Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Program Overview
Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering
The PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program at the University at Albany encompasses the design, development, testing, and evaluation of hardware and software components, as well as integrated systems and networks. The doctoral program prepares students for research and/or teaching careers in industry, at universities, or in government agencies, and develops their ability to recognize and formulate research problems, apply theoretical and/or experimental techniques to develop a solution, and to transmit the results to the scientific and engineering community.
Program Highlights
- Expert faculty: Work with world-class, research-active faculty who are experts in their disciplines.
- Diversity: Our faculty is also incredibly diverse, including a higher representation of female faculty than in most other ECE programs.
- Research: Join a research team of one of our faculty and engage in externally-funded research that advances a field in ECE.
- Flexibility: Choose from a wide variety of courses and the ability to build your program of study to meet your career goals.
- Location: Live in proximity to New York’s Tech Valley and take advantage of numerous internship and job opportunities available within the public and private sectors of this innovative region.
- Cost: Most full-time doctoral students receive Graduate Assistantships that provide tuition and a stipend.
- Network: Gain access to an invaluable network of leading professionals in the field of electrical and computer engineering.
Career Outlook
A PhD in ECE opens doors to opportunities in academia, research, and technology leadership. Graduates are recognized as experts in their fields and many find jobs with leading technology firms and national laboratories. A PhD is generally required to teach at the college level.
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: January 15
- Spring: September 1
- Summer: Not Available
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: March 15
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal statement
Special Notes
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration is subject to availability of funds and student credentials.
- Students are expected to have an appropriate undergraduate degree such as a B.S., B.Tech, B.E., M.S., M.Tech, or M.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related fields. Students with other backgrounds may be admitted on a conditional basis and need to take additional courses to build up their background before starting their program.
Student Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge in one area of Electrical and Computer Engineering;
- Apply their knowledge in the science, mathematics and engineering disciplines to solve problems;
- Study an issue, identify and evaluate alternative actions, propose a course of action, implement a solution, and defend conclusions; and
- Present technical information in a variety of formats, including written reports and oral presentations.
Supplemental Degree Programs
Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.
- Africana Studies CGS
- Community College Leadership CGS
- Demography CGS
- Electrical and Computer Engineering MS
- International Education Management CGS
Program Outline
Careers:
Career Outlook
A PhD in ECE opens doors to opportunities in academia, research, and technology leadership. Graduates are recognized as experts in their fields and many find jobs with leading technology firms and national laboratories. A PhD is generally required to teach at the college level.
Other:
Program Highlights
- Expert faculty: Work with world-class, research-active faculty who are experts in their disciplines.
- Diversity: Our faculty is also incredibly diverse, including a higher representation of female faculty than in most other ECE programs.
- Research: Join a research team of one of our faculty and engage in externally-funded research that advances a field in ECE
- Flexibility: Choose from a wide variety of courses and the ability to build your program of study to meet your career goals.
- Location: Live in proximity to New York’s Tech Valley and take advantage of numerous internship and job opportunities available within the public and private sectors of this innovative region.
- Cost: Most full-time doctoral students receive Graduate Assistantships that provide tuition and a stipend.
- Network: Gain access to an invaluable network of leading professionals in the field of electrical and computer engineering.
Admission Requirements
- Deadlines
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration
- Fall: January 15
- Spring: September 1
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration
- Fall: March 15
- Spring: November 15
- Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Special Notes
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration is subject to availability of funds and student credentials.
- Students are expected to have an appropriate undergraduate degree such as a B.S., B.Tech, B.E., M.S., M.Tech, or M.E. Students with other backgrounds may be admitted on a conditional basis and need to take additional courses to build up their background before starting their program.
International Students
This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
Academic Requirements:
- Baccalaureate Degree: Applicants are expected to possess a Bachelor's degree (BS, BTech, BE, MS, MTech, or ME) in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Grades: Admission is typically granted to students who have demonstrated strong academic performance in relevant undergraduate courses. The specific GPA requirements for admission may vary depending on factors such as the applicant's chosen area of specialization, overall academic profile, and available funding.
- Prerequisite Courses: Strong foundation in core ECE subjects like circuit analysis, signals and systems, electromagnetic theory, control systems, and digital logic design is highly desirable. Prior coursework in mathematics, physics, and computer programming is also beneficial.
Additional Requirements:
- Statement of Purpose: Applicants are required to submit a well-crafted statement of purpose detailing their academic background, research interests, and career goals. This statement should clearly articulate the applicant's reasons for pursuing a PhD in ECE at UAlbany and should showcase their potential for success in the program.
- Research Experience: Prior research experience in electrical and computer engineering, either through undergraduate research projects, internships, or other relevant activities, is highly valued. Such experience demonstrates the applicant's aptitude for research and contributes to their readiness for engaging in doctoral-level research.
- Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are typically required to provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their academic abilities, research potential, and personal qualities. These letters should be written by professors, research advisors, or other professionals who have closely supervised the applicant's academic or research work.
- GRE Scores: While not mandatory, submission of GRE scores can strengthen an applicant's application. Strong scores in the quantitative and analytical sections of the GRE can demonstrate the applicant's preparedness for the rigors of doctoral-level coursework and research.
- English Proficiency: For international students whose native language is not English, evidence of English proficiency is typically required. The university typically accepts scores from standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Additional Notes:
- Applicants with backgrounds outside of Electrical and Computer Engineering may be considered on a conditional basis. These students may be required to complete additional coursework to strengthen their foundation in the field before正式开始 博士课程.
- Availability of funding and the applicant's overall qualifications play a significant role in the admissions decisions.