phd in electrical and computer engineering

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Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. Degree Program in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell will prepare you for a successful career in research, development and teaching through vigorous coursework and cutting-edge study.

Join our world-renowned faculty as they work to find solutions to some of today’s biggest problems. Whether you’re interested in power and energy, bioelectrical engineering, computer architecture, imaging, nanotechnology, photonics, neuroscience, or computing, you’ll find your place at Cornell ECE.  

Our Ph.D. Program is interdisciplinary, which allows our students to take advantage of a wide variety of research opportunities both in ECE and across campus.  

• Take advantage of the wide range of research opportunities on campus through our multidisciplinary program and study anything from physics to bioscience, from mathematics to economics.
• Enjoy the flexibility of determining your individualized curriculum in consultation with your Advisor and Special Committee.  
• Receive advanced training in current technology and engineering design.  
• Virtually all of our Ph.D. students receive full financial support in the form of Fellowships, Graduate Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships during throughout their Ph.D. Program.
• The financial support covers tuition, a stipend and a health insurance package.  
• A Ph.D. from Cornell ECE will empower you to reach your goals and your potential. Our graduates go on to highly successful careers at universities and colleges and in industry and research settings around the world.  
• Discover more about our faculty and their research.
• For further questions about ECE's Ph.D. program, please contact the Assistant Director, ECE Masters of Engineering and Ph.D. Programs.  

ECE Contacts for Ph.D. Students 

Director of graduate studies.

Khurram Afridi , Associate Professor [email protected]

Assistant Director of Graduate Studies

Eric Laine Phillips Hall, Room 223 [email protected]

Electrical and Computer Engineering

College of engineering, phd  in ece.

Students in the ECE PhD  program are provided  with  a research-intensive study of the fundamentals of electrical and computer engineering. Students will create and disseminate knowledge of electrical and computer systems during the course of obtaining the PhD  degree. Upon enrollment in the department, students, with the help of a faculty advisor, define an education and research program consistent with their background and best-suited to their own academic goals.

Other programs

Center for the neural basis of cognition (cnbc).

ECE PhD  students interested in the neural basis of cognition can apply to the   CNBC's Graduate Training Program, which allows students to combine neuroscience and engineering in an interdisciplinary training program.

The Information & Communication Technologies Institute at Carnegie Mellon (ICTI@CMU)

The Information and Communication Technologies Institute is an international "virtual" institution with poles in Portugal (ICTI@Portugal) and at Carnegie Mellon University (ICTI@CMU). Interested students may apply for doctoral study in ECE through the ICTI. Those accepted will take courses that have been approved by the Carnegie Mellon ECE Department at a partner institution in Portugal.

ECE/Thailand

Established as a collaboration between Carnegie Mellon University and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), ECE/Thailand will provide cutting-edge engineering research and education in Southeast Asia.

Helpful links

To apply, select  Master's  or  Doctoral  from the dropdown, then select  Electrical and Computer Engineering . The list of available programs will then display. You may select up to three programs for which to be considered.

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PhD—Doctoral Study in Electrical & Computer Engineering

Duke ECE offers highly motivated doctoral students the opportunity to develop research skills in our uniquely interdisciplinary environment

Our PhD students undertake ambitious projects  with global impact, in areas including machine learning, cyberphysical systems, smart sensing, metamaterials and quantum computing.

We provide amazing opportunities for our students—to publish with their faculty adviser, to present research at professional conferences, and to explore their field in a highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary working environment.

•   #12 national university
• ​   #6 AI and machine learning research in the U.S.
• ​   #3 computer engineering research productivity in the U.S.
•   Top 20 graduate electrical and computer engineering programs in the U.S.

Sources: U.S. News, NeurIPS Publication Index, Academic Analytics

WHY CHOOSE DUKE?

+ world-class research.

Direct admission to a research group allows PhD students to engage immediately with Duke ECE faculty members, working to cultivate the learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities needed to adapt, to develop and to exercise responsible leadership through times of rapid change. PhD research is  fully funded , and our students also receive conference and travel support.

Academic curricular groups include:

• Computer Engineering
• Engineering Physics
• Microelectronics, Photonics and Nanotechnology
• Signal and Information Processing

Research centers include:

• Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics
• Center for Metamaterials and Integrated Plasmonics (CMIP)
• Coded Aperature Miniature Mass Spectrometer for Environmental Sensing (CAMMS-ES)
• Error-corrected Universal Reconfigurable Ion-trap Quantum Archetype (EURIQA)

+ Day One Mentorship

Advising and early introduction to research and to your research community are hallmarks of the Duke ECE PhD experience. We believe in mentorship from Day One!

The process of finding your research adviser begins before you are admitted. Once you apply, our faculty may contact you. We then invite the best applicants to interview. You'll meet our faculty and see their labs before a formal offer is made.

Once you are admitted, we help you assemble your Advising Team. Your team will include your research adviser, your departmental adviser, the director of graduate studies, a five-member dissertation committee, and the department chair.

+ Authentic Opportunities to Learn Mentorship Through Mentoring

In preparation for your role as a research mentor, Duke Engineering actively encourages and supports efforts by its PhD students to mentor undergraduates in research work.

Our PhD students can register to serve as a mentor and post a research project to a university-wide directory of research opportunities for undergraduates: Muser .

As mentors, our PhD students build professional mentoring relationships with undergraduates, while increasing undergraduate involvement in research—one of the hallmarks of a Duke Engineering education.

+ Welcoming, Inclusive Community

By choosing Duke, you join an engaged, diverse and welcoming community that values and supports you. You'll notice the importance we place on faculty-doctoral student interaction.

+ Excellent Career Outcomes

Duke Engineering offers dedicated career and professional development services  to support our PhD students throughout their time here, as well as  PhD Plus , which prepares students for careers in research and technology development.

Learn more about the career paths of recent Duke ECE PhD graduates.

+ A Great Location

Our engineering campus is next to one of the nation's leading academic medical centers (Duke University Hospital is our across-the-street neighbor). Plus, the Duke campus is just miles from Research Triangle Park (RTP) , home to 250+ major tech companies and a global hub for research.

You'll enjoy a mild climate, acclaimed restaurants, a thriving arts scene and an affordable cost of living ⁠— lower than Boston, New York, Atlanta or the Bay Area. Your Duke degree can take you anywhere in the United States and beyond. Some students choose to remain in our Research Triangle region, which is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States.

Visit Duke's website dedicated to all things Durham .

How to apply

HIRING: Rice ECE invites applications for multiple open faculty positions →

PhD Program

About the Program

Our PhD program prepares students for a research career in academia or industry. The program consists of formal courses and original research conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor, leading to a thesis. Students in the PhD program complete a Master of Science (MS) degree as part of their program.  Our department also offers a stand-alone MS degree, but only on a case-by-case basis.  Most students who have a prior MS degree with a research thesis component can directly move to the PhD program and do not have to complete a Rice MS degree (and will have a reduced coursework requirements as well). Students with a MS degree without a thesis can avail a reduced coursework load (up to 4 course reduction in requirements). Financial support is available for this program.  

Research & Faculty

Rice ECE research is highly interdisciplinary and covers a broad range of topics. Currently, our research focuses on the following areas: Data Science, Optics and Photonics, Quantum Engineering, Computer Engineering, Neuro-Engineering, Health & Wearables, and Wireless, Sensing, Security and Analytics.

Living in Houston

Rice University's location in Houston helps provide faculty and students with endless opportunities for collaboration outside the campus. It is the center of the oil and gas industry, the home of the Texas Medical Center, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center is just down the road. Living in Houston means employment opportunities throughout the region, parks, professional sports teams, world-class dining, and other attractions make it a great place to call home.

Learn more about Life in Houston .

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Ph.D. in Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering

About the program.

University of Michigan-Dearborn’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) is a leader in providing quality graduate programs in an environment integrated with research, engineering practice and continuing professional education. The EECE Ph.D. program addresses the critical need for engineers who are proficient in emerging technologies, knowledgeable in the latest advancements in science and engineering and research that combines deep knowledge in both electrical and computer-related areas. The Ph.D. degree is aimed primarily at those who wish to have academic as well as research and development careers.  

This Ph.D. program of the Rackham Graduate School of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is located, administered, and offered by UM-Dearborn. The program observes the standards for admissions, registration, degree requirements, awarding of degrees, and other administrative policies and regulations established by the Executive Board of the Rackham Graduate School. 

Program Overview

The program is a full-time, research-based degree designed to train students to conduct high quality original translational research and develop innovative technologies in the fields of electrical, electronics and computer engineering.

Students are admitted for full-time study and all admission offers are for Fall or Winter terms only. 

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering (EECE) is a research-based degree designed to prepare students to conduct high-quality original translational research in areas of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering and to prepare students for careers in academia or research and development.

The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 36 credits of coursework and 24 credit hours of dissertation coursework for Ph.D. students entering the program without a prior M.S. degree. Students without a master's degree may work toward an M.S. in Electrical Engineering or M.S. in Computer Engineering as part of the candidacy requirements. Both M.S. EE and M.S. CE require 30 credits of graded coursework.  To complete the Ph.D. program, students will typically complete a minimum of 6 additional credits hours in coursework in order to satisfy the specific course requirements.

Students with a prior M.S. degree must satisfy the same course requirements or the equivalent from other institutions, as approved by the ECE Graduate Committee. In addition, they must complete 18 credit hours of graded coursework or directed study and a minimum of 24 credit hours of dissertation coursework at the University of Michigan-Dearborn to satisfy the Rackham residency requirement. Waiver of this requirement will be considered for students who obtained their master’s degree from a University of Michigan program in a similar area and whose coursework meets the Ph.D. program requirements.

The targeted time for completion is five years.

Program Goals

The Ph.D. in EECE has the following program goals and learning outcomes: To train talented students who will conduct original and innovative research in the engineering field, educate future generations, and play leading roles in developing cutting-edge technologies while working in academia, industry, and government. A. A strong foundation in the theoretical principles and techniques from science, engineering, and mathematics needed for advanced engineering design and development. (Tag: Theory) B. An ability to use modern engineering software, processes, devices, and diagnostic tools for advanced engineering design and development. (Tag: Tools) C. An ability to read, understand, and critically evaluate the research literature in their chosen domain and contribute original scholarship in the form of peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations. (Tag: Scholarship) D. An ability to conduct original research in the field of electrical and/or computer engineering. Students will be able to design and conduct experiments, collect meaningful data, use appropriate analysis tools and techniques to understand the data, evaluate system performance, and critically evaluate performance in comparison to other state-of-the-art approaches. (Tag: Research)

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the EECE program are expected to have strong mathematical and technical skills, therefore the typical student should have a B.S. or M.S. in electrical, electronics, and/or computer engineering or in computer science. Students with a B.S. in other engineering fields or in physical or mathematical sciences can be considered, but some preparation courses may be required.

A successful applicant will have demonstrated mastery in his or her undergraduate or graduate discipline. The expected mathematics background of a successful applicant includes ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, and probability and statistics. In computing, a successful applicant is expected to have computer programming facility and knowledge of data structures and algorithms. No particular language or programming methodology is required.

Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 in their previous coursework to be admitted to the EECE Ph.D. program. In addition to coursework, the Ph.D. program committee will examine several aspects of a prospective student’s record, these include:

• English language proficiency exam,
• 3 letters of recommendation,
• a statement of purpose indicating the intended field or fields of research and prior R&D experience, and
• a personal statement that describes the background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges that motivate the decision to pursue a Ph.D. degree at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
• GRE general test scores are no longer included in the admissions process for Rackham’s doctoral programs as of the 2022–2023 admissions cycle.  ( More information available )

Funding Support

We understand the financial commitment of continuing your education.  Our Ph.D. program adheres to the CECS full-funding model for Ph.D. students. All Ph.D. students receive full-funding in the form of an appointment as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Research Assistant (GSRA), or a combination of both which covers: a monthly stipend, health insurance, and tuition waiver.

Students admitted to the program are fully funded for up to five years. Funding is guaranteed based on continued good academic standing and adequate progress towards the Ph.D. degree.

Program Policies

In addition to the Rackham Graduate School policies for doctoral students, as a doctoral student in EECE, you need to know the requirements, timeline, and processes for Pre-candidacy years 1 and 2, the Qualifying Exam at the end of year 2, Proposal Exam, and eventually your Dissertation Defense.  See the Path to Degree section below.

Also, an Annual Progress Report completed by you and your faculty advisor must be submitted for review to the ECE Doctoral Committee in May of each year. 

The ECE Doctoral Committee and your Faculty Advisor are the main resources for information and guidance throughout your program. The ECE Doctoral Committee is chaired by Dr. Mengqi Wang, and includes Dr. Junho Hong and Dr. Alireza Mohammadi. 

Registration and Enrollment Requirements

Registration policy.

Students must register before the first day of classes.   A student who registers  on or after the first day of classes  (not including course adds, drops, or changes to initial registration)  will be charged a late registration fee. 

Ph.D. Continuous Enrollment Requirement

Students in Ph.D. programs must register for each fall and winter term until final completion of degree requirements unless they have received an authorized leave of absence or have been approved for extramural study. 

Required Registration to Complete Milestones

• A student who takes candidacy or preliminary exams in a spring or summer half term must register in that half term.
• A student who defends the dissertation and/or finalizes degree requirements in a spring or summer half term must register for the full spring/summer term and submit the final dissertation and all materials by the published deadline to avoid registering for another term.
• Pre-candidates preparing for qualifying exams may be enrolled in 980, “Dissertation/pre-candidate,” for the number of credit hours that reflect their effort and as required by outside agencies such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Candidacy Registration and Enrollment Requirement

• Ph.D. candidates will be registered for 990, “Dissertation/candidate,” which consists of 6 credit hours for a full term.
• Ph.D. candidates register in the fall and winter terms for six credit hours of 990/Dissertation Candidate.  Part-time enrollment is not permitted.
• A student who defends in either the spring or summer half term must register for 6 credit hours of 990 for the spring/summer full term, or for both 3 credits in the spring half-term and 3 credits in the summer half-term.
• A candidate who registers for a course (other than the 990) must seek prior approval from the faculty advisor and also register for 990.
• When a candidate registers for a course during the fall, winter, or spring and summer half-terms but does not register for 990, the Registrar’s Office will add the 990 to the term and assess any required tuition.

Path to Degree

Please refer to the  Path to Degree  page for the procedures and forms for the following:

• date/deadlines
• milestone exams
• dissertation committee
• dissertation proposal
• dissertation
• final oral defense

Ph.D. Student Handbook

At the beginning of enrollment in the EECE Ph.D. program, students will typically take a series of courses to satisfy the depth, breadth, and advanced mathematics requirements.  Each student in consultation with the Faculty Advisor creates a  Plan of Study which will outline the courses and research activities for meeting the milestones of the EECE Ph.D. program. The Plan of Study is to be approved by the EECE Ph.D. committee and any change to the Plan of Study must be approved by the EECE Ph.D. committee.

Satisfactory Progress Requirements

Only letter-graded courses at the 500+ level count toward the degree. Courses completed with a grade lower than B+ or a "U" grade are not accepted. The only exception is the Cognate course which requires a minimum B grade and the Depth area courses which requires a minimum A- grade. 

To advance to candidacy, the cumulative coursework GPA (Grade Point Average) must be 3.4 or above on the 4.0-scale.

Course Requirements

Breadth requirement (3 courses):.

Students must select three courses from three different core areas. Equivalency is possible. Courses selected to fulfill the EECE Ph.D. breadth requirement may not also be used to fulfill the EECE Ph.D. depth requirement. All Ph.D. breadth courses must be completed with a grade of B+ or better within 3 full terms (1 1/2 years) for a student with a relevant master's degree and 4 full terms (2 years) for all other students. Courses taken at another university that are equivalent in level and content may fulfill one or more of these requirements.

Depth Requirement (2 courses):

The depth coursework requirement is designed to ensure that students complete graduate-level coursework relevant to their chosen area of specialization and acquire the core research skills and knowledge of the current research and technologies relevant to this specialization. Here, students must select two courses from one core area (see course list below), including at least one advanced course (indicated with an asterisk). The Depth courses must be completed with a grade of A- or better. These courses may not be completed via equivalency. These courses must be completed within 3 full terms (1 1/2 years) for a student with a relevant master’s degree and 4 full terms (2 years) for all other students.

Advanced Mathematics (1 course):

Students must take at least one advanced mathematics course. A list of approved advanced mathematics courses is presented below. It is acceptable to use advanced mathematics courses to meet the cognate course requirement. Students must achieve a minimum grade of B+. See the course list below.

Cognate Requirement (1-2 courses):

At least 4 credit hours of coursework must be outside the electrical and computer engineering area.  See the Cognate section below for ways to satisfy this requirement. A list of cognate course is provided in the approved program courses section.

Technical Electives (1 course):

Students can take any courses in the four core areas listed below as technical electives. Students must achieve a minimum grade of B

Research Requirement (1-2 courses):

To meet this requirement students are required to take (ECE 591 or 691) Directed Study for 3-6 credits before the Qualifying Exam.

During their first year in the Ph.D. program, students are required to perform independent research in collaboration with an ECE faculty member.  (See policy below)

The selected courses must be approved by the student’s faculty/research advisor and the Ph.D. program committee, and a signed depth course approval form must be submitted when signing up for the qualifying examination.

Required Seminar Courses

All students are required to take ENGR 700 Research Methodology Seminar, Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship training, and ECE 798 Seminar.

ENGR 700 Ph.D. Research Methodology Seminar:

This course provides doctoral students with the fundamental training for conducting high-level scholarly research used in the various fields of engineering. Topics include evaluation of information resources, intellectual property, writing for journals and dissertation, effective work with scientific literature, literature review, plagiarism, publication, bibliographic management, and library resources. Students also complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Scholarship Training workshops. Additionally, students appointed as GSIs are required to attend the approved GSI training workshop.

The course is required for all doctoral students in the first year of enrollment and prior to taking the qualifying exam. Passing is based on participation and attendance and passing the RCR exam. The seminars will carry no credit hours.

ECE 798 Ph.D. Research Seminar:

After attaining candidacy, every Ph.D. student is required to attend and actively participate in research seminars given by CECS dean’s office or individual departments in CECS. A student gets a satisfactory grade if he/she attends at least three (3) research seminars during the course period. The seminars will carry no credit hours.

Core Areas and Approved Program Courses

Advanced mathematics courses.

• Math 504 Dynamical Systems
• Math 5055 Integral Equations
• Math 512 First Course in Modern Algebra
• Math 514 Numerical Solutions of Partial Differential Equations
• Math 515 B-Splines and Their Applications
• Math 516 Partial Differential Equations
• Math 520 Stochastic Processes
• Math 525 Mathematical Statistics II
• Math 551 Advanced Calculus I
• Math 552 Advanced Calculus II
• Math 554 Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems
• Math 555 Functions of a Complex Variable with Applications
• Math 558 Introduction to Wavelets
• Math 562 Mathematical Modeling
• Math 583 Discrete Optimization
• Math 584 Applied and Algorithmic Graph Theory
• Math 592 Introduction to Topology

Four Core Areas Courses

Computer systems and networks core area.

• ECE 514 VLSI Design
• ECE 528 Cloud Computing
• ECE 535 Mobile Computing
• ECE 550 Communication Systems
• ECE 554 Embedded Systems
• ECE 570 Computer Networks
• ECE 5701 Wireless Communications*
• ECE 5702 High Speed and Advanced Networks
• ECE 575 Computer Architecture
• ECE 5752 Reconfigurable Computing*
• ECE 578 Advanced Operating Systems
• ECE 5781  Real-Time Operating Systems†*
• ECE 5542 Embedded Signal Processing†*
• ECE 612 Wireless Sensor Networks*
• ECE 614 Control Networks for Embedded System*
• ECE 670 Advanced Computer Networks and Wireless Comm.*
• ECE 675 Advanced Computer Architecture*
• ECE 678 Dependable Computing†*

Control Systems and Signal Processing Core Area

• ECE 512 Active Filter Design
• ECE 555 Stochastic Processes*
• ECE 560 Modern Control Theory
• ECE 565 Digital Control Systems*
• ECE 567 Nonlinear Control Systems*
• ECE 580 Digital Signal Processing
• ECE 5802 Multirate Signal Processing with Applications*
• ECE 581 Architecture for DSP*
• ECE 582 Statistical Signal Processing*
• ECE 584 Speech processes*
• ECE 589 Multidimensional Signal Processing*
• ECE 661 System Identification and Adaptive Control*
• ECE 645 Stochastic Control Systems†*
• ECE 665 Optimal Control*
• ECE 681 Advanced DSP*

Electronics, Optoelectronics, Power Electronics and Energy Systems

• ECE 519 Advanced Topics in EMC
• ECE 515 Vehicle Electronics II
• ECE 517 Advanced Power Electronics and Motor Drives*
• ECE 530 Energy Storage Systems
• ECE 532 Auto Sensors and Actuators*
• ECE 533 Active Auto Safety Systems*
• ECE 539 Production of Electronic Products
• ECE 541 Introduction to Electric Energy Systems
• ECE 542 Intro. to Power Management and Reliability
• ECE 5462 Hybrid Electrical Vehicles
• ECE 556 Fundamentals of Optoelectronic devices†*
• ECE 557 Nano Electronics Processing and Technology†*
• ECE 558 Fundamentals of Integrated Photonics†*
• ECE 559 Integrated Biophotonics†*
• ECE 566 Mechatronics*
• ECE 615 Advanced Power Electronics*
• ECE 616 Advanced Topics in Power Systems*
• ECE 646 Advanced Electric Drive Transportation*
• ECE 657 Integrated Solid State Nano Electronic Devices*†
• ECE 658 Quantum Electronics for Electrical Engineers†*

Intelligent Systems and Robotics Core Area

• ECE 527 Multimedia Security and Forensics
• ECE 531 Intelligent Vehicle Systems
• ECE 532 Auto Sensors and Actuators
• ECE 535 Mobile Devices
• ECE 536 All Weather Auto Vision
• ECE 537 Data Mining*
• ECE 542 Introduction to Robotic Systems†*
• ECE 543 Kinematics, Dynamics, and Control of Robots†*
• ECE 544 Mobile Robots†*
• ECE 552 Fuzzy systems
• ECE 576 Information Engineering
• ECE 579 Intelligent Systems*
• ECE 5792 Unsupervised Machine Learning†*
• ECE 5831 Pattern Recognition and Neural Networks*
• ECE 587 Selected Topics in Computer Vision*
• ECE 588 Robot Vision*
• ECE 643 Humanoid Robots†*
• ECE 644 Advanced Robotics†*
• ECE 679 Advanced Intelligent Systems*

Cognate Courses

Mathematics.

• Math 504: Dynamical Systems
• Math 5055: Integral Equations
• Math 512: First Course in Modern Algebra Math
• 514: Numerical Solutions of Partial Differential Equations
• Math 515: B-Splines and Their Applications
• Math 516: Partial Differential Equations
• Math 520: Stochastic Processes
• Math 525: Mathematical Statistics II
• Math 551: Advanced Calculus I
• Math 552: Advanced Calculus II
• Math 554: Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems
• Math 555: Functions of a Complex Variable with Applications
• Math 558: Introduction to Wavelets
• Math 562: Mathematical Modeling Math 583: Discrete Optimization
• Math 584: Applied and Algorithmic Graph Theory
• Math 592: Introduction to Topology

Mechanical Engineering

• ME 510: Finite Element Methods
• ME 580: Advanced Engineering Materials
• ME 610: Finite Element Methods--Nonlinear
• ME 515: Advanced Mechanics of Solids
• ME 519: Basic Computational Methods in Engineering
• ME 540: Mechanical Vibrations
• ME 542: Advanced Dynamics
• ME 560: Experimental Methods in Design
• ME 531: Statistical Thermodynamics
• ME 535: Advanced Thermodynamics

Industrial, Manufacturing Systems Engineering

• IMSE 548 Human Factors
• IMSE 514 Multivariate Statistics
• IMSE 5205 Engineering Risk-Benefit Analysis
• IMSE 5215 Program Budget, Cost Estimation & Control
• IMSE 559 System Simulation
• IMSE 605 Advanced Optimization
• IMSE 606 Advanced Stochastic Processes
• IMSE 519 Quantitative Methods in Quality Engineering
• IMSE 561 Total Quality Management
• IMSE 567 Reliability Analysis

Computer and Information Science

• CIS 505 - Algorithm Design and Analysis
• CIS 534 - The Semantic Web
• CIS 536 - Information Retrieval
• CIS 552 - Information Visualization and Multimedia Gaming
• CIS 556 - Database Systems
• CIS 571 - Web Services
• CIS 579 - Artificial Intelligence
• CIS 587 - Computer Game Design and Implementation I
• CIS 652 - Information Visualization and Computer Animation

Cognate Requirement Policy

The cognate requirement is intended to foster intellectual breadth in graduate studies. Students must undertake at least 4 credit hours of coursework in an area outside of their chosen field of specialization. Following the Rackham requirements, the cognate requirement should be approved by the Ph.D. program committee and will generally be satisfied in one of the following ways:

• Completion of at least 4 hours of approved cognate credits, which must be from outside the EECE department. The minimum acceptable grade for a cognate course is a B. The list of approved cognate courses can be found below.
• Completion of a University of Michigan master’s degree, which includes a cognate component. This coursework must have been completed no more than 5 years before admission to the Ph.D. EECE program.
• Completion of a relevant master’s degree from another university that had coursework that meets the expectation of the program cognate requirement, without transferring the credit to the transcript. This coursework must have been completed no more than 5 years before admission to the Ph.D. EECE program. These courses do not apply toward the minimum 18 (or 36) credit hours in residence at UM-Dearborn required for the degree and do not appear on the university transcript

First-Year Research Requirement

The intent of this research requirement is to provide adequate opportunity for students to work closely with a research advisor to prepare to take the qualifying exam before their qualification deadline.

The first-year research requirement is a condition of continued departmental financial-support guarantees and can be waived only by petition to the Ph.D. program committee with an explanation of special circumstances (e.g., a research-oriented internship directly relevant to the student’s qualifying exam preparation) endorsed by the student’s academic or research advisor.

This requirement does not apply to students who transfer from a terminal MS to the Ph.D. program, who will be given more than one calendar year after entering the MS program.

Exams, Milestones, and Timeline

Pre-candidacy:.

• Breadth coursework
• Depth coursework
• Advanced Math course
• Directed Study Research course
• Required Seminar courses
• Completion of a 4-credit cognate course with a minimum B grade.

Qualification exams:   

• Completed related coursework 
• A 3.5/4.0 GPA overall,
• A 3.7/4.0 GPA for all qualifying exam courses and
• An ECE faculty/research advisor to sign up for these exams.

A student will be given two chances to take the qualifying examination within the first three years.

Candidacy:  Achieving candidacy for the Ph.D. EECE requires:

• Completion of the required coursework
• A 3.4/4.0 GPA overall
• Passing the Qualifying Exam
• Completion of the RCR training workshops provided by the UM-Dearborn campus
• Dissertation Chair or Co-Chairs
• Submitting of the candidacy application form

Students with a relevant master’s degree must achieve candidacy in four terms (2 years). Students that have only a bachelor’s degree will be allowed six terms (3 years) to achieve candidacy.

Candidates must register for the ECE 990 Dissertation course each fall and winter until completion of all degree requirements

Dissertation Proposal Examination : The dissertation proposal examination requires:

• Achieving candidacy
• Identifying a research advisor and agree on an appropriate topic
• Submitting and defending a proposal for the doctoral research content

A student entering with a bachelor’s degree must successfully complete a dissertation proposal within 3.5 (4) years from the start of the graduate study to maintain satisfactory progress. A student with a relevant master’s degree must complete the dissertation proposal examination within 2.5 (3) years.

Dissertation and Defense:  The Dissertation and Oral Defense requires:

• Passing the dissertation proposal examination
• Completing the required dissertation research credit hours
• Conducting an original research
• Submission of a written dissertation
• Pre-Defense meeting
• An Oral Defense of an approved written dissertation

The dissertation defense may not be scheduled in the same academic term as the dissertation proposal examination.

The Ph.D. EECE program has a limit of 7 years. Students are expected to complete the degree within five years of achieving candidacy, but no more than seven years from the date of the first enrollment in the Ph.D. EECE program.

Qualifying Exam

A Ph.D. student must complete at least one Directed Study course of ECE 591/691 prior to the qualifying exam. The directed study course must be taken as a Rackham student at the ECE department at UM-Dearborn. During their first year in the Ph.D. program, students are required to perform independent research in collaboration with an ECE faculty member. The intent of this research requirement is to provide adequate opportunity for students to work closely with a research advisor to prepare to take the qualifying exam before their qualification deadline.  This requirement does not apply to students who transfer from a terminal MS to the Ph.D. program, who will be given more than one calendar year after entering the MS program.

The student’s qualification is evaluated through a written report of a project done in the research-oriented Directed Study course, followed by a 1–2 hour oral exam by a Ph.D. qualifying examination committee, which consists of three faculty members not including the research advisor, two of which are ECE faculty and one of which is an affiliate faculty. The three faculty members on the Ph.D. qualifying examination committee are selected by the EECE Ph.D. program committee. The oral examination will cover the student’s directed study project and knowledge directly related to the student’s research area. This examination will be administered during the qualification examination period in every fall and winter semester.

The students research advisor is the director of the student’s directed study project. The student must submit a copy of the Directed Study written report to the ECE Graduate office staff at [email protected] and the examiners at least two weeks before the qualifying examination. The examination committee consists of three graduate faculty members appointed by the program committee and cannot include the student’s research advisor.

The qualifying examination consists of two parts:

Part one: curriculum examination:.

The goal of this examination is to ensure that students have a good understanding of the fundamentals of electrical, computer, and/or robotics engineering. The examination will include the following steps:

• Good performance in three courses selected during the first semester of enrollment in the program and approved by the program committee. The courses must be passed with grades not lower than 3.7 on the 4-point scale (A-).
• An examination on the material of these courses.

For students admitted to the program on the basis of a master’s degree, the courses already completed during the master’s study and applied to satisfy the coursework requirements can be selected as a part of the curriculum examination.

Part Two: Research Fundamentals Examination:

This examination’s objective is to ensure that a student has the necessary educational background and skills to conduct independent research in the selected area. Specifically, the examiners test such aspects of the student’s preparedness as:

• Depth and clarity of understanding in the selected area,
• Ability to make independent logical conclusions,
• Problem-solving skills and creativity,
• Communication skills.

The examination consists of a 1 hour presentation by the student on the topic of intended dissertation research followed by questions from the examiners.

Forming the Dissertation Committee

Dissertation committee.

• The dissertation committee will consist of four members, including at least three tenure-track members (appointment as Professor, Associate Professor, or Assistant Professor) of the instructional faculty affiliated with a Rackham doctoral program.
• The student’s dissertation advisor, who must be a member of the graduate faculty of the department, will serve as chair or co-chair.
• Of the additional members, two must hold at least 50% appointment as tenured or tenure-track faculty of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with at least one being a member of the ECE graduate faculty.
• The third committee member (cognate member) must be from outside the department: a faculty member with at least 50% appointment from a Rackham Doctoral program other than Ph.D. in EECE.
• The composition of the dissertation committee must be approved by the Ph.D. program committee and requires Rackham approval. 
• tenure or tenure-track members of the University’s instructional faculty who are not affiliated with a Rackham doctoral program;
• research faculty;
• instructors and lecturers;
• similarly qualified University faculty or staff, or person from outside the University; and
• former University faculty members who have moved to a faculty position at another university.

In the cases when it is justified by the nature of the student’s research and by approval of the program committee, the dissertation work can be co-supervised by two co-chairs. Both co-chairs must hold at least 50 percent appointments as tenured or tenure-track faculty. One of them must be a member of the graduate faculty of the ECE department. The other can be from the ECE department or a department other than ECE.

Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation Research

Please refer to the path to degree for the procedures and forms for the dissertation committee, dissertation proposal, dissertation, and final oral defense. , dissertation proposal exam.

The main objective of the dissertation proposal examination is to ensure sufficient strength and feasibility of the proposed research topic, as well as the suitability of the student’s background and skills regarding the topic. The examination must be completed within a year of passing the qualifying examination.

The examination consists of a written dissertation proposal and its open-to-the-public presentation by the student. The examination is conducted by the dissertation committee. As a rule, the dissertation committee continues overseeing the student’s work to the stage of the final dissertation defense.

Dissertation

After passing the dissertation proposal examination, the student may proceed with the dissertation research and the writing of the dissertation. The dissertation should document the original contributions made by the candidate as a result of independent research. This research work should be of archival quality. In advance of graduation, all members of the student's dissertation committee must approve the dissertation. To obtain this approval a student must submit a written copy of the dissertation to the dissertation committee and defend the research work at a final oral examination open to other faculty, students, and the interested public. Students must be registered for ECE 990 the full spring/summer term if defending the dissertation after May during the spring/summer term.

The dissertation must strictly follow the Rackham Graduate School Dissertation guidelines as described in the Dissertation Handbook Guidelines for copyrighting, publishing and distributing, dissertation embargo and distribution limitations.

Students are expected to complete the degree within two years of passing the dissertation proposal exam, but no more than seven years from the date of the first enrollment in the Ph.D. EECE program. The Ph.D. EECE committee conducts annual reviews to evaluate progress toward degree completion. Students defending the dissertation must be registered in the 990 Dissertation Research course.

Dissertation Research Requirement

• Students who have completed the coursework requirements but have not reached the candidacy status should register for ECE 980 (Pre-Candidacy Dissertation Research). A maximum of 12 credits may be completed in ECE 980 Pre-Candidacy course. 
• Students who have achieved candidacy should register for 6 credits in ECE 990 (Doctoral Dissertation Research).

Note that the actual completion of the dissertation project is likely to take several years at full-time enrollment thus, requiring more than the minimum number of credit hours.

Final Oral Defense

Upon completion of the dissertation work, the student initiates the last step toward the degree—the dissertation defense process. The process follows the official guidelines and consists of the following main stages:

• Preparation of a written dissertation formatted in accordance with the guidelines,
• Pre-Defense meetings with the members of the program committee,
• Written evaluations of the dissertation by the dissertation committee members presented to the Ph.D. program committee,
• Public seminar and open question session held by the student
• Private deliberations by the committee,
• Final oral examination report and certificate of approval prepared by the dissertation committee and submitted to the Ph.D. program committee.
• Post-Defense meeting with the CECS Graduate Education Office

Program Contacts

Amanda Donovan

Michael Hicks

Mengqi Wang

Electrical and computer engineering, office hours.

Electrical and Computer Engineering, PhD

Whiting school of engineering.

The Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering is oriented with an emphasis on scholarship and research rather than formal coursework. Our Ph.D. program is designed to be easily tailored to the needs and interests of individual students. There are no lists of required courses. The program is directed at independent, highly motivated individuals who desire to work closely with faculty members at the forefront of research in a variety of scientific areas, such as:

• Computational and Biomorphic Systems
• Computational Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
• Computer & Neuromorphic Engineering
• Control Systems
• Image Processing and Analysis
• Integrated Circuits and Microsystems
• Language and Speech Processing
• Photonics and Optoelectronics
• Signal Processing & Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

The Ph.D. requirements apply to all part-time and full-time students in the program. Time limits, however, are stated in the context of full-time graduate study. Time limits for part-time programs must be individually arranged with the student’s advisor and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies. The Ph.D. degree certifies that the holder has demonstrated research capability. Accordingly, the Ph.D. requirements are used as checkpoints leading the student through this research experience. Because students tend to spend more than ample time on the path to research, several requirements prescribe time limitations. The requirements stated on the requirements tab include university-wide requirements for the Ph.D.

Financial Aid

Once accepted into our program, all Ph.D. candidates are fully funded for the duration of their program while they are in a full time, resident status, through a fellowship or research assistantship which covers full tuition, health insurance, and a stipend of approximately $37,600 annually. As part of their program, students conduct research in their research advisor's lab and sometimes serve as a course assistant for undergraduate or graduate classes. 

Ph.D. Program Requirements

University requirements for the Ph.D. degree are listed under Academic Information for Graduate Students . In addition, the department requires satisfactory completion of the Ph.D. departmental qualifying examination, the university Graduate Board oral examination and submission of a research proposal,  and submission of a dissertation and successful completion of a public dissertation defense.

1. Departmental Qualifying Exam

The departmental qualifying examination is offered twice yearly. The student must select and complete the examinations posed by three examiners eligible to supervise doctoral dissertations in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, of which at least two must be tenure-track ECE faculty.  Each faculty member prepares a set of questions, and the student must select and complete the sets. The respective examiners grade completed examinations, but it is the ECE Department faculty that makes a collective decision on whether the student has adequately fulfilled the Departmental Qualifying Examination requirement. This decision involves the student's cumulative academic performance in the graduate program, as well as performance on the examination. This examination must be passed before the beginning of the fourth semester of full-time graduate study. The departmental qualifying examination cannot be taken more than twice. Failure to pass the exam after two attempts will result in the student being dismissed from the PhD program. If the student passes the examination, the student can select one of those faculty members to oversee the student’s research. Students must select a Research Advisor immediately upon passing the Departmental Qualifying Examination requirement. This research advisor then guides the student for the remainder of the student’s program leading to the Ph.D. degree.  These may include a teaching requirement, particular coursework, a reading program, or a preliminary research project. 

2. Written Research Proposal and Graduate Board Oral Examination

Prior to taking the Graduate Board Oral (GBO) examination, students should work with their research advisor and write a research proposal. The written proposal should be sent to the Graduate Board Oral committee and the ECE academic program coordinator at least two weeks prior to the scheduled exam date. While all committee members are encouraged to provide feedback, following the GBO, the proposal must be approved by only the ECE members of the exam committee.

A. Written Research Proposal

The written proposal should be no more than 6 pages with 1 inch margins and 10 point font, excluding references. The proposal should be organized into 3 sections as follows.

1. Description of the significance of the proposed work

• Describe the problem that will be addressed
• Summarize the current state of the art and the limitations of current approaches

2. Description of the innovation of the proposed work

• Describe what is new in the proposed research and how it will address the limitations of current approaches.
• Describe the anticipated impact of the proposed research in terms of what difference it will make if it is successful.
• Describe any preliminary results that have already been achieved for the proposed work.

3. Description of the anticipated approach to completing the research

• Organize the work into the major tasks and describe them.
• Provide an anticipated timeline for the completion of the tasks.
• Summarize the anticipated risks to success and provide some alternative strategies.

B. Graduate Board Oral (GBO) Examination

Students must pass the Graduate Board Oral (GBO) Examination. The exam should be scheduled prior to the start of the sixth semester although the exam can take place after this date. The purpose of the examination is to test the depth and breadth of the student's knowledge and reasoning abilities. The examination typically is based on the student's course background but may include the proposed dissertation topic. The examination is conducted by five faculty members: two ECE professors, two professors from JHU PhD granting departments outside ECE, and one additional professor that can be either from inside or outside of ECE.  At least one of the outside members must be Professor or Associate Professor ranking such that they can chair the exam . Additionally, one departmental alternate and one outside alternate are also required. Note that for GBO examination committee purposes, the research advisor is counted as a member of the ECE Department regardless of affiliation.

The GBO exam is scheduled for 2 hours. Per the GBO rules, the exact format is at the discretion of the GBO chair. Generally, it will consist of a short (approximately 10 minute) presentation by the candidate on their research followed by the GBO exam. Per GBO rules this is a closed exam and the scope of the GBO questions is not limited to the candidate’s research and can cover things such as coursework, etc.

The possible outcomes of the GBO examination include: an unconditional pass, a conditional pass (with the requirements to be met written down on the report form), or failure. In the latter case, if the chair of the GBO committee recommends reexamination, they must indicate with whom and when. At least one person from the original committee must be on the next committee. The Graduate Board does not allow more than two examinations. For more information on the GBO, consult the following website:

              http://homewoodgrad.jhu.edu/academics/graduate-board/graduate-board-oral-exams

3. Dissertation & Dissertation Defense

Finally, a public dissertation defense will be conducted before a panel of readers consisting of at least two Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty members. The Dissertation Committee votes on the acceptance of the dissertation. and if it is accepted, then the dissertation is submitted electronically to the library.   Further details concerning Ph.D. requirements are published in the advising manual for Ph.D. students in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Further information on the dissertation defense preparation is available at  http://engineering.jhu.edu/ece/dissertation-defense-preparation  .

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The Ph.D. degree is designed so that it

• offers students the theoretical, practical, and professional knowledge that will enable them to pursue discovery of new knowledge;
• allows students to conduct visible high-quality research that will advance the state of knowledge; and
• serves to train, motivate, and inspire our graduates to become leaders in their fields.

Provide outstanding graduate educational programs to students in electrical engineering, and computer engineering. Conduct visible high-quality research programs that will advance the state of knowledge in the fields of electrical engineering and computer engineering and will serve to train, motivate and inspire our graduates to become leaders in their fields.

Graduates of the Ph.D. program will have the theoretical, practical, and professional knowledge that will enable them to independently pursue the discovery of new knowledge and methods that enhance the theory and practice of electrical engineering and computer engineering. Graduates will be qualified for entry-level academic positions, or research positions in industrial and government research institutions and laboratories.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate advanced understanding of a broader range of subject areas and expertise in their research work that will allow them to be at a vanguard position when entering the workforce, in either academic or industrial/government careers.
• Students will demonstrate an established record of original and independent research contributions.
• Students will demonstrate ability to communicate the results of their technical both in writing and in oral presentations.

Admissions Information

Electrical and Computer Engineering

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Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 55
• Students: 206
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 99% of first year Ph.D. students and 97% of all Ph.D. students receive financial aid
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Spring, Fall
• Application deadlines: Spring: October 2; Fall: December 1

Michael Gehm Director of Graduate Studies Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Duke University Box 90291 Durham, NC 27708-0291

Email: [email protected]

Website:  https://ece.duke.edu

Program Description

The department offers opportunities for study in a broad spectrum of areas within the disciplines of electrical and computer engineering. Research in the department is generally organized into research themes including biocomputing and biomedical devices and systems, circuits and systems, computer architecture and systems, nanosystems, electronic devices and materials, photonics, quantum computing, sensing and signals, and waves and metamaterials.  Students typically affiliate with one of four areas of specialization: 1) computer engineering; 2) engineering physics; 3) microelectronics, photonics and nanotechnology; and 4) signals, information processing, and machine learning. Detailed descriptions of course offerings, faculty research interests, and degree requirements may be found on the department's website. Interdisciplinary opportunities that connect the ECE program with other engineering departments, computer science, the natural sciences, and the medical school are available. Students in the department may also be involved in research conducted in one of the Duke centers. Further, under a reciprocal agreement with neighboring universities, a student may include some courses offered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Since an important criterion for admitting new students is the match between student and faculty research interests, applicants are strongly encouraged to indicate the specialization area(s) in which they are interested.

• Electrical and Computer Engineering: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Electrical and Computer Engineering: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Electrical and Computer Engineering: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Electrical and Computer Engineering: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Spring, Fall

Application Deadlines:  Spring: October 2; Fall: December 1 Applications submitted by December 1 are guaranteed review. Applications submitted after December 1 but before the closing date of February 28 will be reviewed based upon availability of space and funding.

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required (See department guidance below)
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Applicants must answer the following short-answer questions as part of their application:

Electrical and Computer Engineering Supplemental Questions

• For applicants with work experience post-undergraduate studies, please describe how your work experience prepares you for graduate studies in ways not reflected by your undergraduate academic record.
• List programming languages you have used in the past and your proficiency level with each.
• For applicants with backgrounds in fields other than Electrical or Computer Engineering, please describe your motivation in changing fields.
• Name and briefly describe the content of the three Electrical or Computer Engineering courses you have taken, if any, that were the most advanced or had the greatest impact on your interest in our graduate program.
• Name and briefly describe the content of the three courses you have taken in related technical areas (Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, etc.) that were the most advanced or had the greatest impact on your interest in our graduate program.  

Statement of Purpose Guidelines In addition to providing more context regarding your personal, academic, research, and industry background, you should also discuss why you are interested in Duke’s ECE PhD program. Description of specific faculty and/or research areas you are interested in is highly recommended. We are looking for applicants with the best fit for our program, so the better you can describe why this is you, the better your chances will be of standing out for admission.

Writing Sample None required

Additional Components Providing a recorded video response is optional but recommended. The video response gives you an opportunity to strengthen your application and in the case of some international students, can help us assess your English language skills. Completion of a video can potentially negate the need for a live language interview later on in the application process. If you choose to include a video, the video recording platform is available within the online application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying:  Departmental Application Guidance (PhD)

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

Master’s & Ph.D.

The UW ECE graduate program is ranked #16 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24.

The University of Washington Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering’s graduate programs prepare students to impact the future and address pressing challenges in healthcare, energy, the environment, communication and more.

Located in Seattle, Washington, graduate students are in close proximity to prominent technology companies as well as a vibrant start-up community, making UW ECE an ideal location to launch a career. Graduates enjoy rewarding positions at research institutions or in industry, working for companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, Honeywell, Intel, Apple, Amazon, Philips, T-Mobile, Lockheed Martin and more.

Master of Science

The Daytime Master’s Program (MSEE)  provides advanced preparation for professional practice through a highly customizable, coursework-based, or thesis curriculum. The coursework option is typically selected by students who want to work at a higher level in industry, while the thesis option, which involves more in-depth research is designed for students with a passion for pursuing a Ph.D.

download MSEE program flyer

The Ph.D. program prepares students for work in academia or industry as independent researchers and scholars. It is the highest degree awarded in the field. Students work closely with distinguished faculty on research and pursue their own innovative projects, preparing them to make a difference in the world.

download Ph.D. program flyer

Why UW ECE?

UW ECE is a perennial top-20 best graduate school as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and is  the top electrical engineering department in the region. Students work under the instruction of world-renowned researchers and are immersed in the department’s entrepreneurial environment. Technology developed in UW ECE labs is frequently translated into the business community for real-world impact.

• Entrepreneurship
• Graduate Program FAQs

UW ECE admits graduate students annually, in autumn quarter. Admission is highly competitive.

• Admission Requirements

The UW ECE Master’s program offers both coursework and thesis options. The degree is geared both towards students seeking to then going into industry, or to continue on to a Ph.D. program.

• Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. curriculum prepares students for their dissertation research.

Curriculum Groups

UW ECE is active in most areas of electrical & computer engineering research:

• Communications and Networking
• Data Science
• Photonics and Nano Devices
• Power and Energy Systems
• Robotics and Controls

All admitted Ph.D. students are funded for four years of academic study through research and teaching assistantships, fellowships and departmental support provided they are making satisfactory progress toward their degree.  The majority of our master’s students are self-funded.

• Tuition, Fees & Funding
• UW ECE Graduate Fellowships
• Irene C. Peden Fellowship  for female Ph.D. students in UW ECE
• NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) for Accelerating Quantum-Enabled Technologies (AQET)
• UW Clean Energy Institute (CEI) Graduate Fellowships
• UW Graduate School List of Fellowships

Professional Master’s Program

Are you a working professional or a full-time student interested in pursuing a career in industry? The Electrical & Computer Engineering  Professional Master’s Program offers a flexible degree that features industry-responsive curriculum.

• Admissions Requirements
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• Degree Requirements — Ph.D.
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• Contact Advising

[email protected]

Current ECE students can schedule an appointment with an adviser or find drop-in hours online.

Prospective student drop-in hours

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ECE PhD Student Guide - Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering - Purdue University

ECE PhD Student Guide

This webpage is designed for current PhD students and contains links to important information you will refer to during your time as a Purdue student. Bookmark this page so you can easily find it later.

Course Registration

• How to register for courses
• How to register for research
• How to drop a course
• How to audit a course
• On-campus courses
• Online courses
• Registration FAQs
• For Summer registration, you will use the same PIN as for Spring.
• Brightspace
• Purdue academic calendars

PhD Curriculum Information

• PhD Handbook
• PhD degree requirements
• PhD program FAQs
• Research areas
• Core courses
• Approved courses to meet math requirement
• Concentration in Microelectronics and Advanced Semiconductors
• Timeline/key tasks and activities
• Creating your plan of study
• Graduation Information

Course Information

• ECE graduate courses
• Purdue University Online Engineering courses  (non-ECE courses; for fully online students only)

PhD Exams and Thesis Information

• Preliminary examination
• PhD thesis and final examination
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Examination postings
• Graduate School Thesis and Dissertation Office 

Funding: TA & RA Positions

• Finding TA and RA positions
• Engineering Employment Operations Center
• Graduate Staff Employment Manual
• Oral English Proficiency Program (OEPP)

Information for International Students 

• Purdue International Students and Scholars
• CPT information
• Other ISS requests

Career Resources

• ECE Announcements
• Purdue Center for Career Opportunities (CCO )
• Industrial Roundtable Career Fair

Student Organizations

• ECE Graduate Student Discord
• Women in Engineering Program
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Additional ECE and Engineering student organizations

Health and Wellness

• College of Engineering Wellness: Task Human
• Purdue University Student Health Service (PUSH)

Additional Purdue Resources

• Purdue ID Card Office
• Office 365 (web login)
• Purdue Libraries
• Purdue Graduate School
• College of Engineering Graduate Education
• Purdue Graduate School Student Resources: Did You Know?

Getting Help

Contact the  Purdue IT Service Desk  if you have questions about:

• Your Purdue career account
• Your Purdue email

Contact the  Purdue Bursar  if you have questions about:

• Tuition and fees
• Paying tuition
• Financial aid

Contact  Purdue ISS  if you are an international student and have questions about:

• Visas and any items related to your student status
• Social security information

Contact Elisheba Van Winkle , Graduate Programs Assistant, in the ECE Graduate Office with questions about course registration, courses, drops, CPT, OPT, and research registration.

• Email:  [email protected]
• Phone: (765) 496-6162

Contact Matt Golden , ECE Graduate Program Director, with other questions about the PhD program. 

• Email:  [email protected]
• Phone: (765) 494-3374

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is a growing interdisciplinary department with a focus on research and education in a wide variety of sub-disciplines, ranging from image and signal processing to nanoscale engineering.

Doctoral candidates in Electrical and Computer Engineering are expected to plan a program of research under the direction of their advisor and with the guidance of a Research Committee (RC). Doctoral degrees require the fulfillment of the specific department requirements including the number of courses with grades of S (satisfactory) or at least a B-, as well as successful completion of the qualifying examination and doctoral dissertation.

Typical areas available for dissertations include solid-state materials with an emphasis on optoelectronic and solar energy applications, microwave devices and systems, microwave thermography, electromagnetics, antennas, plasma physics, small computers, microprocessor applications, computer architecture, multiprocessing, VLSI design, VLSI CAD, microelectronics, communications systems, information theory, signal processing, digital electronics, Fourier optics, coherence theory, image analysis, nonlinear optics, and circuit theory.

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PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Purdue university phd in electrical and computer engineering, iupui.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is offered by the ECE Department in the Purdue School of Engineering & Technology at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

The Electrical & Computer Engineering PhD program is a Purdue University degree program. Our courses and curriculum are overseen by the Purdue  Graduate School at West Lafayette. Our students receive a Purdue degree, the diploma is a Purdue University diploma and states the degree requirements are completed at the Indianapolis campus. Many of our courses are the same courses that are offered at the Purdue West Lafayette campus. Our students use the Purdue career services as well as career services on our campus. Some benefits of our ECE PhD program in comparison to other electrical/computer engineering PhD programs in Indiana, is that there is a medical school on our campus, many of our faculty mentors engage in medical/health applications. We are a large campus in an urban environment. There is considerable industry in the central Indiana area, and many students are engaged in industry sponsored research. Our department is smaller and that brings many advantages for a PhD student in terms of class size as well as  access to faculty mentors.

We have outstanding faculty mentors in our department and we encourage you to reach out to many of our faculty mentors in order to determine the mentor who will help you realize your career goals

Application Information

Application information is available for domestic and international applicants.

View PhD Application Information

ECE PhD Summary

A document containing a summary of information about the ECE PhD program is available in PDF format.

Download the PhD Summary

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: Majority of courses will be online through fall semester.   More information .

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PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering

Home » Academics » Graduate Programs » PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering

School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

College of engineering, ph.d. degrees.

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

The following requirements include the course hours normally accumulated during the student's master's degree. 

In addition, there are a number of requirements imposed by the Institute. These include:

• Student must pass a Comprehensive Examination. In ECE, this is the combination of the Ph.D. Coursework Qualifier and the dissertation proposal.
• Student must have at least two semesters of full-time, on-campus enrollment.
• A minimum of 9 hours for letter grade must be taken at Georgia Tech.
• The training in the Responsible Conduct of Research consists of two parts: an online training (to be completed in the first 90 days of the program) and a class (PHIL 6000).
• The student must complete and defend a dissertation, for which prior approval of the topic is necessary.
• Once admitted to candidacy, the student must complete all degree requirements within 7 years. 
• Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA. 

Minor Field of Study:  The minor is most often in mathematics or in computer science; a list of Math courses and a list of Computer Science courses acceptable for a Ph.D. minor can be found on the "Minors" tab in the  Courses and Coursework Planning  section. Minor courses in another area will be considered; however, minor courses in non-technical areas (for example, management) will not be approved.

Details of the degree requirements are in the  ECE Graduate Student Handbook . To assist with planning when to take courses, visit the  projected schedule of graduate classes page  on the ECE website and search for details about ECE classes on the  ECE Course Information  page.

COURSEWORK PLANNING

All Ph.D. students must complete the Institute's  Responsible Conduct of Research  requirements.

The  Ph.D. Coursework Completion  form must be completed on the ECE secure website, prior to the submission of the Ph.D. Proposal.

Students who wish to count course credit earned at other universities toward their Ph.D. degree requirements should complete this form no earlier than their second term. The classes have to be graduate or senior undergraduate level. No classes that were used to satisfy an undergraduate degree can be used toward the Ph.D. degree. Up to 30 hours of credits earned toward a graduate degree with a grade of C and above at a different institution can be used towards the Ph.D. degree. M.S. Thesis can be used in Group IV (electives) for a maximum of 12 credit hours. The approved classes will only count toward the Ph.D. degree course requirements and will not be transferred on the Georgia Tech transcript.

The following package needs to be submitted to the Academic Office for evaluation and approval:

Copy of the Coursework Completion form , filled out entirely and saved. The classes have to show the institution name, number, and title. If the coursework is not completed at the time of the submission, future classes need to be included for a total of 43 hours. The future classes can be later changed to other eligible classes. Please use the classes taken at Georgia Tech in Groups I, II, and III as much as you can.

Non-official transcript  from the institution where the classes have been taken. The transcript needs to show that the classes have been used toward a graduate degree and whether the institution has a semester or quarter system.

Syllabi/course descriptions  for all the classes to be used in Groups I, II, and III.

A soft copy of the M.S. thesis  (if used in the coursework plan).

COURSEWORK QUALIFIER

The Coursework Qualifier requirement is to obtain a 3.5 GPA in four courses that the student selects from lists prepared by the ECE Technical Interest Groups (TIGs). Further details are available in the ECE Graduate Student Handbook.

Coursework Qualifier Completion Form

Coursework Qualifier TIG Course Lists

Coursework Qualifier Timing

For ECE Ph.D. students matriculating into an ECE graduate program in Fall 2018 or after, the Coursework Qualifier requirement must be completed by the end of their second year.  Any ECE Ph.D. student who has already passed the ECE Preliminary Exam is exempted from the Coursework Qualifier requirement.

If you believe you have special circumstances that warrant an exception to this policy, please meet with ECE’s Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs.

ADVISOR SELECTION

Select Advisor Form

PROPOSAL EXAMINATION

ECE Ph.D. students matriculating into an ECE graduate program in Fall 2018 or after must complete their Proposal Exam by the end of their 7 th  term, not including summers. The expectations for the Proposal Exam have changed as of Fall 2018. The student is expected to demonstrate background knowledge of their dissertation topic, as well as broader understanding of the discipline. The Proposal must contain a detailed plan for the completion of Ph.D.-level research on the dissertation topic, and preferably some results. However, it is understood that any results will be early and possibly inconclusive; and the dissertation topic, methods, and results may evolve considerably in-between the Proposal and the Ph.D. defense. Students are advised to seek the input of the committee on the research direction, and inform their committee members of significant changes. 

Proposal Guidelines  

Proposal Forms

As of Fall 2020, all ECE Ph.D. students will submit a progress report to the proposal committee on June 1st of every year, starting two years after the proposal exam (Example: if a student proposes in 2020, their first report would be due on June 1, 2022). The proposal committee evaluates the degree progress and makes the recommendation of satisfactory or non-satisfactory degree progress. For more details on this policy, please consult the Graduate Handbook.

DISSERTATION AND FINAL DEFENSE

Thesis and dissertation guidelines

Thesis and dissertation deadlines and Institute forms

Dissertation scheduling and ECE forms

GRADUATION PROCEDURES

Deadlines and forms

Commencement

Students who have completed all degree requirements prior to the graduation term and wish to use the enrollment waiver in the graduation term should complete and submit the  enrollment waiver request form .

CHANGING MAJOR FROM M.S.E.C.E. TO PH.D.

The procedures below are to be followed for M.S.E.C.E. students who wish to change their major from M.S.E.C.E. to Ph.D. in ECE:

Must pass Coursework Qualifier  – Please submit the  Coursework Qualifier Completion Form   if you haven't already

Minimum GPA of 3.5  – Graduate Office will verify.

Find a Ph.D. research advisor  - submit  Ph.D. advisor selection form   and  proof of funding.

Statement of Purpose  (must be typed):  To be considered for the Ph.D. program in ECE, you must submit the internal application with a new  statement of purpose , indicating the reasons for changing degree status from M.S. to Ph.D. 

Recommendation Letter:   The student's advisor  must  provide a letter recommending the student for the Ph.D. program in ECE. Additional recommendations in support of the student's plans are encouraged. The letter can be submitted in person to the Academic Office in Van Leer W208 or online at  Contact the Graduate Affairs Office .

When the items above are received, the ECE Graduate Committee will review the student's request.   If your request is approved, you will be required to submit a  change of major form  to change your status from M.S.E.C.E. to Ph.D. in ECE.

For International Students, if your request is approved, you will be required to change your I-20 or DS 2019 to reflect your current program of study as Ph.D.

Proof of funding will be required to process your new I-20 or DS 2019.

Bioengineering

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering participates in the  Interdisciplinary Bioengineering Graduate Program , which is housed in the College of Engineering. The program offers advanced courses in bioengineering, engineering specialties, and life sciences combined with research and development of new or improved physical and mathematical concepts and techniques, which may be applied to problems in medicine and biology.

The bioengineering program offers master's and doctoral degrees through participating schools in the College of Engineering and the College of Computing. Interested applicants with an electrical and/or computer engineering background apply for admission in the bioengineering program through ECE. Once admitted, students follow the bioengineering program degree requirements and curriculum.

Additional information on the bioengineering program, including how to apply and a comparison between the bioengineering program and traditional engineering programs, can be found on the  Georgia Tech Bioengineering Interdisciplinary Program website .

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program offers coursework covering mechanics, controls, perception, artificial intelligence, and autonomy. The program also features a strong multidisciplinary research component.  Learn more about the Ph.D. Program in Robotics.

Machine Learning

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering participates in the interdisciplinary Machine Learning Ph.D. Program. The Machine Learning (ML) Ph.D. program is a collaborative venture between Georgia Tech's colleges of Computing, Engineering, and Sciences.

The program seeks to create students who are able to integrate and apply principles from computing, statistics, optimization, and engineering in order to create machine learning models, and apply them to solve important, real-world, data-intensive problems.

Additional information on the Machine Learning Ph.D. Program including how to apply, can be found on the  Machine Learning Ph.D. website .

Electrical and Computer Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

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Ph.D.s in electrical and computer engineering are explorers of the information age who transform the world by leading trailblazing research that expands and create knowledge.

STEM-OPT Visa Eligible

Overview for Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D.

• Knowledge and Skills to Form Successful Researchers: A plan of study that consists of course work and research. Do research under the guidance of the world-class researchers that comprise our faculty.
• Forming Independent Researchers to Transform the World: World-class research in: (1) architectures and devices for computing; (2) communications, networking, and security; (3) machine learning and artificial intelligence; and (4) cyber-physical and embedded systems.

This is an exciting time in electrical and computer engineering. Harnessing electricity not only provides humanity with a transformative form of energy, but it also leads to the development of digital technologies, which have forged our Information Age as a time of revolutionary advances developed at an unprecedented pace.

The 21st century has witnessed such advances as the Smart Grid, ubiquitous fast internet access through wireless networks, artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies that rival humans in performance, the Internet-of-Things, cloud computing, fiber-optic networks capable of transmitting trillions of bits per second, new computing paradigms such as quantum or neuromorphic computing, and many more. None of these advances would have happened without the dedication of researchers in electrical and computer engineering.

Offered jointly by the department of electrical and microelectronic engineering and the department of computer engineering , students in RIT’s Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering learn to become independent researchers by conducting research under the guidance of the world-class researchers that comprise our faculty. This research is often associated with some of the many centers and laboratories across RIT, including the Center for Human-aware AI (CHAI) and the Global Cybersecurity Institute .

The curriculum for the Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering provides the knowledge and skills to form successful independent researchers by providing disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, research mentorship, and seminars.

Students are also interested in: Electrical Engineering MS , Computer Engineering MS

Join us for Fall 2024

Many programs accept applications on a rolling, space-available basis.

Learn what you need to apply

Advancement of world-class impactful research is the ethos of the Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering. The program forms a dynamic and collaborative environment where our students and faculty are developing the next wave of transformational technologies for our society by conducting research in the following areas:

• Architectures and Devices for Computing
• Communications, Networking and Security
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber-physical and Embedded Systems

Are you a doctoral student interested in participating in our research? Learn more about research assistantship opportunities across the Kate Gleason College of Engineering and how you can apply.

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Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D.

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence

*Engineering Foundation Electives:

† Discipline Concentration: Any graduate level course offered by the departments of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering of Computer Engineering, exclusive of capstones.

‡ Focus Area Elective: Any graduate level course offered by the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, exclusive of capstones.

The curriculum for the Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering provides the knowledge and skills to form successful independent researchers by providing disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, research mentorship, and seminars. Courses are organized into three categories: core, discipline concentration elective, and focus area elective courses. In addition, the plan of study includes three major research-based milestones: the doctoral qualifying exam, the doctoral candidacy exam, and the doctoral dissertation defense.

Core Courses Core courses are usually completed during the first two semesters of the program since they serve as foundational preparation for other elective courses. Core courses develop core competency skills for research, introducing the research landscape in electrical and computer engineering, and helping to prepare students for the qualifying exam.

Discipline Concentration Elective Courses The discipline concentration elective courses provide rigorous education in a student’s specific field of research in electrical and computer engineering. Students choose courses in consultation with the dissertation and research advisor. Graduate courses offered by the department of electrical and microelectronic engineering (courses code EEEE-6/7/8xx) or the department of computer engineering (courses code CMPE-6/7/8xx).

Focus Area Elective Courses Focus area elective courses provide the curriculum flexibility for students to engage in trans-disciplinary learning. In consultation with the dissertation and research advisor, students choose graduate courses offered by any department in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. In addition, and subject to the approval of the Ph.D. program director, students may choose graduate courses offered by any of RIT’s colleges.

Qualifying Exam Students complete a qualifying exam at the end of their first year of study. The exam evaluates the student's aptitude, potential, and competency in conducting Ph.D.-level research.

Dissertation Proposal and Candidacy Exam Students must present a dissertation proposal to their dissertation committee no sooner than six months after the qualifying exam and at least twelve months prior to the dissertation defense exam. The proposal provides the opportunity for students to elaborate on their research plans and to obtain feedback on the direction and approach to their research from their dissertation committee.

Dissertation Presentation and Defense Each doctoral candidate prepares an original, technically rigorous, and well-written dissertation that describes the candidate’s research body of work and novel contributions to the discipline of electrical and computer engineering that have resulted from the doctoral studies. In this culminating milestone, each doctoral candidate presents and defends their dissertation and its accompanying research to their dissertation committee.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application .
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
• Submit two letters of recommendation .
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional but recommended. No minimum score requirement.
• Writing samples are optional.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver .

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply   Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).

Access resources for students including student manual and research resources.

• ECE-PhD student manual
• KGCOE graduate student manual
• ECE-PHD Request for Qualifying Exam
• ECE-PHD Advisory Committee Formation form
• ECE-PhD Request for Candidacy Exam
• ECE-PHD Request for Research Review Meeting form
• ECE-PHD Request for Dissertation Defense
• ECE-PHD Request for Independent Study form

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Academics   /   Graduate Study   /   PhD Programs PhD in Computer Engineering

The PhD program in computer engineering prepares students to become innovative leaders in academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial settings. The program is designed with a research focus in mind, having a relatively small number of required courses. This allows students to focus on their research.

View the department's graduate curriculum

Learn more about research in Computer Engineering

Each student receiving the PhD should have a solid background in his or her field as preparation for a career in research or teaching. To ensure that each of our students receives this background, we require them to choose and complete a program of study corresponding to his or her intended field of inquiry.

Admissions Apply now

Download a PDF program guide about your program of interest and get in contact with our graduate admissions staff.

request info about phd degree

The Crown Family Graduate Internship Program

PhD candidates may elect to participate in the Crown Family Graduate Internship Program. This opportunity allows the doctoral candidate to gain practical experience in industry or in national research laboratories in areas closely related to his or her research.

Learn more about this internship program

Career Paths

The PhD program in computer engineering emphasizes excellence in education and research, providing graduates with a solid foundation for a career in industry, academia, and research labs.

Recent graduates are pursuing careers in industrial research labs (Intel Labs, IBM Research, Google, Facebook, and Qualcomm), industry (AMD, Bloomberg, IBM, Intel, Globalfoundries, and Mentor Graphics), and universities (Iowa State, Penn State, and the University of Maryland). In the last decade, recent graduates have founded more than half a dozen successful start-ups.

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Established. Respected. Making a world of difference. EECS undergraduate and graduate degree programs are considered among the best in the country. Our research activities, which range from the nano- to the systems level, are supported by more than $75M in funding annually — a clear indication of the strength of our programs and our award-winning faculty. With this combination of great resources and talent, EECS at Michigan is transforming and improving a wide range of fields that touch all of our lives.

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Computer science & engineering.

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Tools for “more humane coding”

Prof. Cyrus Omar and PhD student David Moon describe their work to design more intuitive, interactive, and efficient coding environments that can help novices and professionals alike focus on the bigger picture without getting bogged down in bug fixing.

Snail extinction mystery solved using miniature solar sensors

The World’s Smallest Computer, developed by Prof. David Blaauw, helped yield new insights into the survival of a native snail important to Tahitian culture and ecology and to biologists studying evolution, while proving the viability of similar studies of very small animals including insects.

CSE Events > ECE Events >

Renewable grid: Recovering electricity from heat storage hits 44% efficiency

Thermophotovoltaics developed at U-M can recover significantly more energy stored in heat batteries.

Bringing the Joy of Coding to Asilong, Kenya

Fourteen eleventh graders have joined Joy of Coding in Kenya, learning programming skills and teaching them to peers.

CSE recognizes outstanding Graduate Student Instructors and Instructional Aides from … Fall 2023

The awards honor outstanding student teachers for their contributions to upholding CSE’s commitment to top-level education and instruction.

CSE News > ECE News >

EECS By the Numbers

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Pigman College of Engineering

• Computer Engineering

average starting salary

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3 months after graduation

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Hank Dietz, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Director of Undergraduate Studies

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

453 F. Paul Anderson Tower

Lexington, KY 40506-0046

(859) 257-8042

Other programs from the Pigman College of Engineering:

• Aerospace Engineering

Lean Systems Engineering Technology

Computer engineering technology, biomedical engineering, mining engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering.

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science

Civil Engineering

Chemical engineering, biosystems engineering.

Computer engineers design computer systems, both hardware and software, to create new technologies and meet the ever-changing needs of society. The field of computer engineering covers a wide range of topics including computer architecture, operating systems, communications, computer networks, robotics, artificial intelligence, supercomputers, computer-aided design and neural nets. Whether designing and developing new products or improving manufacturing processes, computer engineers work at the frontier of technology.  

Program Your Future

Computer engineers understand how to design and make the hardware that helps our newest “intelligent” tools and machines — and houses and cars – get smarter, smaller, cheaper, faster and safer. Students who enroll as Computer Engineering majors at UK study at Kentucky’s flagship research institution, meaning you’ll be learning from top faculty looking to make the next big breakthrough in their field. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty are readily accessible both inside and outside the classroom and students have every opportunity necessary to grow personally and professionally.

Courses cover all the essentials: circuits, software, semiconductors, embedded systems, computer architecture and others. The undergraduate degree culminates in the capstone design courses where seniors work in teams to handle real-world problems outside the classroom and get a taste of real world engineering work. Undergraduate certificates are also available in power and energy as well as nanoscale engineering.

Industries Looking for You 

• Personal computing
• Computer hardwire
• Communications
• Manufacturing

2019 Computer Engineering Graduate

Schedule a visit with the Pigman College of Engineering

Admission requirements .

The Pigman College of Engineering offers multiple pathways to undergraduate admission -- both as an incoming freshman or transfer student.

Admission requirements for incoming freshmen can be accessed  here .

Admission requirements for transfer students can be accessed  here .

Engineering Standing

All incoming freshmen and transfer students admitted to the Pigman College of Engineering have their major listed as "Pre-Aerospace Engineering", "Pre-Biomedical Engineering", etc. on their admission letter and in our academic system, myUK. Engineering Standing will be achieved, and the pre- designation will be dropped from the major name, once the student achieves a minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum GPA in select courses. You may view the select courses in the  University Bulletin .

First-Year Engineering Program

The smartest, most talented engineers around the world are devoting themselves to tackling immense global challenges. As a student in the UK Pigman College of Engineering, you get to join them!

In 2008, the National Academy of Engineering identified 14 “Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21 st  Century”—opportunities to greatly increase humanity’s sustainability, health, security and joy of living. Themes include making solar energy economical, enhancing virtual reality, reverse-engineering the brain, securing cyberspace, providing access to clean water and more.

These ambitious goals demand engineers roll up their sleeves and get to work, which is why we put them front and center during your first year as an engineering student. We have designed the  First-Year Engineering (FYE) program  to inspire you. We want you to discover your passion. We want you to explore where you might make your unique contribution. We want you to get your hands dirty and make stuff that might, one day, lead to a breakthrough.

Why wait until you’re taking upper-level classes to figure out what interests you? Through real engineering classes taught by top faculty and exposure to engineering’s greatest challenges, the FYE program gets you into the game from day one.

Degree Requirements 

The following curriculum meets the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, provided the student satisfies the graduation requirements of the Pigman College of Engineering

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Student Involvement

Learning also happens in student organizations, on field trips and on community service projects. UK computer engineering students often get involved with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Kentucky Organization of Robotics and Automation, Solar Car Team, Tau Beta Pi, Society of Women Engineers, and others.

The computer engineering program offers numerous opportunities to obtain hands-on experience through summer internships and co-operative education programs with many companies throughout the U.S. These experiences often lead to full-time engineering professional positions upon graduation. For those interested in research, the program offers numerous undergraduate research opportunities in each of the specialized areas of computer engineering. 

The Engineering Career and Co-op Center is a valuable resource for assisting you with developing job and co-op search skills; participating in education-abroad programs and participating in research endeavors and career network development so you can secure a rewarding career in your chosen field of study.

Career Prospects in Computer Engineering

Computer engineers understand how to design and make the hardware that helps our newest intelligent tools, machines, houses and cars get smarter, smaller, cheaper, faster and safer. Computer engineers work in a variety of industries: film and television, aerospace, automotive, business machines, professional and scientific equipment, computers and electronics, communications and medical technology to name a few. They work in public utilities, for NASA, at the National Institutes of Health, at the Department of Defense, for consumer electronics companies, and many more. As researchers, they study everything from fuel cells to nanotechnology.

Imagine Your Future

Computer hardware engineers.

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

per year in 2023

Number of Jobs

10 Year Job Outlook

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Computer hardware engineers usually work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. Most work in computer systems design services and in manufacturing.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Computer Network Architects

Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.

Most computer network architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Network architects work in a variety of industries, usually in an office setting.

Related Majors & Minors

The following are similar degrees programs and minors that have been generated from common keywords in curriculum, careers and academics.

Similar Majors:

• Computer Engineering - Graduate
• Advanced Materials Characterization (Graduate Certificate) - Online

Minors that are a good fit with this program:

• Computer Science - Minor
• Biomedical Engineering - Minor

VCU College of Engineering News

VCU College of Engineering hosts Graduate Student and Postdoc Research Showcase

On April 10, 2024, the VCU College of Engineering hosted the inaugural Graduate Student and Postdoc Research Showcase, celebrating the innovative research being conducted by students across all engineering disciplines.

Outstanding innovation: Five questions with Georgios Karles, Ph.D.

In 2020, Karles received the Outstanding Innovator Award by the Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society for outstanding innovation and industrial leadership in technology. 

Small buildings, big impact: OpenCyberCity Director Sherif Abdelwahed, Ph.D., talks about smart city research and the new capabilities of VCU Engineering’s miniature city

With this increased demand for IoT experience, the VCU College of Engineering formed the OpenCyberCity testbed in 2022. The 1:12 scale model city provides a realistic, small-scale cityscape where students and researchers can experiment with new and existing smart city technology.

VCU College of Engineering to offer six new master’s programs

The College of Engineering launches new master’s concentrations in aerospace engineering, engineering management, environmental and sustainable engineering, rehabilitation engineering, systems engineering, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Smaller and Sharper: Nibir Dhar, Ph.D., works to miniaturize mid-wave infrared sensors and improve image quality with advances in materials science and semiconductor design

Nibir Dhar, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering, is developing a method for miniaturizing MWIR technology to make it more affordable and easily carried by soldiers, who most need the technology.

Electrical and computer engineering professor receives grant to improve radar technology using artificial intelligence

This year, the Department of Defense awarded 50 minority-serving institutions nationwide, including Virginia Commonwealth University, over $60 million in funds toward defense priority areas.

Paths to engineering: Students shape their future by expanding academic focus.

For Connor Richeson, Benita Amouzou and Mary Fahiem, exploring their academic journey led to a greater understanding of both career goals and ultimate passion for engineering.

Electrical and computer engineering professor receives National Science Foundation grant for his work on rapid assembly and enhancement of single photon sources.

Nathaniel Kinsey, Ph.D., has been awarded a grant for his research into nanophotonics, the study of light with materials at the nanoscale.

Department of Defense awards $9M to create research institute at the VCU College of Engineering

The Convergence Lab Initiative, a cross-disciplinary institute, will bring together scientists, engineers and technicians to solve pressing defense challenges for the U.S.

VCU Engineering professor is shaping electronics design in inventive ways

From AI to implantable devices, Supriyo Bandyopadhyay pushes the limits at a small but powerful scale.

Best Engineering Schools to Be Published June 18

Here's how U.S. News calculated rankings across 13 specialties, from chemical engineering to mechanical engineering.

New Best Engineering Rankings June 18

Getty Images

On June 18, 2024, U.S. News will publish its 2024 Best Engineering Schools rankings, including an overall ranking of nearly 200 doctorate-granting schools of engineering. Rankings across 13 specialties, such as chemical engineering and mechanical engineering, will also be published.

In line with last year's revamped methodology, half of each school’s rank is based on research activity, while the remaining combined factors comprise the other half. U.S. News favors this approach because research productivity is a core attribute of a department enrolling doctoral students.

The increased research focus is in line with diversifying the underlying metrics used to measure engineering research so that each school’s ranking was not too dependent on a single measure.

To be clear, the total dollar amounts of external research expenditures at engineering schools are a reliable indicator of research activity. These metrics also reflect the American Society for Engineering Education's standardized definition , which includes only activity tied to grants and contracts budgeted for research from applicable external sources, including federal, state, local and foreign governments, industry, nonprofits and individuals.

Even so, total spending is not the only factor to consider when evaluating a school’s research activity. One limitation is that while these aggregated amounts signify the quantity of research an engineering school conducts, they inform less about the quality and impact of that research.

Bibliometric data helps with quality. How often publications are cited in other research, especially in top journals, indicates whether schools’ publications left favorable impressions. Consequently, U.S. News reduced by 10 percentage points the weight placed on research grants indicators, replacing them with the following four new bibliometric ranking factors: citations per publication, field weighted citation impact, and shares of publications cited in the top 5% and top 25% of the most-cited journals.

Citations per publication is the total number of citations divided by the total number of publications for each engineering school. Field-weighted citation impact is the citation impact per paper, normalized for each engineering field to account for some fields being more likely than others to be cited. The remaining two factors account for the extent publications appear in top journals.

The data reflects a five-calendar-year time span, 2019-2023, and were calculated and compiled by Elsevier, a global leader in information and analytics.

Note that all statistics are scaled, meaning they measure the impact of research produced rather than the quantity. This was done purposefully for a couple of reasons. First, it was in response to a 2023 ASEE survey of its members, many of whom suggested the rankings formula had been overleveraged on rewarding schools for their size. Second, this meant logical issues involving the publications that Elsevier attributed to each engineering school were not instrumental in how each school performed.

U.S. News and Elsevier made significant efforts to compile bibliometric statistics for each school based on comprehensive records that followed a standardized approach. The data was derived from how publications’ authors identified their school, research centers and lab affiliations. Specifically, Elsevier used advanced clustering technology to map affiliation text from five types of peer-reviewed documents – articles, conference papers, reviews, books and book chapters – to organizational identifiers.

In early May 2024, engineering schools were given a comprehensive list of affiliates and their name variants that Elsevier had mapped to their schools. Schools could offer additional name variants they believed were missing.

This approach was admittedly subject to the limitations of how faculty have identified their school affiliations in publications. But requiring an explicit identification to a school best ensured only relevant publications would be applied to the rankings. Other approaches fail this test.

For example, mapping publications using faculty names instead of school attribution, as some schools have proposed, would result in including publications that are not connected to the corresponding engineering school, in part because faculty may have changed institutions over a five-year period. Relying on 199 schools to self-report comparable information on eligible faculty would also undermine the benefit of using third-party data.

Finally, this is a ranking of engineering schools, not individuals working in engineering departments. This is why it’s important to focus on the affiliations of engineering schools. But as an acknowledgement that the roster of publications used in the rankings were subject to methodological approach, U.S. News will not publish schools’ total publication counts on its website.

The objective of the rankings is to help prospective graduate students better understand their options for improving their skills, specializing in fields of interest and gaining leadership opportunities that lead to higher salaries. More sophisticated rankings better inform those choices. The latest adjustments to the 2024 Best Engineering Schools rankings methodology help provide a more complete assessment of schools’ research activity by complementing research grant statistics with data on the impact of that spending.

Tags: engineering , engineering graduate school , colleges , education , rankings , students

About Morse Code: Inside the College Rankings

Robert Morse is chief data strategist for U.S. News & World Report and has worked at the company since 1976. He develops the methodologies and surveys for the Best Colleges and Best Graduate Schools annual rankings, keeping an eye on higher-education trends to make sure the rankings offer prospective students the best analysis available. Morse Code provides deeper insights into the methodologies and is a forum for commentary and analysis of college, grad and other rankings.

2024 Best Colleges

Search for your perfect fit with the U.S. News rankings of colleges and universities.

Ph.D. Student Sanjaya Herath Receives SMART Scholarship

University of Maryland Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. student Sanjaya Herath has been awarded a SMART scholarship from the Department of Defense (DoD) for his research that focuses on integrating machine learning techniques to enhance and optimize array signal processing. Herath, advised by Department of Computer Science Assistant Professor Christopher Metzler , aims to improve radar systems' accuracy and efficiency.

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Program is part of the DoD’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) portfolio. It provides students with tools to pursue higher education and begin careers within the DoD. The program offers full scholarships, allowing STEM students to focus on complex research projects that further the DoD’s mission. Recipients also participate in summer internships at DoD facilities, gaining hands-on experience with scientists and engineers to prepare for full-time employment with the DoD.

The SMART fellowship recipients receive full tuition, education-related expenses and a stipend ranging from $30,000 to $46,000 per year, depending on their degree level.

“ Winning the SMART scholarship, with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory as my sponsoring facility, is a significant milestone in my academic journey,” Herath said. “ This prestigious award recognizes my hard work and dedication, offering a unique chance to advance my research with better resources and support. I'm excited about the opportunities this opens for collaborative learning and impactful contributions toward scalable array signal processing.”

Herath’s research focuses on integrating and utilizing machine learning techniques to enhance and optimize array signal processing for radar applications. His work aims to significantly impact society.

“My work has the potential to greatly impact society by making radar systems more accurate and efficient, improving public safety and national security,” Herath said. “This approach optimizes resource use, contributing to more sustainable technology development. Additionally, it enables faster and more reliable data processing, enhancing decision-making in critical situations. This work aims to create safer and more efficient environments for all.”

The scholarship seeks to maintain the technological edge of the DoD workforce by creating pathways for a diverse and technically proficient talent pool to meet U.S. national security needs. Looking ahead, Herath plans to continue his research in the field. 

“In the future, I plan to continue my research on scalable array signal processing,” Herath shared. “My focus will be on developing more advanced algorithms that can further improve the accuracy and efficiency of radar systems. 

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications 

The Department welcomes comments, suggestions and corrections.  Send email to editor [-at-] cs [dot] umd [dot] edu .