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EECS Graduate FAQs

EECS Graduate FAQs

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is a vibrant academic and research community of scholars.

We encourage you to become familiar with the research areas in the Department, to reach out to our faculty for support, and to become actively engaged in the Department community. One way we encourage our students to become involved is by attending the colloquium series we hold throughout the academic year. This is an opportunity to learn about advances in the academic community and to network with faculty and students from across campus.

We are committed to helping you achieve your career goals. Students can take full advantage of what the University has to offer by learning about the graduate resources available in the College and the campus resources available at the University.

For the most current information about your particular degree of study, you can refer to the Graduate Course Catalog. The Graduate School maintains a checklist of Graduate Requirements that all graduate students should be familiar with to ensure they are on track for degree completion. This site also has many necessary forms, dates and deadlines, and access to resources. Engineering and Computer Science IT Support (CIT)

Here you will find the most frequently asked questions as well as technology and procedural how-to's.  We hope that this resource will assist you in finding answers or assist you in finding answers to your questions!

These FAQ's are to be used only as a tool, please refer to the Syracuse University - Course Catalog for specific information on your program of study.

EECS Alumni

Graduates of our department who apply for work visa or permanent residency/green card often need verification of the skills they obtained during their graduate studies. To request a “Skills Verification” letter please follow the below steps:

  • E-mail your request to the EECS Graduate Office: EECS Grad Students Requests cptorskillsrequest@syr.edu , please include:

    • Your full name

    • 9-digit SU student ID number

    • The degree you received and the semester/year in which you received it.

    • The courses you would like a skill for (ex: CSE 742; ELE 621; CIS 689).

    • Skill(s) associated with course you have chosen (See skill descriptions below.  Note: approved skill verbiage cannot be changed, and we cannot add attendance dates to a letter.) 
      See sample letter (your request must be in the same format as in the sample letter).

  • E-mail the form to cptorskillsrequest@syr.edu. Please allow a minimum of 5-14 business days for processing (longer if requesting an additional skill). 

    • We cannot verify skills in courses taken as audit (AU), undergraduate classes or for those courses where a grade of B- or below was earned.

    • The template letter will be prepared on letterhead and signed by the Graduate Records Office; all letters are signed electronically.

    • Only topics and skills included in course catalog descriptions can be certified. As the Skills Letter is an approved template, letters cannot be modified and customized with skills beyond those which are mentioned in the course catalog description.

    • Skills not on the approved list can be requested and reviewed. To request a new skill please add it to the bottom of your request and highlight it in yellow.  It may take 5-20 business days for a response on a new skill request as it must go before a faculty committee.  Note: not all requests will be approved.

    • Skill letters requesting additional skills may take longer to process when classes are not in session,

    • Requested and approved individual skill letters will only be allowed to be revised once - please review your request with the person requesting the skills before you send the request to our office.

An Enrollment Verification is a certification of a student’s enrollment status for semester(s) attended at Syracuse University.

  • Past semester enrollment verifications can be requested at any time. Students with access to MySlice should go to MySlice > Student Home > Enrollment > Enrollment Verification.

  • If you do not have access to MySlice or if a potential employer needs to request a verification, go to studentclearinghouse.org.

Degree verification

  • Degree certification typically takes place four to six weeks after the completion of degree requirements. Once certification is completed by your school, college, or department, the Registrar’s Office posts it to your transcript. At that time, your degree will be visible on your transcript and you can request a degree verification through studentclearinghouse.org.

  • Degree verification cannot be provided until your degree is certified and posted to your transcript.

The National Student Clearinghouse has been authorized by Syracuse University to provide enrollment and degree verifications for our students.

Graduates can apply for unpaid internship opportunities via:  https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezfkHtpcYnbgD41 to complete the application process and prove eligibility applicants must upload either a transcript that includes the degree awarded and the award date or a diploma a scanned copy of graduate Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card must be provided. IMPORTANT NOTE: Your application will be denied if you upload a transcript that only indicates your major but does not include degree award name and date. You may not be allowed to reapply. Please review your transcript carefully before uploading. 

Questions for EECS graduates should be directed to Sahar Al Mahmoud salmahmo@syr.edu

If you are need of an employment verification letter contact Syracuse University Human Resources at hrreqs@syr.edu

Employers and background screening firms

  • Syracuse University has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide enrollment and degree verification for our students.
    Employers and background screening firms must contact the Clearinghouse directly for any enrollment or degree verifications.
    The Clearinghouse does charge a fee for each verification.

Contact information for the National Student Clearinghouse:

Prospective and Admitted Students

Graduate - ECS – Syracuse University-information for prospective students, including the application process

Grant/Merit scholarship will be applied to your student account after the drop deadline and before the bill is due.

At the end of the second semester in the program continued scholarship/grant edibility will be reviewed based on student GPA. A GPA below 3.0 will result in permanent removal of the scholarship/grant with no opportunity to appeal.

Consideration for scholarships is given at time of application review. No further funding is available after admission.

Students who take a Leave of Absence (LOA) and return to the program will not have the previous Grant/Merit Scholarship reinstated. Students who take a Medical Leave of Absence (maximum of 1 semester) can have the original Grant/Merit scholarship applied if they previously met all requirements of the award.

Bridge courses cannot be waived, and must be completed during the first semester you are enrolled

To enroll in your bridge courses e-mail eecsstaff@syr.edu. The email should include your name, SUID, and course name and number for registration, use Bridge Coursework Registration in the subject line.

If you were not assigned a bridge course during the admission process but would like to take one a one-on-one meeting with the department chair can be arranged to determine if the course will be beneficial for your academic success.

​Graduate Admission Transcript Requirement - Syracuse.edu

To submit your transcript by mail/express delivery or by electronic delivery directly from the institution:

MAIL OR DHL:
Syracuse University

Graduate Admissions Processing

804 University Avenue, Suite 201

Syracuse, NY 13244

THE INSTITUTION SENDS DIRECTLY USING SECURELINK
Many U.S. colleges and universities allow you to order a transcript for electronic delivery.
Use this email address when you order a transcript from the institution for electronic delivery to SU: grad@syr.edu

4+1 (BSMS) Program

Invitations are made to rising seniors after completion of their junior year, eligible students will be notified via email and asked to apply after posting of spring grades. Accepted students will be notified after the application review is completed.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Overall GPA 3.3 or better; and

Completion of three of the following four courses with B+ or better in each course*

  • ELE 324

  • ELE 333

  • ELE 351

  • ELE 354

Student has completed no more than 4 technical electives (leaving at least 2 technical electives)

COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Overall GPA 3.3 or better; and

Completion of three of the following four courses with B+ or better in each course*

  • CIS 351

  • CSE 381

  • CIS/CSE 486

  • CSE 464

Student has completed no more than 4 technical electives (leaving at least 2 technical electives)

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Overall GPA 3.3 or better; and

Completion of three of the following four courses with B+ or better in each course*

  • CIS 341

  • CIS 352

  • CIS 477

  • CIS/CSE 486

Student has completed no more than 4 upper-division electives (leaving at least 2 upper-division electives).

*Note: If only two of the four courses have been completed, student may be conditionally accepted until the course is completed, and the minimal grade of B+ has been earned. The applicant must be registered for, and complete, the remaining course during the fall semester. Acceptance will be made official provided the stated criteria (course completion, minimal course grade, and overall GPA) have been met at the end of the semester.

For more information, e-mail eecsadmissions@syr.edu

Current Students

These FAQ's are to be used only as a tool, please refer to the Syracuse University Course Catalog for specific information on your program of study.

University Questions and Answers
Center for International Services
Barnes Center at the Arch
Engineering and Computer Science IT Support (CIT

Save the Date: To be announced

To check if you are on track to graduate check:

  • Degree Works

  • Course Catalog

  • If you are still unsure make an appointment to talk with your advisor

Letters that confirm upcoming graduation eligibility and/or degree completion cannot be provided by the Department. After your degree has been certified and posted to your transcript a letter may be requested by contacting the Syracuse University Registrar's Office registrar@syr.edu. See Diplomas - Office of the Registrar – Syracuse University for additional information.

After a degree is awarded, diplomas are ordered for students who have cleared all holds from the Office of Academic Integrity and Community Standards as well as any financial obligations to the University. Diplomas and certificates are mailed to the address provided in the file diploma request process.

May degrees are generally posted by June 30, and diplomas are ordered approximately one week after it is posted.  Once your diploma is mailed out you will receive an email. The average time for delivery is 6-8 weeks.

See Diplomas - Office of the Registrar – Syracuse University for additional information

Please see: International Travel | Commencement - Syracuse University

An Enrollment Verification is a certification of a student’s enrollment status for semester(s) attended at Syracuse University.

  • Current semester enrollment verification is available shortly after the Add Deadline. Note that if you request a verification prior to the Add Deadline, your class enrollment will not appear. Please make sure to notify any employers or background check agencies of this if they are requesting an enrollment verification for you.

  • Early semester enrollment verification shows your anticipated graduation date but not class enrollment for future semesters. Students with MySlice access should go to MySlice > Student Home > Enrollment > Enrollment Verification. If you do not have access to MySlice or if a potential employer needs to request a verification, go to studentclearinghouse.org.

  • The anticipated graduation date on your NSC Enrollment Verification may change,  and will be subject to change until you file for your diploma.

  • The enrollment verification certificate can be attached to forms, documents, etc. as needed and may only be requested by the student or for employment checks/background screenings.

Students who are in their last semester are allowed to register for less than a full course of study but must enroll in classes that meet on campus for the entire semester and must file a Last Semester Memo with the Center for International Services.

How to File a Last Semester Memo:

  1. File your Diploma Request 

    When students start their program of study they must complete the Diploma Request process, accessed through MySlice. Only students who complete this process are included in degree certification review. Commencement information is only sent to students who have filed a diploma request. Log in to MySlice > Student Home > Academics > Diploma Request. Specify the term (fall, spring, or summer) and provide information for the diploma, including a mailing address. Diploma requests can be updated if needed.

  2. Log in to the International Student and Scholar (ISSS) Portal through MySlice.

    • If you do not have access to the portal please email The Center for International Services with a detailed description of the issue (include screenshots if possible) or visit the Center for International Services during walk-in advising (Monday – Friday from 11 am to 3 pm).

  3. Go to the Student Request Center (to the right of the page).

  4. Find the Last Semester Memo Request.

  5. Complete the Questionnaire.

  6. Read the Student Acknowledgement section and confirm you have read the information.

  7. Enter the following: "EECS Staff", email eecsstaff@syr.edu for departmental approval. Do not email any staff or faculty member directly as your request will not be processed.

  8. Submit the Request.

Please note the following:

  • Last Semester Memo requests will be denied if you are enrolled in credits above what is needed for graduation

  • The whole student academic record is reviewed as part of this process-including Core Final Exam average, Core Final Course average, overall GPA, transcript grade.

  • Please visit Insurance - Center for International Services – Syracuse University for important information.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is authorization to gain practical experience in a position directly related to your program of study either before or after the completion of your degree.

OPT letters have been processed and sent to students SU email address for MS students graduating December 2025 if the Last Semester Memo and Diploma Request (see above) requirements were completed

Note: Receiving your OPT letter does not mean you have met all degree requirements for graduation.

*This applies to students who are here on a student Visa

Internship-Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

CPT-Internship is intended to provide international students work experience directly related, and integral to, a student’s degree. While not intended for general, ongoing work authorization, CPT can help students build their professional network while they are enrolled as a student providing learning outside of their classrooms.

CPT eligibility

A student must be in valid F-1-status and have been a full-time student in the U.S. for one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) before participating in CPT. CPT is not available for students who have completed their coursework and program of study. CPT approval is authorized for one semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer) new CPT paperwork must be submitted and approved each semester. EECS approval and processing is required for CPT. CPT cannot be counted towards the required credits for your degree program.

Internship-CPT Eligibility requirements: Internship-CPT Options

Academics will be reviewed at time of request and considered as part of the application process. No review and approval will be made without a formal offer letter provided by the company.

Fall Admits

  1. Completion of 18 credits of course work in the EECS Department at Syracuse University

  2. Completion of core coursework within your first two semesters

  3. Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher

  4. Cumulative Program GPA of 3.0 or higher

  5. Core Course Final Exam Grade (Average B- Minimum)

  6. Core Course Transcript Grade (B- Minimum) CS only

See Syracuse University Course Catalog

Spring Admits

  1. Completion of 18 credits of course work in the EECS Department at Syracuse University

  2. Completion of core coursework within your first two semesters

  3. Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher

  4. Cumulative Program GPA of 3.0 or higher

  5. Core Course Final Exam Grade (Average B- Minimum)

  6. Core Course Transcript Grade (B- Minimum) CS only

See Syracuse University Course Catalog

Spring 2026 Internship-CPT application process:

Step 1: Provide formal offer letter, to assist and ensure all required information is provided please share the  when working with your company.

Provide a formal offer letter, on company letterhead, which includes all of the following:

  1. Company address, including street address of where you will be working (no P.O. Box)

  2. Job title and formal job description.

  3. Placement location: onsite or remote

  4. Company location of placement, if your position is onsite-*Final semester coursework must be completed via in person, on campus enrollment. CPT placements that do not allow for in-person coursework must be remote.

  5. Exact start and end date, dates must begin and end within the semester.

  6. Hours per week (specific days and hours that you will be working on site) *estimated on site days will prevent processing of CPT

  7. Pay rate (include salary)

  8. Signed by company representative with applicable contact information

Once the letter is received and includes all required information, the student is responsible for highlighting the required information.

Step 2: Internship Proposal/Agreement 

Identify a EECS full-time faculty sponsor who will monitor progress and assign a grade complete the Internship Proposal/Agreement with them.

  1. All highlighted fields must be completed by the student and/or faculty sponsor, do not complete fields that are not highlighted

  2. Form must be submitted with student signature

  3. Form must be submitted with faculty sponsor signature

Fall and Spring CPT only: Full-Time Certification Form must be completed if you will be registered for less than 9 credits while completing your CPT. If this will be your final semester please see Last Semester Memo section of the FAQ page.

 Step 3: Complete

Approved placement dates: Monday, January 12, 2026-Monday, April 27, 2026.

CPT can start no later than Monday, February 2, 2026 and can end no later than Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Completed paperwork due for approval: No later than 10 business days prior to the scheduled start of your CPT

*NOTE: All Core Coursework must be completed with a passing grade on the student transcript for CPT application eligibility. Future core course registration does not satisfy this requirement.

Step 4: Submit Paperwork

  1. Submit all completed documentation (see Steps 1-3 above) to: cptorskillsrequest@syr.edu

  2. Paperwork will be reviewed for completion and student eligibility

  3. Internship Proposal Agreement paperwork will be sent via email to Registrar's Office for processing with student cc'd.

  4. CPT approval letter will be sent to student directly via email.

  5. Check your registration, once the Internship has been posted to your account please see Home - Center for International Services – Syracuse University for next steps.

Additional Notes:

  1. Once paperwork has been processed and approved for a CPT no changes will be made. These include, but are not limited to, approved number of hours, start/end placement dates, location, company. Once processed no changes will be made even if the CPT placement has not started.

  2. Students are responsible for ensuring a grade is posted for you by your faculty sponsor at the end of your CPT

  3. CPT approval letter and Proposal Agreement will be sent in separate emails.

  4. An I20 cannot be extended for CPT

  5. Registration for CPT will result in a charge of 1 credit hour of tuition on a student bill

  6. Students with an RA or TA assignment in the spring 2026 semester cannot also be approved for a CPT-Internship. If you have already accepted an RA or TA assignment you must decline the offer before your CPT-Internship is approved.

  7. CPT credits do not count towards required program credits for completion of your degree, and can't be converted to an Independent Study

  8. Delays in processing will occur if forms and supporting documentation are not provided

  9. If you are on a student Visa, you must be in the United States on the first date of your approved CPT. CPT work cannot be done when a student is not in the United States.

  10. Unpaid CPT offers will not be approved

  11. Minimally, students must be paid at a rate equal to the required minimum wage set by the state in which the CPT employer is located

  12. Remote CPT work must be done from Syracuse for the entire semester. 

  13. Final semester coursework must be completed via in person, on campus enrollment. CPT placements that do not allow for in-person coursework must be remote. 

 

How do I apply for RA and TA positions?

  1. Research Assistantship appointments: Contact the faculty member with whom you want to work.

  2. Teaching Assistantship appointments:  TA application requests will be sent out to EECS students in late fall (Nov., Dec.) and early spring (March). 

Reminder, first year MS students will not be considered for TA positions in their first semester of study.

How will I be notified of a TA appointment?

  1. Fall semester offer letters will be emailed by July 7

  2. Spring semester offer letters will be emailed by December 20

Additional Notes:

  1. Please do not resend inquiries or requests for additional consideration after the deadline mentioned in the TA information/application email.

  2. Students must register for classes as soon as open enrollment starts, all students with an assistantship appointment must be registered for classes.

I’m a new student hire, what should I do?

For issues with your personal payroll account contact payroll@syr.edu or 315-443-4042 (option2)

Students must clock in and out each time you work a shift. If your timesheet needs to be corrected contact Cynthia Bromka-Skafidas at skafidas@syr.edu immediately

I am a RA. How do I get a key to the lab?

What should I do with my lab key at the end of the semester?

  • All keys are to be returned to Shawn Knight in person.  Do not leave the key with a fellow student or faculty member. It is your responsibility to turn in your own key!

I am locked out of my lab. Whom should I contact?

  • During normal office hours, you can contact any staff member in the department to give you access to your lab. Call (315) 443-2652 weekdays until 5 p.m. during the academic year and 4:30 p.m. during the summer. Weekends– Please contact DPS at (315) 443-2224

I am a TA. Will I be assigned an office for office hours?

  • EECS Dept. currently has rooms that are available to be used for office hours.  A sign-up sheet is available to reserve the room.

Transferring in credits from another University

  • Classes must be pre-approved by the Department before a course is taken outside Syracuse University

  • Core classes cannot be taken at another institution

  • Transfer credit requests must be filed via petition Graduate Transfer Credit Petition

Transferring within EECS from one program to another

  • Returning students can submit a EECS GRAD Program Transfer Form until two weeks before the first day of classes.  You are encouraged, however, to submit a transfer request early so you can select courses based on your new program of study during the course registration period for returning students. E-mail the form to eecsadmissions@syr.edu 

  • New students must wait until grades have been posted from their first semester to submit a transfer request.

  • Note - if you transfer from one program to another and are receiving a percent grant, it may not transfer to the new program.

Transferring into EECS from another College

  • Students interested in transferring into EECS must email their completed Graduate Transfer Form to eecsadmissions@syr.edu

  • Once the completed applications is received, information will be forwarded to the faculty review committee for consideration

  • Note-if you transfer from one college to another and are receiving grants and other aid, it may not transfer to the new program

All returning EECS students (MS/PhD in EECS) are required to register early. Fall registration begins in April; Spring registration begins in November. New student registration is in August for the fall semester, and in January for the spring semester. Individual students are responsible for their course registration.  Academic Calendar

  • Questions regarding difficulties using MySlice can be answered here, Registration Answers or you can contact IT if the problem persists.

  • Courses cannot be added if the add deadline has passed, this policy is strictly enforced.

  • Residential students are not eligible for online courses, when searching for classes, be sure to select in-person classes from the drop-down menu.

  • Generally, EECS does not offer Winterlude courses and courses taken outside of your program do not count towards degree requirements. 

  • If you are at the end of your program and would like to register for over 9 credits, allowing you to complete the program a semester early, make the request to eecsstaff@syr.edu. A student academic record will be reviewed at the time of the request. If permission is granted no classed can be dropped, withdrawn or be eligible for an incomplete. 

  • EECS Graduate students are not allowed to audit courses

  • A hold on your account may prevent course registration, degree certification, and other required student functions.

  • Only the office that placed the hold on your account can remove it, you must contact that office directly for assistance

  • To check your status:

    1.  Log into MySlice-locate Holds tile

    2. Open Holds tile to see specifics related to the hold

    3. Click on the hold itself to see who/how to contact for assistance

  • Course registration should be dropped before the add deadline allowing others to register for an open seat. 

  • Once the add deadline has passed, international students cannot drop courses via MySlice. International students are prevented from dropping courses to ensure they do not drop below full-time enrollment without first consulting with their program and with the Center for International Services.

  • Once the add deadline has passed the student must email complete the request to drop a class form, specifying the class(es) they want to drop and return it to eecsstaff@syr.edu for processing.

  • Registration must be removed by the university drop deadline to prevent additional charges to the student account.

  • International full-time students cannot drop below 9 credits unless it is your last semester.  Students on an F1 Visa must apply for their last semester memo if 9 credits are not needed for degree completion in the last semester of enrollment.

  • Students will complete applicable information on the Independent Study Form and send to your FT EECS faculty sponsor for signature

    • After the faculty sponsor signs the Proposal for Independent Study, the student must email the form to Interim Graduate Program Director: Dr. Makan Fardad.

  • After the Graduate Program Director approves, it will be forwarded to eecsstaff@syr.edu for review and processing to the Registrar’s office (with a cc to student).

  • Registrar’s office will post the Independent Study to your course registration.  (Please allow 7-10 business days or longer during high volume periods). 

  • PhD students - send the signed Proposal for Independent Study form to eecsphdrequest@syr.edu for processing .

Proposal for Independent Study  

  • Each semester familiarize yourself with the Academic Calendar and plan accordingly. Deadlines are strictly enforced.

  • Forms, petitions and other academic paperwork processing can take up to 5 business days to be reviewed, do not wait until a deadline to submit paperwork.

  • Graduate students can withdraw from classes on their own through MySlice; however, if they’re planning to withdraw under full-time credits then they’ll need to submit a Class Withdrawal Petition for review no later than the Withdrawal Deadline.

Requesting a Leave of Absence (LOA)

  • Complete the Leave of Absence Request and submit to eecsstaff@syr.edu. 

  • Students who take a Leave of Absence (LOA) and return to the program will not have the previous Grant/Merit Scholarship reinstated. Students who take a Medical Leave of Absence (maximum of 1 semester) can have the original Grant/Merit scholarship applied if they previously met all requirements of the award.

Returning from a Leave of Absence (LOA)

 

  • Reach out to the instructor or TA if you need help in your class.

  • At any time that a student is not meeting all of their program requirements, they are considered on academic warning.

  • At any time, the department can terminate a student due to lack of academic progress based on the fact that they are not meeting all of their program requirements.

  • You may or may not receive a notice from the department that your academics are failing. It is your responsibility to know your program requirements.  Please review the course catalog for the year and semester that you matriculated into the program and/or check Degree Works. You can access Degree Works via MySlice; it will appear under the Advising tile on your home page. (If you were in another program, please make sure you are reaching out to your Master’s program advisor and not your previous advisor).  

  • (When checking the academic calendar for your requirements, make sure you are in the correct catalog year.)

  • To retain your percent grant you must:

  • Be registered for 9 credits that can be used in your program of study each semester.  You do not have to be registered for 9 credits during your final semester.

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher after the second semester and remain at 3.0 or higher.  Failure to do so will result in the grant will be permanently removed.

  • Once your new grade from your repeated course is posted to your account, complete the flag petition and e-mail to eecsstaff@syr.edu.

  • Both your original and new grade will be posted to your transcript.

  • Once the flag petition is processed the original grade will have a (*) notation, indicating it has been repeated.

  • Only your new grade will be used to calculate your cumulative GPA.

  • Classes with a final grade of C+ or lower can be repeated one time. 

These FAQ's are to be used only as a tool, please refer to the Syracuse University Course Catalog for specific information on your program of study.

To assist with planning your program please see Ph.D. Timeline

Before registering for courses outside of the department, that a student would want to receive credit for towards their program they must complete a form-petition-to-faculty.pdf explaining how the course is related to their research. The petition must be signed by the student, faculty advisor and Interim Graduate Program Director D. Makan Fardad. The completed petition should be sent to eecsphdrequest@syr.edu for processing.