Cost & earnings at University of Massachusetts Amherst What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Communications graduates earn a median $45,715 Across 325 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master's in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a graduate programme for students who want advanced technical preparation in communications, signal processing and related electronic systems. It suits applicants with an undergraduate background in electrical engineering, computer engineering or physics who seek careers in telecommunications, wireless systems, RF design, or research and development.
The programme offers a blend of core and elective modules covering the theory and practical design of communications and electronic systems. Typical subjects include digital communications, information theory, error-correcting codes, wireless networks and protocols, adaptive and statistical signal processing, RF and microwave engineering, antenna theory, embedded systems for communications, and optical communications.
Students may follow a research-oriented route with a thesis or a course-based route with a project component. Coursework emphasises mathematical foundations (probability, estimation, transforms), software tools for simulation and implementation (MATLAB, Python, hardware description languages), and hands-on laboratory experience in RF, photonics, and digital signal processing.
Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, computer engineering, physics or a closely related discipline. A strong foundation in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, probability) and core electrical engineering topics (circuits, signals and systems) is required.
Typical application materials include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining research or career goals, and a CV. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives unless exempt. Some applicants may be asked to provide GRE scores where relevant or to show evidence of prior project or research experience for competitive evaluation.
Graduates commonly find roles in telecommunications, wireless and mobile systems, semiconductor and RF industries, aerospace and defence, and network infrastructure. Typical job titles include communications engineer, RF/microwave engineer, systems engineer, signal processing engineer, network architect and firmware/hardware engineer. The degree also prepares students for research careers and further study at doctoral level.
Alumni work in industry R&D, product development, systems integration and consulting, and many join startups or established firms in sectors such as 5G/6G, satellite communications, Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous systems and optical networks. The programme’s mix of theoretical depth and hands-on project work helps graduates move quickly into technically responsible positions.
UMass Amherst’s Electrical and Computer Engineering programme combines strong faculty expertise with well-equipped laboratories and research centres focused on communications, RF and photonics. Students benefit from opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary research groups and to take part in funded projects addressing contemporary challenges in wireless systems and electronic design.
The university offers a supportive graduate environment with access to career services, industry partnerships and internship pathways in the Boston–New England technology corridor. Small-class interaction with faculty, a variety of elective options, and options to pursue either a thesis or course-based master’s provide flexibility to align the degree with academic or industry career goals.
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