Program Overview
Electrical and Computer Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree
Overview
The electrical and computer engineering Ph.D. gives engineers the tools to transform the world by leading trailblazing research that expands and creates knowledge.
STEM-OPT Visa Eligible
The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
Forming Independent Researchers to Transform the World
World-class researchers in:
- Architectures and devices for computing
- Communications, networking, and security
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Cyber-physical and embedded systems
Knowledge and Skill 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.
An Apprenticeship in Research
Graduates who thrive and enjoy successful careers in academia, industry, or government research laboratories as creators of new knowledge in the discipline of electrical and computer engineering.
Why Pursue an Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. at RIT?
This is an exciting time in electrical and computer engineering. Harnessing electricity not only provides humanity with a transformative form of energy but 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.
Research
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
Faculty
- Michael Richards - Assistant Professor
- Marcin Lukowiak - Professor
- Daniel Kaputa - Associate Professor
Featured Work and Profiles
- RIT Research Minute: DNA Computing
- Ph.D. Student Pioneers Future of Computing with Memory-Centric Tech
- Student Develops New Methods to Analyze E-Cigarette Usage Patterns
- RIT Research Team Enhances Cybersecurity Training with AI Innovations
- Dr. Dongfang Liu Pioneers AI Solutions to Tackle Society Challenges
- Faculty Spotlight: Dorin Patru
Facilities
- Center for Photonic Communications
- RIT Center for Human-aware AI
- RAVVEN Lab
Curriculum
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- ECEP-795 - Doctoral Seminar
- ECEP-796 - Research Methods in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- ECEP-892 - Graduate Research
- ENGR-701 - Inter-disciplinary Research Methods
- Engineering Foundation Electives
- Discipline Concentration
- Second Year
- ECEP-795 - Doctoral Seminar
- ECEP-892 - Graduate Research
- Discipline Concentration
- Focus Area Electives
- Third Year
- ECEP-890 - Dissertation and Research
Electives
Engineering Foundation Electives
- CMPE-610 - Analytical Topics in Computer Engineering
- EEEE-707 - Engineering Analysis
- EEEE-709 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
- Offered: Full-time
- Admit Term(s): Fall
- Application Deadline: December 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter
- STEM Designated: Yes
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Learn tips to apply for a doctoral program and then complete a 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 minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- 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.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.
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).
Resources
- ECE Ph.D. Student Manual
- KGCOE Graduate Student Manual
- ECE Ph.D. Request for Qualifying Exam
- ECE Ph.D. Advisory Committee Formation form
- ECE Ph.D. Request for Candidacy Exam
- ECE Ph.D. Request for Research Review Meeting form
- ECE Ph.D. Request for Dissertation Defense
- ECE Ph.D. Request for Independent Study form
Research Resources
- RIT Libraries
- RIT Libraries InfoGuides
- Our librarian
- Remote access to publications with RIT Account
- IEEE Xplore
- ACM Digital Library
- Springer Link
- SPIE Digital Library
- Elsevier Science Direct
Program Outline
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.
Research Assistantships
Research assistantships are available to doctoral students. Learn more about the college's research assistantship opportunities and how you can apply.
Read More
Students are also interested in: Electrical Engineering MS, Computer Engineering MS
Research
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