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Online Graduate Certificate in Spectrum Defense
Classes Begin: September 21, 20262 years
Fully Online
18
Drexel University is Regionally Accredited
The graduate certificate program in Spectrum Defense will train students in the fundamentals of wireless radio frequency (RF) communications with applications in communications, radar, and adversarial open channel dynamics. The design and operation of systems using advanced radio, transceiver, signal and control and microwave and wireless technologies requires technical knowledge of new capabilities and, critically, the ability to act rapidly for both offensive and defensive tactical solutions.
Program Features
- A flexible, completely online program that fits easily into your busy work and personal schedule
- Deep understanding of the foundations in spectrum electronic components
- Real practicality into the world of existing wireless challenges
- Combination of industry-based courses as well as remote laboratory and theory courses, along with electives based on interest
- Curriculum taught by industry-focused faculty and Drexel tenure-track faculty
- Preparation for jobs in defense, aerospace, and telecommunications
Course Highlights
This program provides a deep understanding of the foundations in spectrum electronic components with courses such as:
- Introduction to Radar
- Basic Electronic Warfare Concepts
- Software Defined Radio Laboratory
Students can choose two elective courses based on areas of interest. Elective options include:
- Fundamentals of Deterministic Digital Signal Processing
- Microwave Active Subsystems
- Wireless Systems
Related Programs
- MS in Systems Engineering
- Graduate Certificate in Hardware Systems Engineering
- Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
| Required Courses | ||
| ECE 513 | Introduction to Radar | 3.0 |
| ECE 514 | Basic Electronic Warfare Concepts | 3.0 |
| ECE 630 | Software Defined Radio Laboratory | 3.0 |
| ECES 521 | Probability & Random Variables | 3.0 |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select two from the list below: | 6.0 | |
|
ECEE 518
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Microwave Passive Components | |
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ECEE 519
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Microwave Active Subsystems | |
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ECES 631
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Fundamentals of Deterministic Digital Signal Processing | |
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ECET 512
|
Wireless Systems | |
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Any ECE (Electrical & Computer Engineering) 500-699 courses
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Any ECEC (Electrical & Computer Engineering - Computers) 500-699 courses *
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Any ECEE (Electrical & Computer Engineering-Electroph) 500-699 courses
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Any ECEP (Electrical & Computer Engineering - Power Engineering) 500-699 courses
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Any ECES (Electrical & Computer Engineering - Systems) 500-699 courses
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Any ECET (Telecommunications) 500-699 courses
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| Total Credits | 18.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree in engineering with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Relevant field experience will also be considered
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one professional)
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1382 per credit.
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans , you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026
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