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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Electrical Engineering | Electronics Engineering | Computer Engineering
Area of study
Engineering
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

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.

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:


SHOW MORE
Admission Requirements
  • May 21, 2023

    Rochester Institute of Technology takes its place on international stage at G7 to advance semiconductor development

    RIT is one of six U.S. universities named as part of an international partnership to improve competitiveness in computer chip design, development, and manufacturing. Micron Corp. and the National Science Foundation announced the partnership and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the 2023 G7 Summit in Japan.

  • May 8, 2023

    RIT to award record number of Ph.D. degrees

    RIT will confer a record 69 Ph.D. degrees during commencement May 12, marking a 53 percent increase from last year.

  • April 25, 2023

    RIT graduate programs rank among best in nation in ‘U.S. News & World Report’ survey

    RIT graduate degree programs are among the best in the nation, according to the  annual statistical survey of graduate programs.

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