Weekly office hours with facilitators
Virtual networking opportunities
Who is this programme for?
Working professionals in electrical engineering
Engineers seeking career advancement
Professionals interested in embedded systems
Individuals focused on power electronics
Students interested in photonics and optics
Minimum Eligibility
Bachelor's degree (any field)
Complete pathway specialization with 3.0 GPA
No GRE required
No TOEFL required
Who is the programme for?
The admission process is performance-based, requiring completion of a pathway specialization with a 3.0 GPA. Students must complete 30 credit hours through 8-week sessions. The program offers flexible scheduling and pay-as-you-go tuition options.
Important Dates
Selection process
How to apply?
Curriculum
The curriculum encompasses core electrical engineering principles and specialized tracks in embedded systems, power electronics, and photonics. Students can choose from over 50 courses and customize their learning path. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications.
There are 2 semesters in this course
The MS-EE program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework delivered through 8-week sessions. Core courses establish fundamental principles in electrical engineering, while electives allow specialization in areas such as embedded systems, power electronics, or photonics. The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with hands-on projects and practical applications.
Pathway Specializations
This set of courses provides an advanced exploration of various aspects of electrical and electronic engineering, focusing on power systems, embedded systems, and semiconductor technology. Power Electronics offers a deep dive into the design and operation of electronic systems that control and convert electrical power, equipping students with the skills to design power converters, inverters, and other essential components used in modern electrical systems. Embedding Sensors and Motors covers the integration of sensors and motors into embedded systems, teaching students how to interface and control these components in real-world applications, from robotics to automation. FPGA Design for Embedded Systems focuses on the use of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for creating custom hardware solutions, allowing students to learn how to design and implement hardware systems for embedded applications, optimizing performance and flexibility. Optical Engineering provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of optics, including light propagation, optical components, and systems design, with applications in telecommunications, imaging, and lasers. Semiconductor Devices covers the theory and practical applications of semiconductor technology, focusing on the physics, design, and fabrication of semiconductor components like diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits, essential for modern electronics. Together, these courses offer a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to tackle advanced challenges in electrical engineering, focusing on systems design, embedded technology, and cutting-edge semiconductor applications.
Power Electronics (4 credits)
Embedding Sensors and Motors (3 credits)
FPGA Design for Embedded Systems (3 credits)
Optical Engineering (3 credits)
Semiconductor Devices (3 credits)
Courses
This comprehensive collection of courses and projects provides an in-depth exploration of embedded systems, power electronics, industrial IoT, battery management, and semiconductor technologies, equipping students with practical and theoretical skills for designing, modeling, and implementing cutting-edge systems. Courses like Averaged Switch Modeling and Simulation, Techniques of Design Oriented Analysis, and Input Filter Design offer a deep understanding of power electronics components and their optimization for energy efficiency. Current-Mode Control and Modeling and Control of Single Phase Rectifiers and Inverters delve into advanced control strategies for power conversion systems. The Industrial IoT Markets and Security course focuses on IoT applications in industrial settings, emphasizing security challenges and solutions. Embedded systems topics such as Modeling and Debugging Embedded Systems, User Experience Interface Design for Embedded Systems, and Rapid Prototyping of Embedded Interface Designs cover the development and user-centered design of embedded applications. Courses like Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot, Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto, and M2M and IoT Interface Design and Protocols explore the low-level programming and protocol design crucial for embedded IoT devices. Battery management systems are addressed in Introduction to Battery-Management Systems, with specialized topics on Battery State-of-Charge (SOC) Estimation, Battery State-of-Health (SOH) Estimation, and Battery Pack Balancing and Power Estimation. The Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers course covers optoelectronics, while Nanophotonics and Detectors and Displays delve into advanced optical systems. Courses in Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Theory of Angular Momentum, and Approximation Methods provide a solid foundation in quantum theory, essential for understanding cutting-edge technologies. Students also work on Mission-Critical SW Applications and Real-Time Embedded Systems Projects, which focus on developing reliable, time-sensitive software for embedded environments. Practical labs like the Open-Loop Photovoltaic Power Electronics Laboratory, Closed-Loop Photovoltaic Power Electronics Laboratory, and Photovoltaic Power Electronics Battery Management Laboratory provide hands-on experience in energy conversion systems. Additional specialized courses on Power Electronics Capstone Project, Introduction to Power Switches, High-Voltage p-n and Schottky Diodes, and Electric Vehicle Sensors round out the curriculum, preparing students for a wide range of careers in embedded systems, power electronics, and renewable energy technologies.
Averaged Switch Modeling and Simulation
Techniques of Design Oriented Analysis
Input Filter Design
Current-Mode Control
Modeling and Control of Single Phase Rectifiers and Inverters
Industrial IoT Markets and Security
Project Planning and Machine Learning
Modeling and Debugging Embedded Systems
User Experience Interface Design for Embedded Systems
Rapid Prototyping of Embedded Interface Designs
M2M and IoT Interface Design and Protocols
Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot
Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto
Embedded System Topics and Project
Introduction to Battery-Management Systems
Equivalent Circuit Cell Model Simulation
Battery State-of-Charge (SOC) Estimation
Battery State-of-Health (SOH) Estimation
Battery Pack Balancing and Power Estimation
Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductors Lasers
Nanophotonics and Detectors
Displays
Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
Theory of Angular Momentum
Approximation Methods
Concept and Practices
Theory and Analysis
Mission-Critical SW Applications
Real-Time Embedded Systems Project
Power Electronics Capstone Project
Open-Loop Photovoltaic Power Electronics Laboratory
Closed-Loop Photovoltaic Power Electronics Laboratory
Photovoltaic Power Electronics Battery Management Laboratory
Introduction to Power Switches
High-Voltage p-n and Schottky Diodes
Electric Vehicle Sensors
Programme Length
The program offers flexible completion in 12-24 months through 8-week sessions. Students can take courses at their own pace and customize their schedule to balance work and studies.
Tuition Fee
The total program cost is $20,010 USD (₹1,660,830), charged at $667 per credit hour. Students pay as they go, only for courses taken each session. No upfront payment required for the full program.
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Learning Experience
Students engage through an advanced online learning platform featuring pre-recorded lectures, weekly office hours, and virtual discussion boards. The program includes rigorous assignments, practical projects, and regular interaction with course facilitators.
University Experience
CU Boulder provides comprehensive virtual resources including online library access, digital learning tools, and virtual office hours. Students can participate in online networking events and have access to career services through Handshake.

About the University
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1876, it is the flagship institution of the University of Colorado system and serves approximately 36,680 students, including around 27,665 undergraduates and 5,581 graduate students. CU Boulder offers over 150 academic programs across nine colleges and schools, with notable strengths in engineering, business, environmental sciences, and the arts.The university is classified as an R1 institution, indicating very high research activity, and has garnered over $634 million in research funding annually. CU Boulder is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, regularly ranking among the top universities in the United States for its environmental initiatives.
#108
QS World University Ranking
36,680
Total Enrollment
84%
Acceptance Rate
Affiliation & Recognition
Association of American Universities
Career services
The University of Colorado Boulder offers comprehensive career services designed to support students in their professional development. These services include personalized career counseling, workshops on resume writing and interview preparation, as well as access to job fairs featuring top employers across various sectors. CU Boulder emphasizes experiential learning through internships that allow students to gain practical experience while studying. The Career Services office maintains partnerships with numerous organizations to facilitate internship placements aligned with students' career goals. Additionally, online resources are available that include job listings and career advice articles.
91%
Placement Rate
$50,000
Average Salary After Graduation
Top Recruiters

Course Start Date:
January 13, 2025
Applications Deadline:
February 21, 2025
Duration:
12-24 Months
₹ 16,60,830
Whom you will learn from?
Learn from top industry experts who bring real-world experience and deep knowledge to every lesson. The instructors are dedicated to help you achieve your goals with practical insights and hands-on guidance.
Instructors
Professor
Robert W. Erickson is a prominent professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he has been a faculty member since 1982. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology. Erickson has served as department chair twice and co-directs the Colorado Power Electronics Center alongside Professor Dragan Maksimovic. He is a recognized leader in his field, being a Fellow of the IEEE and the CU/NREL Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute. Erickson authored the widely used textbook Fundamentals of Power Electronics and has published around one hundred journal and conference papers on power electronics. His research focuses on modeling and control of power conversion systems, modular/multilevel converter systems, and applications of power electronics in electric vehicles and renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Notably, he received the IEEE Power Electronics Society Transactions Prize Paper Award in 1996 and was named CU-Boulder Inventor of the Year in 2015.
Professor
Dragan Maksimovic is a Distinguished Professor and the Charles V. Schelke Endowed Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He co-founded the Colorado Power Electronics Center (CoPEC), where he serves as Co-Director, focusing on research in smart power electronics and digital control for high-frequency switched-mode power converters. Maksimovic is a Fellow of the IEEE and has received several prestigious awards, including the 2023 IEEE William E. Newell Power Electronics Award and the 2022 IEEE PELS R. David Middlebrook Achievement Award. He has published over 300 papers and holds more than 30 US patents. His current research interests encompass power electronics for renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, high-frequency power conversion with wide bandgap semiconductors, digital control of switched-mode converters, and integrated circuits for power management applications.
Testimonials
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Faculties
These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they’re here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.
Instructors
Versatile Expert in Education and Corporate Development
Al possesses extensive and diverse experience in both educational and corporate sectors, demonstrating success as a presenter, thought leader, author, innovator, entrepreneur, and administrator at both K-12 and higher education levels. His work spans collaborations with K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, non-profits, and corporate education arms, focusing on culture transformation and visionary leadership. Al is skilled in curriculum and program analysis, adaptation, creation, and development.
Dynamic Geoscientist and Educator
Dr. Alan Lester is a distinguished figure with a multifaceted background that spans various fields. A celebrated rock climber in the 1990s, he achieved first ascents from the Colorado mountains to Yosemite National Park, which naturally led him to pursue geology at the University of Oregon, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder. His research focuses on utilizing advanced technologies such as paleomagnetism, stable isotopes, trace elements, and radiometric dating to explore the origin and evolution of the Rocky Mountains. Since the mid-1990s, Alan has held multiple roles at CU-Boulder, including Senior Instructor and Research Associate, earning numerous awards for his excellence in undergraduate education. Recently, he has concentrated on geoscience education with an emphasis on the history of science. Additionally, Alan has been a part-time commercial airline pilot for over a decade, providing a unique aerial perspective that enriches his teaching. This diverse experience contributes to his engaging storytelling ability, making his video lectures a vital component of his courses.
Instructors
Professor
Robert W. Erickson is a prominent professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he has been a faculty member since 1982. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology. Erickson has served as department chair twice and co-directs the Colorado Power Electronics Center alongside Professor Dragan Maksimovic. He is a recognized leader in his field, being a Fellow of the IEEE and the CU/NREL Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute. Erickson authored the widely used textbook Fundamentals of Power Electronics and has published around one hundred journal and conference papers on power electronics. His research focuses on modeling and control of power conversion systems, modular/multilevel converter systems, and applications of power electronics in electric vehicles and renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Notably, he received the IEEE Power Electronics Society Transactions Prize Paper Award in 1996 and was named CU-Boulder Inventor of the Year in 2015.
Professor
Dragan Maksimovic is a Distinguished Professor and the Charles V. Schelke Endowed Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He co-founded the Colorado Power Electronics Center (CoPEC), where he serves as Co-Director, focusing on research in smart power electronics and digital control for high-frequency switched-mode power converters. Maksimovic is a Fellow of the IEEE and has received several prestigious awards, including the 2023 IEEE William E. Newell Power Electronics Award and the 2022 IEEE PELS R. David Middlebrook Achievement Award. He has published over 300 papers and holds more than 30 US patents. His current research interests encompass power electronics for renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, high-frequency power conversion with wide bandgap semiconductors, digital control of switched-mode converters, and integrated circuits for power management applications.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.
Performance-based admission through pathway specialization with 3.0 GPA
12-24 months depending on course load
Yes, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission