The MS program in electrical and computer engineering requires 36 to 40 semester hours of study. How you earn those credits-and what your academic experience is like-depends on whether you select the thesis option or the coursework-only option. Both are explained on this page. Academic tracks: The ECE department has identified groups of courses that can help guide your academic planning based on the areas of electrical and computer engineering in which you seek to specialize. You can find descriptions of each track and its associated courses on this page. Departmental seminars: A vast amount of learning takes place outside of traditional courses. ECE arranges regular seminars that give students the opportunity to hear about research advances that are being pioneered by UIC Engineering faculty and doctoral students as well as scholars from outside the university. MS students are required to enroll in a zero-credit course called Departmental Seminar (ECE 595) and attend these sessions for at least one semester of their time in the program. This is an important part of the academic experience at the graduate level. The thesis option is ideal for MS students who are interested in conducting research. This option is strongly advised if you may be interested in pursuing a PhD in the future.