Embedded Systems

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Embedded systems are an essential part of modern technology, and understanding their design and operation is critical for engineers working in a wide range of industries.

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Embedded systems are used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics like smartphones and smart appliances to automotive and aerospace systems. They can be found in everything from electronic toys and home automation systems to medical devices and industrial automation equipment.

One of the main characteristics of embedded systems is that they are designed to operate in real-time, with deterministic response times and minimal overhead. This means that they are optimized for performance and reliability, rather than general-purpose computing tasks.

Embedded systems play an essential role in the design and development of many products. Embedded systems engineers may work on the hardware design, firmware development, or software programming for an embedded system.

This multidisciplinary program will cover both the technical and management aspects of embedded systems design, with core courses on design and optimization of embedded software, embedded hardware, networking and distributed systems, and a hands-on hacking lab. Students also have the choice to learn about emerging topics in embedded systems including security and privacy, low power and energy efficient design, project management, data science and machine learning, as well as specific embedded systems in smart grid, smart home, medical devices, and vehicular systems.

Course Finder

Requirements specific to the embedded systems engineering program include: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as math, engineering, physics or computer science with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

For a complete list of admission requirements, visit the Application Process page. Completed applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Master of Engineering: 30 Credits or 10 Courses

Students pursuing this option must successfully complete four core courses and six technical electives of their choice from the approved list of courses above. Students should consult with their advisor prior to registering and have pre-approval for all technical electives. Special topics courses may also be available in some semesters, and students should talk to their academic advisor if interested in one of these new courses. There is no research or thesis required for this degree. 

Graduate Certificate in Engineering: 12 Credits or 4 Courses

This option requires successful completion of four courses from the robotics core courses listed above. Students should consult with their advisor prior to registering.

Degree Planning Sheets

All students are expected to complete a preliminary course plan for their intended degree program (10-course for MEng or 4-course for GCEN) with the Senior Academic Advisor by the end of their first semester of study. The Degree Planning Sheet lists the core and technical elective requirements for each program, and all courses that are pre-approved for that program. Alternative technical electives must be approved by the same academic advisor. 

Degree planning sheets for all academic programs can be found here.

Please note: MAGE students are assessed the MAGE tuition rates, on campus / remote sites and online as it applies, when enrolled in Professional Master of Engineering (ENPM), Engineering (ENGR) and Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) courses only. MAGE students taking any course outside of ENPM, ENGR or CMNS are assessed the tuition appropriate to the particular course’s tuition rate and/or student's residency status, that is, in-state or out-of-state.

Fall 2022 - Summer 2023 Tuition and Fees
On Campus (College Park) Courses
Tuition: $1,086.53 per credit hour
Fees: $312.50 for part-time (1 - 8 credits) graduate students taking classes at the College Park campus. 
  $605.00 for full-time (9 or more credits) graduate students taking classes at the College Park campus.
(Tuition x Credit Hours + Fees) One course: $1,086.53 x 3 = $3,259.59 + $312.50 = $3,572.09
  Two courses: $1,086.53 x 6 = $6,519.18 + $312.50 = $6,831.68
  Three courses: $1,086.53 x 9 = $9,778.77 + $605.00 = $10,383.77
Online Courses  
Tuition: $1,340.39 per credit hour
Fees: N/A
(Tuition x Credit Hours) One course - $1,340.39 x 3 = $4,021.17
  Two courses - $1,340.39 x 6 = $8,042.34
  Three courses - $1,340.39 x 9 = $12,063.51

 

Fall 2023 - Summer 2024 Tuition and Fees
On Campus (College Park) Courses
Tuition: $1,130.00 per credit hour
Fees: $331.50 for part-time (1 - 8 credits) graduate students taking classes at the College Park campus. 
  $641.50 for full-time (9 or more credits) graduate students taking classes at the College Park campus.
(Tuition x Credit Hours + Fees) One course: $1,130.00 x 3 = $3,390.00 + $331.50 = $3,721.50
  Two courses: $1,130.00 x 6 = $6,780.00 + $331.50 = $7,111.50
  Three courses: $1,130.00 x 9 = $10,170.00 + $641.50 = $10,811.50
Online Courses  
Tuition: $1,394.00 per credit hour
Fees: N/A
(Tuition x Credit Hours) One course - $1,394.00 x 3 = $4,182.00
  Two courses - $1,394.00 x 6 = $8,364.00
  Three courses - $1,394.00 x 9 = $12,546.00
  • Note regarding Summer Semesters: All students who register for undergrad courses with Office of Extended Studies sections are subject to the summer deadlines. Graduate courses and those with non-Office of Extended Studies sections are subject to the regular billing deadlines as stated on the monthly statements from Student Financial Services, generally the 20th of the month.
  • ENPM Students taking BMGT Courses: The Robert H. Smith School of Business charges differential (higher) tuition to all students who enroll in master's level (600-799) courses. Taking the differential tuition into account in course planning is a student's individual responsibility. Please visit the Smith School of Business website that contains detailed information on the differential tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.
  • Please note that Advanced Special Students will pay either the in-state or out-of-state graduate tuition rate based on their current status. If you are unsure of your status, please contact the Residency Classification Office.
  • Please note that any student enrolled in an online course will pay the online tuition rate ($1,394.00/credit hour) regardless of their status (including non-degree seeking students (GRAD)).
  • International Students: Effective Fall 2017, the University of Maryland (UMD) began charging a fee of $125 per semester for all newly enrolled students requiring an I-20 issued by the University or degree seeking students in J-1 status.   Students  enrolled in an academic program operating on the 12-week calendar, who require an I-20 isssued by UMD  or a DS-2019 will be charged a fee of $62.50 per term.  UMD will use the revenue from this fee to enhance support for our international students to include improved academic support, expanded assistance for students transitioning to the U.S. and international student-focused cultural events to foster an engaged, supportive community.

Program Content Advisor

Ankur Srivastava

Professor
Director, Institute for Systems Research
Former Associate Dean, Graduate Programs
Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Institute for Systems Research
2173 and 2317 AV Williams Bldg
ankurs@umd.edu
Phone:  301.405.0434

Admissions Contact

Caitlin Gover

301-405-7712
cgover@umd.edu

Attend An Open House

Join us online or on campus  to learn more about the University of Maryland Master of Engineering degree programs. Information covered in an Open House includes academic program options as well as application requirements and deadlines. Individuals attending will have the opportunity to ask questions about their program of interest. Admissions coordinators will be on hand to answer admission questions.

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