Master Programme
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Ohio State's MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering needs at least 30 graduate credits and offers two paths. The non-thesis project path requires at least 24 letter-graded credits, including 15 in ECE with a project management course and at least six credits of 6000-level ECE courses, and ends with a project evaluated by a faculty committee. The thesis path requires at least 10 credits of thesis research, 18 letter-graded credits and an oral defence. Both include a one-credit engineering ethics course, and up to nine credits can come from related fields such as maths, physics, statistics or business. The project or thesis can be built around an industry internship.
University
Ohio State University
Country
United States
Level
Master
Field
Engineering
Duration
Typically 3-4 semesters full-time (minimum 30 credits)
Language
English
Campus
Columbus
Degree
Master of Science (MS) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Intake
Autumn semester (ECE does not review applications for spring or summer)
Application Deadline
Autumn 2027 entry: complete applications by 1 February 2027 for general admission, or by 30 November 2026 to be considered for an MS fellowship (PhD applicants get priority for fellowships). Apply through Ohio State's Graduate and Professional Admissions online application; the non-refundable international application fee is US$70
Tuition Information
2026-27 (autumn 2026 and spring 2027): on the Registrar's graduate fee table, full-time study (8 or more credits a semester) costs US$854.63 per credit instructional fee, US$33.94 general fee, US$9.30 student union fee and a US$1,949.44 per-credit non-resident surcharge, each charged up to 8 credits, plus per-semester activity, recreation and bus fees. New in-person engineering MS students admitted from autumn 2026 also pay a US$500 program fee and a US$255 learning technology fee a semester, about US$47,450 a year in tuition and fees (our arithmetic). Ohio State's 2026-27 International Graduate Student Budget for Engineering puts a 9-month year at US$73,188: US$51,556 for tuition, fees and health insurance plus US$21,632 for housing, food, books, transport and personal costs. Graduate and Professional Admissions also advises having about US$3,000 extra for one-time costs such as the US$50 international orientation fee and yearly increases. 2027-28 rates had not been published when we checked
Admission Requirements
- The equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (ECE prefers 3.2). Three-year degrees are generally not treated as equivalent. Scanned transcripts are reviewed first; official transcripts and proof of degree are needed if admitted
- Application materials: a one- to two-page statement of purpose, resume or CV and three letters of recommendation (academic sources preferred). The GRE is not required, and not submitting it is no disadvantage
- English proficiency (Graduate and Professional Admissions minimums; many programs want more): TOEFL iBT 79 (4.0 on the updated TOEFL launched in January 2026; MyBest scores are not accepted), IELTS Academic or IELTS Online 6.5, or Duolingo English Test 120. Scores must come directly from the testing agency, are valid for two years and must arrive by the application deadline. You are exempt if you are a citizen of, or will hold a bachelor's degree or higher from, a listed country or territory such as Australia, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa or the United States. Most international students then take an online academic English writing assessment before arrival. ECE prefers a TOEFL iBT of 92 or more (5 or 6 on the updated scale) or IELTS above 7.5, and accepts Duolingo at the university minimum of 120