A case study to develop a graduate-level degree program in embedded & cyber-physical systems

University of California Irvine is developing an interdisciplinary graduate-level Masters degree in Embedded & Cyber-Physical Systems (MECPS) that will be managed by the Center for Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems (CECS). In this paper, we present this case study and highlight our systematic approach to creating this MS degree program based on the demand from the students and the industries. As part of our methodology, a survey was conducted among applicants and current MS students in both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science disciplines. Moreover, a market study was performed by the University Extension to estimate the CPS-related job market in the United States of America.