Carnegie Mellon University
May 07, 2013

Press Release: Carnegie Mellon's Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Gives Residential and Remote Students Virtual Classroom Experience

Contact: Chriss Swaney / 412-268-5776 / swaney@andrew.cmu.edu

ecePITTSBURGH-Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is creating a new educational experience through the launch of a technology-enhanced hybrid platform to permit students to earn a master's of science in ECE.

"The platform eliminates geographical boundaries by using state-of-the-art technology that gives students from around the world and on campus access to a first-class education in the same virtual classrooms," said Ed Schlesinger, the David Edward Schramm professor of engineering and ECE head.

The hybrid approach allows students on and off campus to study together in the same course. In addition, non-residential students will spend subsequent semesters on campus to experience the universities' leading-edge research, project activities and facilities. The hybrid approach both in courses and in the overall degree program allows students to experience the very best that technology can provide while also experiencing the very best of the bricks and mortar experience.

"We're on the cusp of a technological revolution in education. History shows us that when organizations embrace and learn to integrate new technologies and new methods with their traditional bricks-and-mortar operations, they reach new heights of success," Schlesinger said.

The hybrid approach's first semester starts students on a path to obtaining a master of science degree in ECE in the fall of 2013. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15. The experience has students selecting courses from those available including: Digital Systems Testing and Testable Design, Computer Architecture, Numerical Methods for Engineering Design and Optimization, and Wavelets and Multiresolution Techniques.

In subsequent semesters, students spend time on campus to take advantage of other courses and programs that are not yet possible to deliver via the technology platform. All students admitted to the MS program must meet all university and department standards and complete the same academic requirements CMU students in the entirely residential experience now complete for degrees.

"We see this hybrid master's program as an opportunity for students to network with others beyond their own communities and to benefit from the practical experience and shared knowledge of peers," Schlesinger said. "The hybrid approach also provides an opportunity for flexibility in the way students pursue degrees, where they pursue degrees and when they pursue degrees in their careers."

For additional program information, see http://www.ece.cmu.edu/programs-admissions/masters/kickstart.html.

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