Graduate school engineering admissions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the considerations for applying to doctoral programs in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) after completing a strong undergraduate GPA of approximately 3.9, despite a previous lower GPA of 3.2 in a different major. The individual is contemplating whether to apply directly to Ph.D. programs or to pursue a Master’s degree first. They express concerns about how admissions committees at top-ranked schools will perceive their academic history and inquire about the significance of industry work experience in the admissions process for both Master's and Ph.D. programs. The individual is also interested in research areas that intersect EE and applied physics, such as photonics and semiconductor physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school admissions processes in engineering disciplines.
  • Familiarity with GPA evaluation criteria in academic applications.
  • Knowledge of research areas in Electrical Engineering, particularly photonics and semiconductor physics.
  • Awareness of the impact of industry experience on graduate admissions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific admissions criteria for top EECS Ph.D. programs.
  • Investigate the role of industry experience in graduate school applications.
  • Explore the transition from Master's to Ph.D. programs in engineering fields.
  • Learn about current research trends in photonics and semiconductor physics.
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students in engineering considering graduate school, particularly those with mixed academic backgrounds, and individuals interested in the intersection of Electrical Engineering and applied physics.

prettymidget
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I am finishing up my third year as an EECS major of a five year program at a highly reputable public university and I am strongly considering applying to doctoral programs in EECS (I figure I can leave with a terminal masters should I discover research at that level is not my cup of T). By graduation I will have completed 4 coop work terms and I have already finished 2 research summer opportunities. With tremendous effort I attained a gpa of ~3.9 over the last three years. However, before switching to EECS I was a probability and statistics major for a few years at a lower ranked school. At the time I was young(er), more foolish, more lost, and less concerned about academics. While I didn't do badly my GPA was about a 3.2. I think my strong GPA in the actual field I am striving for higher education in should dissuade any admissions committee of the notion that I am not capable or sufficiently motivated for graduate study but I can't help but feel uneasy (read: depressed) about having that blemish on my application. How will admissions at top/high ranked schools view this case? Would it be more prudent to perhaps apply for M.S. programs and go for a Ph.D from there?

Also - the areas of research that interest me the most are the the topics that straddle the lines between EE and applied physics such as photonics, semiconductor physics, etc. My background is more in electronics/software systems/signal processing type stuff. Is it difficult to switch over if I am accepted?
 
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Also I'm curious as to how much industry work experience matters in admissions for MS only and PhD programs, respectively.
 

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