Online Education for Working Professionals
Develop advanced skills in computer networking analysis.
Use networks and communications systems in engineering applications.
Design computer communication systems for use in many industrial sectors, such as
automotive, manufacturing, and power generation or distribution. Learn modern communication
theory, wireless or digital communications, and wireless sensor networks. Advance
the fields of autonomous systems and multi-level control function systems.
3 courses in 3 semesters.
Length |
3 courses in 2-3 semesters |
Effort |
3 hours per credit per week |
Each course |
3 credits |
Total credits |
9 |
Course type |
Online or on-campus |
Modality |
Watch class recordings on demand |
Cost |
Based on credits and course type |
Already enrolled? |
Speak with your advisor |
Curriculum
Progress quickly with a compact curriculum. Work with the program advisor to select
courses that fit your interests and pre-requisite skills.
Prerequisites
Check your preparation. Here are some of the pre-requisite courses for this certificate.
Covers the fundamentals of electronic devices and circuits; operational amplifiers, bipolar junction transistors, diodes, and MOSFETs.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 2112 or EE 3010
EE 3160 - Signals and Systems
Introduces the mathematical analysis of signals, systems, and control. Topics include differential equations, Fourier series, Fourier transforms, LaPlace transforms, frequency response, Bode plots, state models, and an introduction to control systems.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): (EE 3010 or EE 2112) and (MA 2320 or MA 2321 or MA 2330) and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)
EE 3173 - Hardware/Software System Integration
Covers the integration of hardware and software into a complete working system. Includes design and construction of I/O devices for microprocessor or microcontroller-based systems, communication and bus protocols, programming in assembler language and in "C", system integration and testing. Also covers the use of FPGAs and HDL design tools.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Computer Engineering
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 2174 and (CS 1111 or CS 1142) and (CS 3421 or EE 3172) and (MA 3710 or EE 3180)
EE 3180 - Introduction to Probability and Random Signal Analysis
Probability density and distribution functions, expected value, correlation, and random vectors. Wide sense stationary random signals. The correlation function and spectral density. Random signals and noise in linear systems. An introduction to hypothesis testing and parameter estimation. Engineering applications.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3160
EE 4250 - Modern Communication Systems
Introduces the mathematical theory of communication science. Topics include baseband and digital signaling, bandpass signaling, AM and FM systems, bandpass digital systems, and case studies of communication systems.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3160 and EE 3131 and EE 3180
EE 4272 - Computer Networks
Computer network architectures and protocols; design and implementation of datalink, network, and transport layer functions. Introduction to the Internet protocol suite (TCP, UDP, IP), domain name service and protocols, file sharing protocols, wireless networks, and network security.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): CS 3411
EE 5527 - Digital Communications
This course focuses on the basic principles that underlie the analysis and design of digital communication systems. Topics covered include: characterization of communication signals and systems, modulation schemes, optimum receiver design and performance analysis in AWGN and band-limited channels, concepts of information theory and channel coding, carrier and symbol synchronization, and ISI channel equalization.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4250
CS 3411 - Systems Programming
Development of robust programs that provide efficient services to system software developers. Topics include: file I/O, process creation and management, linking and libraries, interprocess communication, performance measurement, and socket programming.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): CS 3421 or EE 3172
CS 4461 - Computer Networks
Computer network architectures and protocols; design and implementation of datalink, network, and transport layer functions. Introduction to the Internet protocol suite (TCP, UDP, IP), domain name service and protocols, file sharing protocols, wireless networks, and network security.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): CS 3411
Electives
Take 9 credits of elective courses. Take a maximum of three credits at the 4000-level.
EE 4250 - Modern Communication Systems
Introduces the mathematical theory of communication science. Topics include baseband and digital signaling, bandpass signaling, AM and FM systems, bandpass digital systems, and case studies of communication systems.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3160 and EE 3131 and EE 3180
EE 4272 - Computer Networks
Computer network architectures and protocols; design and implementation of datalink, network, and transport layer functions. Introduction to the Internet protocol suite (TCP, UDP, IP), domain name service and protocols, file sharing protocols, wireless networks, and network security.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): CS 3411
EE 5365 - In-Vehicle Communication Networks
Course focuses on in-vehicle system domains and their requirements, and in-vehicle communication bus Controller Area Network (CAN) and its related physical layers standards. It also covers other buses such as LIN, FlexRay, MOST, Ethernet, as well as introduction to V2V and V21.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Computer Science, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3250 or EE 4250
EE 5525 - Wireless Communications
Principles of wireless communications systems. Projects may include cell phones, computer networks, paging systems, satellite communications, radio, television and telemetry.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 5527
EE 5527 - Digital Communications
This course focuses on the basic principles that underlie the analysis and design of digital communication systems. Topics covered include: characterization of communication signals and systems, modulation schemes, optimum receiver design and performance analysis in AWGN and band-limited channels, concepts of information theory and channel coding, carrier and symbol synchronization, and ISI channel equalization.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4250
EE 5726 - Wireless Sensor Networks
Building blocks of wireless sensor networks, sensor node design, wireless communications, network protocols, data storage and retrieval, sensor localization and clock synchronization. Example application areas: robotics, autonomous vehicles and networks, power engineering, smart-grid, environment monitoring, and disaster relief.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): (CS 4461 or EE 4272 or EE 5722) and (EE 3170 or EE 3173) and (CS 1129 or CS 2141)
Typical Schedule
The minimum completion time is two semesters. Here is a typical schedule.
Fall |
Spring |
6 credits of:
EE 4250 EE 4272 EE 5365 EE 5525
|
3 credits of:
EE 4250 EE 4272 EE 5527 EE 5726
|
Application Process and Admissions Requirements
Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out
our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required
for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.
Graduate School Admissions Process
Applying to the Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts, test scores, or letters needed to start). The application
process involves three easy steps.
See Admissions Steps
Graduate School Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:
- have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
- be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous
degree and your scholastic record.
See additional application requirements, including required materials:
Program Specific Requirements
Program Specific
- Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0
scale
- GMAT/GRE: Not required
- Preferred major: Electrical Engineering or closely related technical field - Students
with degrees in other fields may be required to take preparatory courses
International Students
- TOEFL: Recommended Score of 79 iBT
- IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 6.5
Admissions Decisions
Made on a rolling basis.
Prospective Students
- Prospective students and non-degree seeking students interested in obtaining a graduate
certificate must apply to the certificate program using the online application.
- Accelerated certificate options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing and have
achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan
Tech (less than two years).
- The number of credits earned prior to admission that can be counted are restricted.
Current Graduate Students
- Current Michigan Tech graduate students who are in a degree program do not need to formally apply. Current students must still submit the appropriate degree schedule in order to complete the certificate.
International Student Requirements
International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.
See International Applicants
Interested in taking a single, online course? Enroll as a non-degree seeking student.
Upon completion of the Certificate the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of computer networking and communications systems.
Students receiving this certificate will have demonstrated the ability to solve open-ended
problems in network and communications systems from fundamental principles, and be
able to apply their solution to real world problems.
Michigan Tech was founded in 1885.
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and widely respected
by fast-paced industries, including automotive development, infrastructure, manufacturing,
and aerospace. Michigan Tech graduates deliver on rapid innovation and front-line
research, leaning into any challenge with confidence.
The College of Engineering fosters excellence in education and research.
We set out as the Michigan Mining School in 1885 to train mining engineers to better
operate copper mines. Today, more than 60 percent of Michigan Tech students are enrolled
in our 17 undergraduate and 29 graduate engineering programs across nine departments.
Our students and curriculum embrace the spirit of hard work and fortitude our founders
once had. Our online graduate courses are the same, robust classes taken by our doctorate
and masters candidates, taught directly by highly regarded faculty, with outstanding
support from staff. We invite working professionals to join these courses, bring their
own experience and challenges as part of the discussion. Leverage the national reputation
of Michigan Tech to advance your career in tech leadership.
Online Certified Instructors
Meet the online certified instructors. Students have the flexibility to review class
recordings later.
Teaching Statement
Mr. Cischke teaches courses in hardware/software system integration, computer system engineering and performance, and computer networks.
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Teaching Statement
Dr. Heibel teaches concurrent computing.
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Teaching Statement
Dr. Oliveira teaches modern communication systems and connected and autonomous vehicles.
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