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