Computer Engineering (Electrical Engineering), PhD

Program Overview

The PhD program in computer engineering at ASU is a transdisciplinary program that combines fundamentals from electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, and physical sciences. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze and solve complex hardware and software challenges in support of ubiquitous computing. Graduates can pursue careers as computer engineering professors, researchers, hardware engineers, systems software engineers, and more. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers an optional practical training extension for international students.

Program Outline

• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze and solve complex hardware and software challenges in support of ubiquitous computing.
• Description: This program provides broader and more in-depth preparation than MS programs, preparing students for careers in academia, research, or highly technical entrepreneurial innovation.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program requires 84 credit hours, including core courses, concentration courses, focus area electives, technical electives, research credits, and a culminating experience in the form of a dissertation.
• Individual Modules:
• Required Core (6 credit hours):
• Foundations of Algorithms (3 credits)
• Probability and Random Processes (3 credits)
• Concentration (9 credit hours):
Courses in electrical engineering or computer engineering.
• Focus Area Electives (3 credit hours): Courses in computer engineering or computer science.
• Technical Electives (30 credit hours): Courses chosen in consultation with the academic unit.
• Research (24 credit hours): Research conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.
• Culminating Experience (12 credit hours): Dissertation research and writing.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation defense to assess student learning outcomes.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a combination of lectures, seminars, research projects, and independent study.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning and research opportunities, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers as computer engineering professors, researchers, hardware engineers, systems software engineers, and more.
• Career Opportunities: The program prepares students for high-demand growth areas such as autonomous systems and robotics, distributed systems, and embedded systems.

Other:

• STEM-OPT Extension: The program is eligible for an optional practical training extension for up to 36 months, allowing international students to gain work experience in the U.S.
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.