Program Overview

Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering is a terminal degree program that is specifically designed to meet the changing needs of researchers, scholars, and scientists in academia, industry, and the government. The primary goal of this program is to prepare students for careers in research and/or academics by providing an environment that closely reflects the realities and expectations encountered by today’s academicians, professional scientists, and research engineers. The program offers a highly flexible inter and multidisciplinary curricular structure, allowing specialization in any (or multiple) of the traditional or emerging areas of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Graduates emerge with a strong foundation in research methodologies, technical expertise, and the ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, making them valuable assets to academic institutions, industry organizations, and government agencies.

Curriculum

The Rowan University Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program requires the completion of coursework, Career Preparation and Readiness Experience (CPRE), Qualifier Exam, research requirements, dissertation, and dissertation defense.

• If you possess a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate-level work will be required.
• If you possess a master’s degree in a related field, a minimum of 42 semester hours (credits) of graduate-level work beyond your master’s degree will be required. Up to 30 of the credits earned in pursuit of your master’s degree may be transferable. Typically 21 course credits and 9 research hours credits. The student’s Advisory Committee (or the advisor) will decide which credits will be transferred into the Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program.

Course Requirements

• 72 Semester Hours
  • Required Courses: 6 Semester Hours
    • ENGR 01601: Effective Teaching in Academic & Corporate Environments
    • ENGR 01702: Strategic Technical Writing & Winning Grant Proposals
  • Graduate Elective Courses: 36 Semester Hours
    • 3 Semester Hours should be a graduate-level Math class
    • MATH 06515: Engineering Applications of Analysis
    • ME 10561: Engineering Optimization
    • ECE 09509: Virtual Reality Systems
    • ECE 09510: Advanced Alternate Energy Systems
    • ECE 09523: Advanced Radar Systems
    • ECE 09525: Advanced Command and Control
    • ECE 09531: Advanced Optical Fiber Communications
    • ECE 09551: Digital Signal Processing
    • ECE 09555: Advanced Topics in Pattern Recognition / Machine Learning
    • ECE 09556: Advanced Embedded Software Design
    • ECE 09569: System-on-Chip Verification
    • ECE 09585: Advanced Engineering Cyber Security
  • Research Courses: 30 Semester Hours
    • ENGR 01799: Doctoral Research and Dissertation*

Additional Requirements

• Ethical and Responsible Conduct of Research training (including human/animal subject training when applicable).
• Graduate seminar: Regular attendance and participation in (0-credit) graduate seminars (ENGR 01700 Graduate Seminar: What is Next in Engineering) will be required for students for each Fall and Spring semester they are in the program.
• Ph.D. Qualifier Examination: All students in the program will be required to pass the Ph.D. Qualifier Examination.
• Ph.D. Candidacy (proposal) Examination: Ph.D. Students will be required to pass a Candidacy Exam, within 18 months of completing their Qualifier Examination.
• Career Preparation and Readiness Experience (CPRE): CPRE requirements are designed to prepare for the real-world environment they are likely to face upon graduation, and consist of teaching, grant writing, publishing and service.
• Ph.D. Dissertation Defense: The Ph.D. in Engineering program will culminate in the Candidate’s oral defense of their dissertation topic.

Admission Requirements

• Completed Rowan Global Application Form
• $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
• Current professional resume.
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives and research interest
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Three letters of recommendation
• Interview (Applicants will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admission Committee regarding this interview.)
• TOEFL Language test (International)
• WES evaluation (International)

Deadlines, Tuition and Financial Aid

• Entry Terms & Deadlines:
  • Fall: March 1
  • Spring: October 1
  • Summer: April 1
• Tuition: Please visit the Bursar's website for the current tuition rate.
• Financial Aid: Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.