Industry-focused: Technical training plus business courses and internship
The Duke ECE Master of Engineering degree provides a unique combination of advantages:
- Interdisciplinary training
Develops technical knowledge plus business skills - Flexible, individualized curriculum
Courses are designed to meet requirements in high-demand fields - Industry internship
Plus, receive professional development support - Excellent career outcomes
Join our global alumni network 
"The most valuable part of being a Duke grad student was the close interaction with faculty—not only in classes, but also one-on-one."
Jonathan Buie | Software Engineer
MEET Our Graduates »
Choose a TRACK
Select from
- Software Engineering
- Computer Hardware Engineering
- Machine Learning/Big Data
- Quantum Software/Hardware
- Semiconductor Technology
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Duke ECE Master of Engineering is a 30-credit degree:
- Core Industry Preparation Courses (6 credits)
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- MENG 540: Management of High-Tech Industries
- MENG 570: Business Fundamentals for Engineers
Learn more about these courses on the Duke MEng website.
- ECE Concentration Area Courses (9 credits)
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Choose three (3) courses from any one (1) discipline. A custom course plan may also be developed with the approval of the student's advisor.
Select a study track to see related courses:
- Software Engineering
- Computer Hardware Engineering
- Machine Learning/Big Data
- Quantum Software/Hardware
- Semiconductor Technology
- Technical and General Electives (15 credits)
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- Technical electives (6 credits): Choose two courses from ECE or other approved technical areas.
- General electives (9 credits): With the approval of the student's advisor and the DGS, choose any three elective courses.
Curriculum notes:
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Undergraduate courses may not be used to fulfill MEng degree requirements.
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In order to graduate, a student's advisor and ECE DGS must approve the list of courses taken using the Program of Study form.
- Internship, Project or Equivalent (0 credits)
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- MENG 550: Internship or Applied Research Project
- MENG 551: Internship/Project Assessment
Learn more about this requirement on the Duke MEng website.
- ECE 701 -- ECE Masters Success Seminar
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Weekly seminar. 0 Credit/No Tution. Required for students entering in Fall 2024 or after.
Sample Study Plan
(Software Development)
| Course | Course Type | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 |
ECE 550D: Fundamentals of Computer Systems & Engineering ECE 551D: Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms in C++ General Elective |
Track course Track course
|
|
ECE 701 -- ECE Masters Success Seminar (0 credit, tuition-free)** |
Weekly Seminar |
|
| Semester 2 |
MEng 570: Business Fundamentals Technical Elective Concentration Elective |
Industry Prep Track Course Elective |
| Summer | MEng 550: Internship or Project (mandatory but no credit and no tuition) |
Internship |
| Semester 3 |
MEng 551: Internship Assessment MEng 540: Leadership & Management General Elective Technical Elective |
Industry Prep Elective Elective |
| Semester 4* (optional) |
General Elective | Elective |
* Students can choose to finish in three semesters by taking more than three courses in one semester. However, students should NOT take more than three courses their first semester.
** ECE 701 will be required as of Fall 2024.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- Application Deadline
-
This program offers fall entry only. Application deadlines »
- Tuition and Fees
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See the latest tuition, fees, and cost of attendance details at the Duke Engineering MEng website »
- Financial Aid and Fellowships
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Because the Master of Engineering is a professional degree rather than a research degree, most students pay their own tuition costs. Many students take out loans and believe there will be an excellent return on investment when they get out into the workforce.
Diversity Scholarships
Underrepresented minorities may receive up to 50 percent per year in tuition scholarship through our Diversity Scholarships.
Externally Funded Scholarships
We also offer support to recipients of select competitively externally funded scholarships, such as
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowships
- Fulbright Scholar Program
DoD SMART Scholarship Program
For US Citizens only – The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories.
Veteran's Benefits
Duke University offers information for veterans who are applying for VA benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Federal Loan Programs
Duke University offers the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs for graduate students, including Stafford unsubsidized loans, Graduate PLUS, and Carl Perkins loans. Each of these loans has different terms and conditions, but they are generally deferrable until after graduation or until the student is enrolled for less than half-time.
These federal loans are available only to United States citizens. Visit the Duke Financial Aid website for more information and application procedures for student loans.
On-Campus Work
While enrolled in the program, many students work in a variety of places, such as campus libraries and various departments within Duke University. Teaching assistantships are available in various departments, and some departments have research assistantships as well.
These positions are paid an hourly rate, and most students work between 10 to 20 hours per week. Positions are generally posted and filled just a week or two before classes begin each semester.
External Funding Opportunities
Browse our extensive list of potential external funding opportunities on our dedicated website for MEng students.
Limited financial aid is available to highly qualified candidates through academic scholarships with an emphasis on increasing diversity within the program.
- Part-Time Option for Working Professionals
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This Duke Master of Engineering degree can be completed on a part-time basis—perfect for working professionals
If you work in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina, or you are able to work remotely, you can take one or two courses per semester while you continue in your job.
For part-time master's study at Duke ECE:
- Students pay by the credit hour
- There's no additional or special application—simply indicate an interest in attending part-time in your Short Answer Essays
Duke-Kunshan International Master of Engineering
A collaboration between Duke ECE and Duke Kunshan University, this international master's degree is based on the Duke ECE MEng program and designed with Chinese industrial needs in mind—exposing students to U.S.-style education as well as modern Chinese business practices and industry standards.
During the first year, students study at Duke Kunshan University (Kunshan, Jiangsu,China). For their second year, students are expected to study at Duke University in the United States. Upon completion, students receive a Duke University Master of Engineering degree.