Florida International University

What you'll study

This master’s combines core coursework in communications and electronics with specialised modules and laboratory work. Typical topics include digital and wireless communications, information theory, channel coding, signal processing for communications, RF and microwave engineering, antenna design, optical communications, network protocols and embedded communications systems.

• Core modules: digital communications, advanced signal processing, communication systems and information theory.
• Advanced/specialist modules: wireless systems and cellular networks, RF and microwave circuits, antennas and propagation, MIMO and massive MIMO techniques, optical fibre communications, and networked embedded systems.
• Lab and practical work: hands-on experiments in communications and RF labs, software-defined radio projects, embedded systems development, and use of simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, ADS, HFSS or equivalent).
• Research and project options: students can choose a thesis/research route involving original research under faculty supervision, or a non-thesis route with a capstone design project and advanced coursework.
• Typical programme structure: a combination of required core credits and electives, with options for thesis or non-thesis completion to satisfy degree credit requirements.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics, computer engineering or a closely related field. If an undergraduate degree is in a different discipline, applicants will normally need to demonstrate strong preparation in mathematics, circuits and signals.

• Academic record: a competitive undergraduate GPA in a relevant degree; transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• Supporting documents: a current CV or résumé, a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals, and professional or academic references.
• Standardised tests and English language: some applicants may be required to submit GRE scores depending on department policy; applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements (for example via TOEFL or IELTS).
• Prerequisite coursework: applicants lacking specific prerequisites may be admitted conditionally and required to complete bridging courses in areas such as linear systems, probability and statistics for engineers, circuits and electromagnetics.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles across telecommunications, wireless systems, electronics manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and the broader technology industry. Career paths commonly followed by alumni include:

• Communications engineer or wireless systems engineer (design and optimisation of cellular, Wi‑Fi and IoT networks).
• RF/microwave engineer and antenna systems designer.
• Signal processing engineer for audio, radar, biomedical or communications applications.
• Embedded systems and firmware engineer working on networked devices and real‑time applications.
• Systems engineer, test and validation engineer, or technical lead in product development and integration.
• Continued academic research: graduates often progress to PhD study or research roles in university and industry labs.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering offers access to faculty active in communications, signal processing, electromagnetics and photonics research, and several applied research labs focused on wireless technologies and RF engineering. The university’s location in the Miami metropolitan area provides proximity to a diverse technology and telecom industry, opportunities for internships and industry partnerships, and connections to regional research initiatives.

Students benefit from a balance of theoretical grounding and applied, laboratory‑based training, with options to pursue industry‑oriented projects or academic research under experienced faculty. The college supports interdisciplinary collaboration with related areas such as computer engineering, optics, and materials research, which can broaden the scope of study and career opportunities.