The M.S. degree includes three options: a written thesis and oral defense for students interested in research and development, a project, or a course-work-only option. UAF offers an engineering Ph.D. program for students with an approved curriculum. Capable students with undergraduate degrees in physics, mathematics or related sciences, as well as in various branches of engineering, may also be admitted for graduate study. A student with adequate background can usually complete M.S. requirements within two years and a Ph.D. in another three years. Graduate degree programs in electrical and computer engineering are closely connected with faculty research activities. Main areas of research include communications, radar, lidar and sonar remote sensing, instrumentation and microwave circuit design, electric power and energy systems, digital and computer engineering, nanotechnology, controls, and robotics. Current research topics include high-latitude satellite communications, rocket telemetry, radio wave propagation, ultra-wide-band wireless communications, electromagnetic and acoustic wave propagation, remote biomedical and environmental instrumentation, microwave design, digital signal processing, digital and physical electronics, computer applications, remote hybrid electric power systems, electric power system design and analyses, electric power quality improvement, system identification, simulation, computer-controlled systems, control theory, robotics, and automation.