Detailed Information
Programs of Study
Florida Institute of Technology offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering. These programs are designed to provide opportunities for students’ development of professional engineering competence and scholarly achievement.
Research Facilities
There are more than 12,000 square feet of well-equipped laboratory facilities available for use by students, faculty members, and researchers. Computing facilities include many PCs running both Linux and Windows-based operating systems that are networked via Ethernet and a WAN. Research facilities support basic and applied research in communications, photonics, and signal processing. Agencies of the federal and state governments, as well as major corporations, support research efforts in these and other technical areas.
Financial Aid
Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available to qualified students. For 2009–10, typical stipends range upward from $9600 for twelve months for approximately half-time duties. Some assistantships include tuition.
Cost of Study
For 2009–10, tuition is $1015 per semester credit hour for all students. Tuition is included with some graduate assistantships.
Living and Housing Costs
Room and board on campus cost approximately $4500 per semester. On-campus housing (dormitories and apartments) is available for full-time single and married graduate students, but priority for dormitory rooms is given to undergraduate students. Many apartment complexes and rental houses are available near the campus.
Student Outcomes
Graduates of the programs in electrical and computer engineering are employed by such companies as IBM, Texas Instruments, NASA, Harris Corporation, AT&T, General Electric, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, McDonnell Douglas, Rockwell International, United Technologies, Honeywell, Computer Sciences Raytheon, ITT Aerospace, Los Alamos National Lab, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Computer Task Group, and the Boeing Company.
Location
The campus is located in Melbourne, on Florida’s east coast. It is an area 3 miles from Atlantic Ocean beaches, with a year-round subtropical climate. The area’s economy is supported by a well-balanced mix of industries in electronics, aviation, light manufacturing, optics, communications, agriculture, and tourism. Many companies support activities at the Kennedy Space Center.
The Institute
Florida Institute of Technology, founded in 1958, has developed into a distinctive independent university that provides undergraduate and graduate education in engineering and sciences for students from throughout the United States and many other countries. Florida Tech is supported by local industry and is the recipient of many research grants and contracts.
Applying
Applicants for graduate study in electrical engineering should have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, while those applying for graduate study in computer engineering should have an undergraduate degree in computer engineering. An applicant whose degree is in another field of engineering or in the applied sciences will be reviewed; however, undergraduate course work in the field of study is generally required prior to starting the Master of Science program.
Forms and instructions for applying for admission and assistantships are sent upon request. Doctoral applicants are asked to submit three letters of recommendation from academic references and a statement of purpose giving their reason for graduate study. Although the GRE is not required, it is considered for students with marginal undergraduate academic performance. International students applying for assistantships must have a TOEFL score greater than 600 and a TSE score of at least 45. International students without English proficiency and with a TOEFL score of less than 550 may need to enroll in language courses before beginning their graduate studies. Separate application for an assistantship should be made on forms available from the Graduate School.
The Faculty and Their Research
- Georgios C. Anagnostopoulos: Machine learning, pattern recognition.
- Susan Earles: Semiconductor modeling, processing, and fabrication.
- Barry G. Grossman: Fiber-optic sensor systems and smart structures.
- John Hadjilogiou: Computer organization and architecture.
- Fredric M. Ham, Harris Professor: Digital signal processing, neural networks.
- Veton Z. Këpuska: Human-machine interaction and communication, speech processing and recognition.
- Ivica Kostanic: Telecommunications, wireless telecommunications.
- Samuel P. Kozaitis: Automated feature extraction, image fusion.
- Brian A. Lail: Antenna-coupled sensors, computational and applied electromagnetics, EMI, EMC.
- Syed H. Murshid: Photonics, fiber-optic sensors, instrumentation.
- Robert Sullivan: Power systems, power electronics.
- RESEARCH AREAS
- Physical Electronics
- The research in this area primarily deals with photonics research, as performed in fiber-optic sensors and communications systems. Research includes unique fiber-optic devices and techniques using modal multiplexing, allowing communications channels to operate with expanded bit rates and optical encryption and switching devices. Fiber-optic sensors are developed for 2-D and 3-D structural health monitoring of strain and material failure; environmental applications, such as hydrogen detection; and homeland security applications. Instrumentation includes a wide variety of equipment used in developing fiber-optic systems. S. Earles, B. Grossman, S. Murshid.
- Information Processing
- Much of the research contributes to the solution of major national problems in signal and image processing. These include automated object detection, image fusion, noise reduction, and speech processing and recognition. Techniques being used include neural networks, wavelets, higher-order statistics, and statistical pattern recognition. New neural network architectures and robust learning rules have been developed. Algorithms have been developed for near-real-time detection and classification of nuclear explosions for purposes of monitoring nuclear testing. Other work has used wavelet analysis for image fusion and noise reduction. In addition, a voice-activated PowerPoint presentation and elevator simulator have been developed. G. Anagnostopoulos, F. Ham, V. Këpuska, S. Kozaitis.
- Communications
- The abundance of computational power and communications requires a robust infrastructure, providing security, multimedia capabilities, and location-dependent services. The work in this area primarily involves topics related to high-performance computers and communications, multimedia over the Internet, and firewall design issues, with emphasis on computer security. Experimental work is also being performed on antennas. I. Kostanic, B. Lail.
Correspondence and Information
Florida Institute of Technology
Graduate Admissions Office
150 West University Boulevard
Melbourne, Florida 32901-6988
Telephone:
321-674-8027
800-944-4348 (toll-free)
Fax:
321-723-9468
Email:
grad-admissions@fit.edu
Florida Institute of Technology
Dr. S. Kozaitis
Electrical and Computer Engineering
150 West University Boulevard
Melbourne, Florida 32901-6988
Telephone:
321-674-8060
Fax:
321-674-8192
Email:
kozaitis@fit.edu
