Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Graduate Guidelines and Procedures

Adviser/Major Professor

During the review of your application to our program, an adviser was assigned to you. Students working toward a PhD degree or have agreed to accept a research assistantship, have a strong commitment to declare their adviser as their major professor. The form Request to Declare or Change Adviser/Major Professor (MS Word document) is a departmental form that is needed if it becomes necessary to change from your admitting adviser to another faculty member within the department. The form requires both parties signature.

English Placement Test

The English Placement Test, which is given at the beginning of the spring, summer II and fall semesters, is to determine whether ISU students whose native language is NOT English are proficient enough in English to meet the requirements at Iowa State University. 

Graduate students who already have a degree from an accredited four-year college or university within the US are not required to take the English Placement Test. It is required, however, that you fill out Request for the Graduate College to Approve the Graduate English Requirement for a Student Whose Native Language is NOT English (MS Word document) and submit to the Graduate College, 1137 Pearson, in order to be certified.

The Testing Schedule is listed on the Department of English website. Attached is a .PDF with guidelines and contact information if you have questions about the English Placement Test (PDF).

Speak/Teach

New international graduate teaching assistants are also required to take a SPEAK/TEACH examination before beginning their assigned duties. The link listed below will take you to the University SPEAK/TEACH site listing registration and testing dates. In addition, the Teaching Assistant Handbook contains useful information and we strongly encourage you to review this material.

• SPEAK/TEACH is a required examination for international Teaching Assistants.

Ethical Standards

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering actively strives to maintain high professional and ethical standards. All faculty, staff and students are expected to adhere to the Code of Ethics as outlined by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Hourly Employees

The maximum period of time allowed for a graduate student to be on hourly payroll during Fall, Spring or Summer semester is 6 weeks.

Internships

Approval and Guidelines for Internships (MS Word document) is a departmental form to be completed when you have secured an internship position during your graduate program. International students will also need to complete Curricular Practical Training for F-1 Students located at the International Students and Scholars website. The appropriate forms require approval from your adviser and the Manager of Student Services.

Leave/Travel Policy (and PAGs)

ECpE Graduate Student Travel Policies lists departmental, Graduate College and ISU travel guidelines. The policies include the form to complete for Professional Advancement Grants and contact information for the ISU approved travel agencies. When making airline reservations, see Do's and Don'ts to avoid costly mistakes.

Ph.D. Requirements

For information on the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination including a deadline schedule and a background course reference listing, see Ph.D. Forms and Requirements.

Registration Requirements

Graduate Assistants must be registered students each term they hold an appointment. Fee Assessment for Graduate Student on Assistantship in the Graduate College Handbook list these registration requirements. During your last semester, the department may waive the Graduate College Scholarship for you if you follow the procedures outlined in the Credit Hours section of Supplementary Rules (PDF).

Stipend Schedule

The amount of compensation a graduate assistant is paid per month is called a stipend. The department sets these stipend amounts based on a comprehensive survey of rates from peer institutions. The Stipend Schedule is included for your information.

Thesis/Graduation Deadlines

During your final semester, there are strict deadlines for the completion of forms and the submission of thesis to the Thesis Office. Failure to meet any of these deadlines could jeopardize your graduation plans. See the Thesis/Graduation Deadlines section at the Graduate College website for the dates that apply for your term of graduation.

Thesis/Graduation for ECpE

A Final Submission (PDF) check-off list was developed to let you know the department's expectations during your final semester. Please follow these steps when ready to process your final set of graduation requirements. 

The department requires the submission of an unbound, printed copy of your thesis/dissertation.  This will be for your major professor(s).  To request the department to bind personal copies, complete the Order Form for Thesis Binding (MS Word document).

Transfer Credits

The Graduate College Handbook lists guidelines in Chapter 6 titled The Graduate Program of Study under the section Transfer Credits. Please review to see if the course or courses you have taken at another university could be listed on your Program of Study (POS) form (MS Word document). Approval will be up to your major professor and POS committee members. Typically, one to three courses are allowed.

Disability Accommodations

If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the instructor early in the semester so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Disability Resources (DR) office, located on the main floor of the Student Services Building, Room 1076, 515-294-7220.