Program Overview

Computer Engineering (Computer Systems), PhD

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy program in computer engineering is a transdisciplinary program that builds on the fundamentals of computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, and physical sciences. Students can take courses and participate in projects across two schools and among the core areas. The program in computer engineering with a concentration in computer systems is intended for students with excellent ability in mathematics and physical science who are interested in gaining an in-depth knowledge of the foundational principles of engineering and wish to pursue a career in academia, research, or highly technical entrepreneurial innovation.

At a Glance

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation
• Required Core (6 credit hours)
  • CSE 551 Foundations of Algorithms (3)
  • EEE 554 Probability and Random Processes (3)
• Concentration (9 credit hours)
• Focus Area Electives (3 credit hours)
• Technical Electives (30 credit hours)
• Research (24 credit hours)
  • CEN 792 Research (24)
• Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
  • CEN 799 Dissertation (12)
• Additional Curriculum Information
  • Concentration, focus area, and technical elective courses are selected in consultation with the academic unit.
  • The concentration and focus area course lists are located on the computer engineering website, and students need to meet the following requirements: at least nine credit hours of graduate-level coursework in computer engineering (CEN) or computer science (CSE), and at least three credit hours of graduate-level coursework in electrical engineering (EEE) or computer engineering.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements:
  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of recognized standing in a related field such as computer engineering, computer science, computer systems engineering, or electrical engineering.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 12/31, Type: Final
• Spring:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 08/15, Type: Final

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the doctoral program in computer engineering are able to analyze and synthesize key theories and methods used in the field of computer engineering. These graduates can generate and evaluate new theories, methods, and designs that can advance the field of computer engineering. More specifically, computer engineering program graduates have the skills to advance the design, system integration, testing, evaluation, and deployment of the state-of-the-art hardware and software for systems that include computing, communications, and networking (wired and wireless), control functions, sensing, signal processing, and actuation.

• Career examples include:
  • Computer engineering professor
  • Computer engineering researcher
  • Computer hardware engineer
  • Computer systems engineer
  • Systems software engineer

Additional Information

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.