Masters Program
The Embedded Systems (EMBS) Master’s program will no longer be accepting applications, effective Fall 2020 Academic Term. This program will be phased out as our current students complete their degrees in 2021. Potential applicants interested in EMBS should instead apply to related programs in Computer and Information Science (CIS), Data Science (DATS), Computer and Information Technology (CIT), Electrical Engineering (ESE), or Robotics (ROBO).
The cornerstone of PRECISE’s educational mission is the Masters of Science in Engineering in Embedded Systems (EMBS). This degree is the first specialized program in the country covering every aspect of Cyber Physical System (CPS) development, from theoretical fundamentals to state-of-the-art hardware and software technologies. Other institutions may offer coursework or a track in embedded systems, which offers exposure at a high-level, but not to the degree of specialization that EMBS provides. We started this program because we recognized that an electrical engineering or computer science degree was not enough to work with embedded systems. Students really need in-depth exposure to all aspects of integration, not just examples. In our program, students will learn how to design, model, and implement embedded systems using industry-standard formal methodologies, and then verify, evaluate, and deploy these systems in real-world scenarios. Students could also partake in many large-scale CPS projects with our world-renowned faculty.
EMBS enrollment is highly competitive. We receive 230+ applicants each year, of which only 8-10% are accepted. Our very selective enrollment promotes a cohesive and collaborative learning environment, allowing greater faculty involvement in student advising. We don’t stop once our students have graduated; we follow-up with our alumni and offer lifetime support.
EMBS graduates are in high demand. Every year, we achieve and maintain 100% job placement rate.
Where did our graduates go?
A complete list of our graduates can be found on our Alumni page.
As an EMBS student, you must enroll in a total of ten courses (4 core courses + 1 theory course + 5 electives).
Any student wishing to complete a master's thesis may enroll in two course units of CIS 597. The student first chooses a thesis advisor, who must belong to the CIS Graduate Group, proposing a suitable thesis topic. The thesis advisor and student discuss and determine the final topic, scope, etc. of the thesis. The advisor and student also determine one other faculty member to be a reader for the thesis. Once the advisor, reader, and topic has been chosen, the student sends an email containing a one page proposal to both the EMBS Program Director/Co-Director and Associate Director. Upon email approval, the student can register himself/herself in CIS 597 via Penn-in-Touch. The advisor and reader will evaluate the thesis and make the determination of its suitability as a research document. An oral presentation of the thesis is required. This can take the form of a public presentation open to all CIS faculty and students to attend, or in lieu of that, a conference presentation or poster presentation (decided by the thesis adviser). Once the final thesis document is approved, it is signed by the advisor, reader, and EMBS Program Director/Co-Director. Thesis formatting instructions can be accessed here. The final version of the thesis with all signatures, and a photocopy of the thesis (both unbound), are submitted to the SEAS Graduate Office, 109 Towne. An electronic copy is emailed to the EMBS Program Director/Co-Director.