University of South Alabama

What you'll study

The programme combines core coursework in communications and electronics with specialised electives and a research or project component. Typical topics include digital and wireless communications, signal processing, probability and random processes for engineers, antennas and propagation, RF and microwave engineering, electromagnetic fields, and systems modelling and control.

Students may follow a thesis (research) route or a non‑thesis (project/coursework) route. Both routes require advanced technical coursework and culminate either in a supervised research thesis or a capstone project and comprehensive examinations. Courses emphasise hands‑on experience in laboratory environments and the application of theory to real systems, using industry‑standard tools for simulation, design and measurement.

• Core modules: digital communications, signal processing, probability and random processes, electromagnetics
• Electives: wireless systems, RF and microwave circuits, antenna design, networked communications, adaptive filtering, embedded systems
• Research/project: thesis research under faculty supervision or an applied design project with a written report and oral defence
• Laboratory work: communications labs, RF test and measurement, software‑defined radio and embedded systems prototyping

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, computer engineering or a closely related discipline. A satisfactory undergraduate academic record demonstrating competency in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra) and core engineering subjects is required.

Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, a current résumé, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or approved exemptions. Some candidates may be asked to demonstrate preparedness through prerequisite coursework or to take qualifying examinations. Financial support such as graduate assistantships is competitive and may require a separate application.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to technical and engineering roles across telecommunications, wireless and network operators, RF and microwave design houses, defence and aerospace contractors, semiconductor companies, and systems integrators. Common job titles include communications engineer, RF/microwave engineer, signal processing engineer, systems engineer, network design engineer, and test and validation engineer.

The degree also prepares students for doctoral study and research careers in academia or national laboratories. The combination of theoretical training and practical laboratory experience is valued in roles that require system design, modelling and optimisation, and hands‑on prototyping.

Why study at University of South Alabama

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of South Alabama offers focused instruction from faculty active in communications, signal processing and electromagnetics research, with opportunities to join ongoing projects. Students benefit from small class sizes that allow close mentoring and access to laboratory facilities for RF, microwave and software‑defined radio experimentation.

The university’s regional location supports collaboration with local industry and government contractors in aerospace, defence and telecommunications, providing pathways to internships and applied projects. Graduate students can pursue funded assistantships that combine teaching or research experience with financial support while developing professional networks relevant to their career goals.