Student Guide to Graduate Programs from the Institute of Technology

Students may complete all degree requirements in Rochester. Courses are taught by Institute of Technology (IT) faculty, primarily via streaming video over the University-Industry Television for Education (UNITE) instructional television system. Students who have no degree objective in mind are welcome to take graduate courses from these programs for their professional development. There are numerous UNITE offerings each semester. By taking one course per semester, you may complete the degree in about three to four years. All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed and the degree awarded within seven years.

These programs are designed for those who already have received a bachelor’s degree in an accredited and related engineering or science curriculum. Working professionals typically take four to five years to complete their master’s degree through UNITE. Coursework leading to two different master’s degrees are available through UNITE.

Master’s Degree (Computer Science only)

The master’s degree is primarily for persons who feel they need more study in their chosen fields or a formal introduction to the design process to prepare for specific work. This degree is considered a terminal degree, and only in exceptional circumstances will students be permitted to transfer from this program to a master of science program or continue on to a Ph.D. program. This degree is offered as a coursework-only option which requires only the completion of a minimum number of graduate level coursework credits.

Master of Science Degree

The master of science degree, the traditional master’s degree for engineers and scientists, is customarily for persons who anticipate entering research and development. It is also the standard required degree for continuation on to a Ph.D. degree program. The degree is offered under three options:

Plan A

This option is available for COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: Completion of a minimum number of graduate-level coursework credits and a thesis research project.

Plan B

This option is available for COMPUTER SCIENCE only: Completion of a larger number of minimum graduate-level coursework credits and a professional project or paper.

Plan C

This option is available for ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: (Coursework only) Completion of graduate-level coursework with at least two classes that have a requirement of a project included in the class. More information is available at www.cs.umn.edu/academics/graduate/degrees.

Faculty

The University of Minnesota faculty members who teach for Rochester over the UNITE system come from departments known for their high quality. The Department of Science and Engineering is one of the important centers of computer and information sciences, research, and education in the Midwest and serves as a major source of talent, graduates, and knowledge for the computer industry.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is a major contributor to the technologies underlying modern computers and microelectronic devices, signal and image processing, power electronics and engineering, magnetic recording, quantum electronics and applied optics, computer architecture, and VLSI design.

Advising

Preliminary advising is provided in Rochester by Michael J. Olesen, Director of Information Technology, Bioscience Program and Research at the University of Minnesota Rochester.

Detailed academic advising can be obtained by the first point of contact in each department. Refer to the U of M Minneapolis Campus Contact section.

Application Process

Those who enroll in a U of M graduate program must first apply to the Graduate School. Applicants must have at least a baccalaureate degree or its foreign equivalent from a recognized college or university and an undergraduate record that is strong enough to indicate success in the pursuit of advanced studies.

Apply for admission to the Graduate School online at http://www.grad.umn.edu/application.html. Applicants must submit:

• Application form
• Official copies of transcripts of previous academic study
• Application fee

A department application is also needed for all Computer Science and Electrical Engineering master’s degrees. See the department websites for specific information.

• Computer Science - www.cs.umn.edu/admissions/graduate/procedure.php
• Electrical Engineering – www.ece.umn.edu/admissions/graduate/about.shtml

Course Enrollment

Students may register for courses at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR). A complete listing of courses for each semester is available at www.r.umn.edu. Many course sequences start in the fall, so students are strongly encouraged to enter the program in the fall.

Location

The University of Minnesota Rochester is located at University Square (formerly the Galleria Mall) in downtown Rochester, 111 South Broadway. Classes through UNITE are offered via streaming video. Exams are proctored at UMR.

U of M Rochester Campus Contacts

Director of Information Technology

Michael J. Olesen
Phone: 507-258-8018 or 612-625-6414
Fax: 507-280-2820
Email: olese001@umn.edu
Web: www.r.umn.edu

UNITE Site Coordinator

Course information, materials, homework, etc.

Diane Ingvaldson
Program Associate
Phone: 507-258-8020
Fax: 507-280-2820
Email: ingva001@umn.edu
Web: www.r.umn.edu

Course Registration and Grades

Paula Jewell
Student Services
Phone: 507-258-8022
Email: jewel006@umn.edu
Web: www.r.umn.edu

University of Minnesota Bookstore

M Gear
The Shops at University Square
111 South Broadway Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 507-280-4646
Email: mgear@mgearstore.com
Web: www.bookstores.umn.edu/rochester/index.html

U of M Minneapolis Campus Contacts

Director of UNITE

Douglas Ernie, Associate Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering
4-174 EE/CSci Building
200 Union Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-9802
Fax: 612-625-4583
Email: ernie@umn.edu
Web: www.unite.umn.edu

UNITE Office Staff

Fran Schirmers and Ron Fitch
Phone: Toll Free 1-877-668-6483
Email: unite@umn.edu

Computer Science Program

First Contact: Georgeanne Tolaas
Phone: 612-625-1592
Email: tolaas002@umn.edu

Loren Terveen
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Computer Science
4-192 EE/CSci Building
200 Union Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-624-8310
Fax: 612-625-0572
Email: dgs@cs.umn.edu or terv002@umn.edu
Web: www.cs.umn.edu

Electrical Engineering Program

First Contact: Linda Jagerson
Phone: 612-625-3564
Email: jager001@umn.edu

Keshab Parhi
Director of Graduate Studies
Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering
4-178 EE/CSci Building
200 Union Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-624-4116
Fax: 612-625-4583
Email: parhi@umn.edu
Web: www.ece.umn.edu