College of Engineering

Wireless and Network Engineering

Master's: Boston, MA
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The Master of Science in Wireless and Network Engineering is a uniquely integrated program bridging studies in both electrical engineering and computer engineering to prepare students for specialized careers in the rapidly evolving communication networked systems workplace. Offered by the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the program aims to prepare highly qualified researchers and a specialized workforce that will lead the future of our hyperconnected society.

Boston, MA
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2 Years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview

Offered by the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the MS in Wireless and Network Engineering program equips students to become qualified researchers and specialized professionals in our hyperconnected world. Students will learn to understand, design, implement, and test  current and future wireless and wired communication networks. Merging studies from technical fields traditionally pursued separately, this program integrates concepts from both electrical engineering (communications, signal processing, and control) and computer engineering (computer networking, security, and policy). Students will gain a multifaceted skill set in the field through a combination of coursework, master’s thesis research, and/or industry experience. The program also covers policy and ethics concepts relating to communication networks. Extensive co-op and research opportunities are offered through Northeastern’s Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things, as well as major companies in the wireless, defense, computing, and manufacturing fields.

Unique Features

  • Through an innovative curriculum combining concepts from electrical and computer engineering, students are prepared to cover the protocol stack in its entirety, from communications and signal processing to networking and applications. 
  • Students will find extensive experiential opportunities offered through industry and government collaborations facilitated by the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern.
  • Advanced on-campus facilities and their unique provisions, including being among one of the nation’s only FCC-designated Spectrum Innovation Zones, afford access to cutting-edge technologies in the field of communication networks.

Program Objectives

  • Prepare a highly qualified workforce for careers in the fast-changing, high-growth communication networks field.
  • Equip students with a comprehensive skill set through integrated computer engineering and electrical engineering studies.
  • Provide hands-on experiences through industry and government collaborations, as well as Northeastern’s own advanced technology facilities.

Career Outlook

Cisco projects that by 2023, 66% of the global population will be internet users, and the number of devices connected to the internet will be more than three times the global population. An estimated 70% of the global population will have mobile connectivity—10% through 5G devices. In the coming years, 5G and 6G systems will affect every part of the U.S. economy, creating 4.6 million jobs by 2034. Qualified applicants will be in high demand for jobs across educational institutions, federal agencies, and national research labs. Graduates of the MS in Wireless and Network Engineering will come to these careers with skills ranging from hardware design and electromagnetic characterization to communication techniques and networking protocols for 5G, 6G, and beyond.

Program Experience 

Northeastern’s Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things maintains strong relationships with leading companies in the wireless, defense, computing, and manufacturing fields that sponsor its research—creating unique co-op and research opportunities for students. Students conduct research and experiential projects at the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things, a leading center for next-generation wireless and wired communication networks—with emphasis on 6G wireless systems, machine learning applications for network orchestration and management, and overall large-scale experimental research.

Students have the use of test beds such as Colosseum, the world’s largest wireless RF emulation platform, as well as X-Mili and TeraNova, the largest millimeter-wave and terahertz networking platforms in the nation. Students are also given exclusive access to on-campus FCC-designated Spectrum Innovation Zones—among only a few such zones in the nation. Northeastern is also one of only a handful of universities to be part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communication technologies. 

Northeastern is an R1 research institution ranked No. 1 in internships/co-ops by U.S. News & World Report. Its research at the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things is supported by several companies and institutions. 
 

Testimonials

"This is one of the first programs to merge knowledge and skills from technical fields traditionally kept apart, namely, electrical engineering and computer engineering, providing you the integrated skills necessary to understand and develop future networks."

Stefano Basagni, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Looking for something different?

View more Computing and IT programs
Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$57.6K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Complete online application form
  • Application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, or 2023-2024 academic years
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resumé
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

The program is suited to students with a background in electrical and/or computer engineering, computer science, or related disciplines. Strong candidates in other STEM disciplines, including both engineering and sciences (e.g., physics, math), with prior exposure to calculus, linear algebra, probability theory and programming, will also be considered.

View the Northeastern University College of Engineering admissions page for details.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Engineering admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.

Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Fall Semester Entry
Spring Semester Entry
Admissions Deadline
Early Action Deadline: January 15
International Student Outside the U.S. Deadline: June 1
International Student Inside the U.S. Deadline: July 1
Domestic Student Deadline: August 1
Admissions Deadline
International Student Outside the U.S. Deadline: September 1
International Student Inside the U.S. Deadline: November 1
Domestic Student Deadline: December 1
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges. The cooperative education program, also known as co-op, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program, students gain up to eight months of professional experience employed in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving them a competitive edge upon graduation. The College of Engineering has over 2,000 co-op employer partners globally. Our dedicated team of co-op coordinators prepare students for the co-op experience through resume building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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