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How It Works
Bridge students take a specific sequence of undergraduate “bridge courses” to ensure they are prepared to begin our master’s program. Students who have already learned some of the foundational material as part of their bachelor’s degree or through independent learning may have some of the required courses waived. The number of bridge courses required depends on the background of the student and the chosen area of specialization. We require a letter grade of B or better in all of the bridge courses for admission to our MS program, but may allow lower grades if they happen infrequently. Students begin with the core bridge courses before moving on to focus area-specific bridge courses.
Core Bridge Courses
All bridge students are required to take the courses listed below when they begin the program or show that they have the knowledge and skills gained in these core bridge courses:
- ECE 102 Engineering Computation (or shown experience in Python)
- ECE 103 Engineering Programming (or shown experience in C programming)
- ECE 171 Digital Circuits
- ECE 221 Electric Circuit Analysis I
- ECE 222 Electric Circuit Analysis II (may not be needed for Computer Architecture track, decided on a case-by-case basis)
- MTH 251 Calculus I
- MTH 252 Calculus II
- MTH 261 Introduction to Linear Algebra (new requirement for new Bridge students starting after Winter 2025)
- After completing most or all of the above the courses students are then ready to move on to focus area-specific bridge courses in the next section.
Self-study of Math is only an option for review if a student has completed Calcululs 1 and 2 in the past and need to brush up. Students will need to take a math placement test to determine their math level and to get receive registration approval from the Math department.
You can find course descriptions and prerequisite information for ECE courses in the PSU Bulletin here.
Bridge Focus Areas
Listed below are the minimum undergraduate-level, focus area-specific bridge courses necessary to be admitted to the MS program. After completing the core courses (above) and focus area bridge courses you will have the background necessary to begin the ECE MS program.
Analog, RF, and Microwave Circuits
If you like building, testing and in general tinkering with electronic circuits then this track may be for you. As the name suggests, this track will prepare you to design, test and build circuits across the frequency range: from audio to THz frequencies. This track draws heavily on various application areas, such as electromagnetics, acoustics, signal processing, and communications to provide students with breadth of learning experience. Similarly, students can explore related areas that influence Analog/RF/microwave circuit design, such as semiconductor devices, packaging, and digital IC design. Many local companies look for this kind of talent: Tektronix, Intel, Qorvo, Maxim, Analog Devices, to name a few. What is most important, however, is that you will be well prepared for the ever-changing electronics industry and learn how to learn and be a successful circuit designer.
Potential careers for students focusing on this track: Analog/RF/Microwave Design Engineer, Analog/RF/Microwave Test Engineer, Analog/RF/Microwave Applications Engineer, EDA RF Simulation Applications Engineer
Analog Track bridge courses:
- The Core bridge courses plus:
- Math 253, 254, 256, 261
- Physics 211, 212, 213 (Physics 221-223 also acceptable prior to Fall 2023)
- ECE 223, 315, 321, 322, 323, 331, 332 (note that ECE 323 is not regularly offered and may not be required)
Computer Architecture and Design
Computer architecture and design encompasses everything from instruction set architecture to microprocessor design, memory hierarchy, interconnect, I/O, and performance measurement. Target applications range from consumer electronics and graphics processors to industrial and automotive electronics to desktop, servers, and high-performance computing.
Potential careers for students focusing on this track: Computer Design Engineer, Microarchitecture Design Engineer, System Validation Engineer, CPU Verification Engineer, SOC Design Engineer
Computer Architecture bridge courses:
Design Verification and Validation
The presence of microprocessors and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to improve and enrich lives is pervasive. Advances in manufacturing technology continue to accelerate the opportunity to create new, exciting products. There are many critical factors in the successful development of new designs and it is estimated that well more than half the effort is spent on validation. Design verification and validation is a systematic, engineering approach that works in tandem with other critical concerns to guide the development of correct and maintainable designs. This area is also of particular interest to the Portland metro area with the corporate presence of worldwide leaders in EDA tools and microprocessor development.
Potential careers for students focusing on this track: Design Component Engineer, Pre-silicon Verification Engineer, Post-silicon Validation Engineer, Formal Verification Engineer
Design Verification and Validation bridge courses:
Digital IC Design
Digital Computation is now ubiquitous, everything can compute. VLSI design concepts are necessary for all levels of digital computer design from computer architecture down to digital logic gates. Communication devices have digital computation leading to the merger of computers and communication devices. Digital electronics continue to grow in capability and decrease in cost as the effects of Moore’s law continue. CMOS technology is dominant presently, but the basics of digital design, test, verification, and validation will apply whatever the next technology is. Microprocessor designers, ASIC designers, and FPGA designers all use the digital electronics concepts in this track. The digital designers model their design at their level of abstraction and verify their implementation with other levels.
Potential careers for students focusing on this track: Circuit Validation Engineers, Circuit Debug Engineers, ASIC Designers, FPGA Designers, Microprocessor Designers
Digital IC Design bridge courses:
Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are computer systems dedicated to a particular functionality, rather than for a general purpose. Such systems typically are required to operate under stringent performance, power, cost, space, reliability, and real-time constraints. Embedded systems are increasingly dominating nearly every aspect of human life. They are used in both consumer and industrial applications, such as self driving cars, medical instruments, robots, cell phones, smart house appliances, , and agricultural systems. Embedded systems are composed of hardware, software (a.k.a firmware), and often include mechanical parts, sensors, and actuators.
Potential careers for students focusing on this track: Embedded System Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Firmware Engineer, Real-time Operating System Developer, Android or IOS Developer, IoT Engineer, Machine Learning Specialist
Embedded systems bridge courses:
- The Core bridge courses plus:
- Physics 211, 212, 213 (PH 211-213 recommended but not required, Physics 221-223 also acceptable prior to Fall 2023)
- ECE 172, 351, 361, 362, 371, 372, 373
- ECE 223 was required but students have the option of taking MTH 261 instead as of Spring 2025. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Power Engineering
Power engineering plays a significant role in the regional economy, with over eighty companies focused on various aspects of power. These include regional IOUs, munis, co-ops and PUDs; numerous power engineering consultancies; power equipment manufacturers; developers and independent power producers; high-tech firms focused on smart grid products; and federal entities like Bonneville Power Administration and the Army Corp of Engineers. Investment in new generation and transmission, innovations in communications and IT, and rapidly-decreasing prices for renewable resources are all contributing to the industry’s growth.
Potential careers for students focusing on this track: Power Systems Engineer, Protection Engineer, Substation Design Engineer, Distribution Engineer, Transmission Planning Engineer, Smart Grid Engineer, Grid Edge Engineer
Power Engineering bridge courses:
- The Core bridge courses plus:
- Math 253, 254, 256, 261
- Statistics 351
- Physics 211, 212, 213 (Physics 221-223 also acceptable prior to Fall 2023)
- EE 347, 348
- ECE 321, 331 (note: as of Fall 2024 ECE 223, 315, 316, 317 are no longer required for the Power Bridge track)
Signal Processing and Machine Learning
The Signal Processing and Machine Learning track provides students with the tools they need to transform signals and data into information. Building on a strong mathematical foundation, successful graduates develop core knowledge spanning statistical signal processing, classical machine learning methodology, and deep learning.
Potential careers for students focusing on this track: Signal Processing Engineer, DSP Engineer, Algorithm Engineer, Image Processing Engineer, Computer Vision Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer
Signal Processing and Machine Learning bridge courses:
Begin MS Program
Once students are nearing the end of their focus area-specific bridge courses they can apply to the ECE MS program. Letters of Recommendation are waived for bridge students and the application deadline is flexible. Please contact us if you have any questions about the MS program application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply and be accepted to the bridge program?
No, there is no formal admission to the program itself, you just begin taking courses once you have created a course plan with the help of the ECE Department. You will need to apply to PSU as a Postbaccalaureate (preferred) or Non-Degree student in order to be able to register for classes, however. You will also need to apply to the M.S. program once you have completed the bridge courses.
Are International students eligible for the bridge program?
We unfortunately cannot accept International students due to the limitations of visas for "graduate prep" programs and our sequence of courses.
Do I earn a BS degree with the bridge program?
You do not earn a bachelors degree in the program. You take undergraduate-level courses that are focused on what you need to succeed in the graduate program and skip many of the BS-required courses along the way. You will eventually earn a Masters in ECE once you complete your bridge courses and the MS program requirements.
But do employers find it strange that someone would have an MS degree in ECE without the bachelors?
No, the MS is the career degree in the field and what is important is that you earned it, not necessarily how you got there. Many former bridge students now have successful careers as engineers or have gone on to Ph.D. programs at Portland State and elsewhere. The ECE MS program at Portland State also has many opportunities for internships to help you gain experience while you are working towards your degree.
Can I get started at a community college?
You are welcome to begin the program by taking equivalent courses at a community college once you have confirmed a course plan with the ECE Department and notified us of your intent to participate in the Bridge Program. Please keep us updated regularly with your progress to ensure you are on the right track, and keep in mind that you will have to transfer to PSU in order to take courses that are 300-level and above. IMPORTANT: If you take some of the courses at a community college, be aware that some use a different sequence than PSU (the physics courses at PCC, for instance). You can see the equivalent courses here.
How long will it take me to finish all of my bridge courses and start the ECE M.S. program?
This is different for every student due to the individualized nature of the program and if you attend part-time or full-time. Some students come from a STEM background and may only need a handful of bridge courses. Others may have to start from scratch with math, engineering, and programming courses and the bridge courses may take up to 4 or 5 years to complete before being ready to begin the ECE MS program.
When I earned my bachelors degree my GPA was very low. Is there still hope for me?
Yes! You will have to complete your bridge courses with B's or better and then take 3 graduate-level ECE courses, also with B or better, to override your undergrad GPA and be admitted to the ECE MS program. We will discuss this further with the individual students it applies to. Many students use this program as a "second chance" after their first college experience during their bachelors.
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