Program in Computer and Systems Engineering
School of Engineering
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, New York
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Program in Computer and Systems Engineering - Overview
A Top Graduate Program in Computer and Systems Engineering at RPI
The program in computer and systems engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has consistently been rated among the 20 best programs in the nation by "US News and World Reports" rankings of top graduate programs. The annual "Google" survey of top Computer Engineering schools has also rated RPI amongst the top 20 programs in the nation.
RPI's computer facilities are state-of-the-art, and students engage in research with RPI's world-renowned professors and adjunct faculty members. The corporate world recognizes the excellence of RPI graduates and competes for their talent; starting salaries for RPI graduates consistently rank above national average.
Ground-breaking research in Computer and Systems Engineering at RPI
RPI's cutting edge research into computer and systems engineering takes place in over 15 cutting edge centers and laboratories investigating such subjects as electrophysical devices and systems; computer engineering of hardware, architecture, and networks; and control, robotics, and automation systems.
The Center for Computer Automation and Systems (CATS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been bringing together industry and academia since 1988, allowing students to conduct industrially relevant research into real world applications of advanced robotic and control technology.
Requirements for a Master's Degree in Computer and Systems Engineering at RPI
RPI offers a master's degree in computer and systems engineering is research-based. Students complete 24 credits of advanced coursework and original theses based on research projects while maintaining 3.0 or better GPAs. Students may transfer up to 6 credits of relevant coursework not used previously to obtain other academic degrees. The plan of study typically takes one calendar year.
Requirements for a PhD in Computer and Systems Engineering at RPI
Students seeking PhDs in Computer and Systems Engineering complete 60 hours of coursework beyond the master's degree level, as well as research dissertations. If relevant, 15 hours of this coursework may be transferred from another institution or department within RPI. The PhD is awarded after the applicant successfully defends a project thesis that makes a significant contribution to the knowledge in his or her chosen field. Applicants holding master's degrees have 5 years to complete their plans of study while applicants holding Bachelor of Science degrees have 7 years.
Award Winning Faculty Members at RPI
RPI faculty members are world renowned in their respective fields; the professors in computer and systems engineering are no exception. The Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering (ECSC) boasts numerous members of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and other professional orginazations.
Among the faculty is Professor Mona M. Hella, Principal Investigator for the Rensselaer High Frequency Integrated Circuitry Laboratory (RHFIC). Professor Hella's research interests include analog and mixed-signal RF for wireless, wire-line, and future bio- applications as well as CMOS and SiGe technology.
Professor Kenneth S. Vastola has held numerous posts in academia, including Technical program Chair of IEEE INFOCON in 1993, and has served as first tutorial chair of the IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory. Dr. Vastola has numerous scientific and technical publications and served as editor of the "IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking" from 1994-2000. Dr. Vastola's research focuses on networks and queue management.
Professor Biplab Sibkar has received numerous awards and acknowledgements, such as the Japan Society for Promotion of Science Fellowship, the Leiv Eiriksson Fellowship (Norway), the NSF CAREER Award, and the Best Paper Award for IEEE GLOBECOM. Dr. Sibkar's research interests include analysis and design of MAC protocols for wireless networks, smart grids and green networking, and analytic modeling of computer networks.
World-class facilities at RPI in Computer and Systems Engineering
RPI is host to one of academia's most powerful supercomputers, the Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations (CCNI). The center researches methods to continue the shrinking of device dimensions and extend existing models to industries that can benefit from nanotechnology.
RPI also has laboratories for the exploration of FAST-RISC and SiGe, networks, integrated electronics, automation technology, broadband data science, and pervasive computing and networking.
A Vibrant Campus at a Top University
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the nation's oldest technological university. Located in Troy, NY, RPI sits on a beautiful 275 acre campus in the historic Hudson River Valley. RPI is considered to be one of the best universities in the nation, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities in the nation according to ''US News and World Report.''
New campus facilities include the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, the Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations (CCNI), and the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC).