Electrical and Computer Engineering

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Faculty Affiliation

Applied Science and Engineering

Degree Programs

Electrical and Computer Engine​ering

​​Collaborative Specializations

​The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

1. Biomedical Engineering
   • Electrical and Computer Engineering, MASc, PhD
2. Psychology and Engineering
   • Electrical and Computer Engineering, MASc, PhD

Overview

During the past few decades, we have witnessed exciting new discoveries and developments in almost every aspect of electrical and computer engineering, including microelectronics, computers, communication networks, photonics, alternative energy systems, robotics, and many others. At the intersection of computers and communications there are opportunities that are limited only by our imagination. Along with these highly visible developments, there are equally impressive achievements in building the theoretical underpinnings of the respective areas of knowledge. Graduate studies provide the highly qualified individuals who are the lifeblood of the research leading to these advances.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is engaged in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge across a wide range of areas of engineering and applied science—from the fabrication of atomic-level structures with special optical properties, through to the technologies that have revolutionized our world, such as microelectronics, computer systems, software, and networks.

The department conducts research in the following fields of study: Biomedical Engineering, Communications, Computer Engineering, Electromagnetics, Electronics, Energy Systems, Photonics, and System Control.

Contact and Address

Web: www.ece.utoronto.ca
Email: ecegradoffice@utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-5804
Fax: (416) 978-1145

The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Toronto
Sandford Fleming Building
Room 1107, 10 King's College Road
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4
Canada

Master of Applied Science​

Program Description

The MASc provides students with an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in the particular area of interest and an opportunity to engage in research.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

• Each student's program of study must receive the approval of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted.

• During Year 1, students are required to attend the ECE Colloquium and complete JDE 1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE).

• Coursework. Normally, completion of 2.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or five half courses. Students whose undergraduate preparation does not include the study of subjects deemed to be necessary for research in the chosen area will be required to complete additional courses.

• Thesis. This thesis shall demonstrate the student's ability to do independent work in relating, organizing, and extending existing techniques where required, and in suggesting and developing new approaches to problems in an area of applied science and engineering.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Robotics and Mechatronics or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Master of Engineering​

Program Description

The MEng program is designed to provide professional training beyond the undergraduate level and to accelerate careers with specialized engineering expertise needed in business, government, and industry.

The MEng program can be taken on a full-time, extended full-time, or part-time basis.

Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

• Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS)​; Photonics; Robotics and Mechatronics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

3 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

Extended Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

• Students are expected to complete the requirements in six sessions (two years) and are limited to six half courses per year and three half courses per session.

• Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

• Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS)​; Photonics; Robotics and Mechatronics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

6 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

Part-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

• Students normally complete the requirements in nine sessions (three years). They are limited to four half courses per year and two half courses per session.

• Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

• Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS)​; Photonics; Robotics and Mechatronics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

9 sessions

Time Limit

6 years

Doctor of Philosophy​

Program Description

The PhD program is designed for exceptional individuals who intend to pursue a career in fundamental or applied research.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of the University of Toronto master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MASc program; or 3) direct entry for exceptionally qualified students with an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Admission may be granted for applicants with a University of Toronto master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with an overall average of at least B+, or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• ​The department must be satisfied of the student's ability to do advanced research before admission may be granted.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Normally, students who enter the PhD with a master's degree will complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) not previously used for other degree credit. Students may receive a course reduction of up to 1.0 FCE depending on their PhD research needs in relation to their studies at the master's level. The number of required courses will be determined by the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, in consultation with the PhD supervisor.

• During Year 1, each student must:

  • pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;

  • attend the ECE Colloquium;

  • complete JDE 1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master's program.

• Thesis.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Robotics and Mechatronics​ or Sustainable Energy as pa​rt of their degree program. Please see det​ails in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

• Admission may be granted to applicants via transfer from the MASc to the PhD program, upon completion of 2.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) with an overall average of at least B+.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Normally, students who transfer from the MASc to the PhD will complete 1.5 graduate FCEs, in addition to courses completed while registered in the MASc program. Students may be required to complete up to 1.0 additional FCE depending on their PhD research needs in relation to their studies at the master's level. The number of required courses will be determined by the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, in consultation with the PhD supervisor.

• During Year 1, each student must:

  • pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;

  • attend the ECE Colloquium;

  • complete JDE 1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master's program.

• Thesis.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Robotics and Mechatronics​ or Sustainable Energy as pa​rt of their degree program. Please see det​ails in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

5 years​

Time Limit

7 years

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Admission may be granted by direct entry for exceptionally qualified students with an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

• ​The department must be satisfied of the student's ability to do advanced research before admission may be granted.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 4.0 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs).

• During Year 1, each student must:

  • pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;

  • attend the ECE Colloquium;

  • complete JDE 1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master's program.

• Thesis.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Robotics and Mechatronics​ or Sustainable Energy as pa​rt of their degree program. Please see det​ails in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

Emphasis: Analytics (MEng only)

To be admitted to the emphasis in Analytics, MEng students must first successfully complete a prerequisite course APS 1070H (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]).

Subsequently, to earn the emphasis, students must successfully complete four additional half courses (2.0 FCEs) from the list of core courses or elective courses. These must include at least one core course; the remaining courses must be selected from the list of elective courses.

Students must have completed the prerequisite course APS 1070H before taking any of the core courses.

Prerequisite Course

APS 1070H Foundations of Data Analytics and Machine Learning

Core Courses

ECE 1513H Introduction to Machine Learning (exclusions: CSC 2515H, ECE 421H, ECE 1504H)
MIE 1624H Introduction to Data Science and Analytics

Elective Courses

APS 502H, APS 1005H, APS 1017H, APS 1022H, APS 1040H, APS 1050H, APS 1051H, APS 1052H
CHE 507H, CHE 1108H, CHE 1147H, CHE 1148H, CHE 1434H
CIV 1504H, CIV 1506H, CIV 1507H, CIV 1532H, CIV 1538H
ECE 537H, ECE 1504H (exclusions: CSC 2515H, ECE 421H, ECE 1504H), ECE 1505H, ECE 1510H, ECE 1657H, ECE 1778H, ECE 1779H
MIE 562H, MIE 1413H, MIE 1501H, MIE 1512H, MIE 1513H, MIE 1620H, MIE 1621H, MIE 1622H, MIE 1623H, MIE 1628H, MIE 1653H, MIE 1721H, MIE 1723H, MIE 1727H.

Emphasis: Biomedical Engineering (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• Any JEB 14XXH course

• ECE 1774H Sensory Cybernetics

• ECE 2500Y MEng Project (topic in biomedical engineering; counts as one course towards the emphasis)

Students may include other biomedical engineering-related courses subject to the approval of the ECE Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.

Emphasis: Communications (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE 537H Random Processes

• Any ECE 15XXH course

• ECE 2500Y MEng Project (topic in communications; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Computer Engineering (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE 516H Intelligent Image Processing

• ECE 532H Digital Systems Design

• ECE 540H Optimizing Compilers

• ECE 552H Computer Architecture

• ECE 568H Computer Security

• Any ECE 17XXH course

• ECE 2500Y MEng Project (topic in computer engineering; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Electromagnetics (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• Any ECE 12XXH course

• ECE 2500Y MEng Project (topic in electromagnetics; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Electronics (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE 530H Analog Integrated Circuits

• Any ECE 13XXH course

• ECE 2500Y MEng Project (topic in electronics; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Energy Systems (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE 510H Introduction to Lighting Systems

• ECE 514H Power Electronics: Converter Topologies

• ECE 533H Power Electronics

• Any ECE 10XXH course

• ECE 2500Y MEng Project (topic in energy systems; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Engineering and Globalization​ (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete four half courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) from the following lists, with at least two half courses (or one full course) taken from Group A.

Group A

APS 510H, APS 530H, APS 1420H, GLA 1000H, JCR 1000Y (full-year course)

Group B

APS 1015H, APS 1020H, APS 1024H, CHL 570​0H, JMG 2020H

Note: Students who choose to pursue an MEng project in their home department that aligns with the Centre for Global Engineering (CGEN)'s disciplinary focus, as deemed by the CGEN Director, may count the project as one required Group B course.

Students who complete the requirements of the emphasis in Engineering and Globalization and wish to obtain a notation on their transcripts should contact the Faculty Graduate Studies office.

Emphasis: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in​ Engineering (ELITE)​ (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete any four of the following courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]):

Leadership

APS 1010H, APS 1011H, APS 1026H, APS 1027H, APS 1029H, APS 1030H, APS 1501H, APS 1502H

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

APS 1012H, APS 1013H, APS 1015H, APS 1023H, APS 1033H, APS 1035H, APS 1036H, APS 1041H, APS 1061H, APS 1088H

Finance and Management

AER 1601H, APS 502H, APS 1001H, APS 1004H, APS 1005H, APS 1009H, APS 1016H, APS 1017H, APS 1020H, APS 1022H, APS 1028H, APS 1032​H, APS 1038H, APS 1039H, APS 1040H, APS 1049H, APS 1050H, APS 1051H, APS 1052H

Engineering and Society

APS 510H, APS 1018H, APS 1024H, APS 1025H, APS 1031H, APS 1034H, APS 1420H​.

Emphasis: Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS)​ (MEng only)

​MEng students must successfully complete four half courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) as follows:

• JIE 1001H/ECE 1518H Seminar in Identity, Privacy, and Security (0.5 FCE)

• Two courses (1.0 FCE) from:

  • ECE 568H, ECE 1517H, ECE 1529H, ECE 1776H, ECE 1778H

• And one course (0.5 FCE) from:

  • ​INF 2124H, INF 2165H, INF 2181H, INF 2241H.

Emphasis: Photonics (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE 527H Photonic Devices

• Any ECE 14XXH course

• ECE 2500Y MEng Project (topic in photonics; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Robotics and Mechatronics​​ (MASc, MEng, PhD)

MASc, MEng, and PhD students must successfully complete four courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) chosen from at least three of the following groups:

Group 1: Control

ECE 1619H, ECE 1636H, ECE 1647H, ECE 1653H, ECE 1657H, ECE 557H (exclusion: ECE 410H),
MIE 1064H, MIE 1068H

Group 2: Signal and Image Processing

AER 1513H,
CSC 2503H, CSC 2506H, CSC 2515H,
ECE 1511H, ECE 1512H, ECE 516H,
JEB 1433H

Group 3: Dynamics

AER 1503H, AER 1512H, AER 506H,
JEB 1444H,
MIE 1001H

​Group 4: Systems Integration

AER 525H (ex​clusion: ECE 470H), AER 1217H,
ECE 1373H, ECE 1460H, ECE 532H,
MIE 1070H, MIE 1071H, MIE 1809H, MIE 505H, MIE 506H,
ROB 1514H​.

Emphasis: Sustainable Energy (MASc, MEng, PhD)

MASc and PhD students must successfully complete:

• At least three half courses (1.5 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) from either of the following lists below.

• A thesis towards their degree on a topic related to sustainable energy. Topics must be approved by the steering committee of the Institute of Sustainable Energy. Contact: Mandeep Rayat.

​MEng students must successfully complete:

• Four half courses (2.0 FCEs) from either of the following lists below, including at least one core course (0.5 FCE).​

Core Courses

APS 1032H,
MIE 515H, MIE 1120H​.

​Elective Courses

AER 507H, AER 1304H, AER 1315H, AER 1415H,
CHE 568H, CHE 1053H, CHE 1118H, CHE 1123H, CHE 1142H, CHE 1143H, CHE 1150H,
CIV 575H, CIV 576H, CIV 577H, CIV 1303H, CIV 1307H,
ECE 533H, ECE 1030H, ECE 1055H, ECE 1057H, ECE 1059H, ECE 1085H, ECE 1086H, ECE 1092H, ECE 1094H,
MIE 516H, MIE 517H, MIE 1128H, MIE 1129H, MIE 1130H, MIE 1240H, MIE 1715H,
MSE 1022H, MSE 1023H, MSE 1028H, MSE 1058H​.

Students who complete the requirements of the emphasis in Sustainable Energy will receive a notation on their transcript from the Faculty Graduate Studies Office following a recommendation from the Institute of Sustainable Energy. Contact: Mandeep Rayat.

Emphasis: Systems Control (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE 557H Systems Control

• Any ECE 16XXH course

• ECE 2500Y MEng Project (topic in systems control; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

The following groups of courses in the more distinct fields of graduate study in electrical and computer engineering are presented for student guidance in selecting courses. Suitable courses offered by other departments may be selected subject to the approval of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students registered in a graduate degree program which involves research are required to complete the seminar course JDE 1000H Ethics in Research during their first year of registration. The department should be consulted each session as to course offerings.

Energy Systems

Electromagnetics

Electronics

Biomedical Engineering

Photonics

Communications

Systems Control

​Computer Engineering

Master of Engineering​

Reading Course

APS Engineering Course