Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering program at FIU requires 75 credit hours, including a dissertation. Students are assessed through qualifying exams, dissertation proposal defense, and final defense. The program emphasizes research, with students identifying their area within 12 months of admission and receiving guidance from a supervisory committee. Faculty members provide expertise through research and industry experience.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering program requires students to satisfy all university requirements for a doctoral degree. The program consists of a minimum of 75 credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree, with a maximum of 30 credits from a master's degree in electrical or computer engineering from FIU or an accredited institution applicable towards the Ph.D.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through the following methods:
- Qualifying Examination: This examination assesses the student's understanding of the core concepts in their chosen field.
- Dissertation Proposal Defense: Students must prepare and defend a formal dissertation proposal to demonstrate their research capabilities.
- Final Dissertation Defense: The final dissertation must conform to university guidelines and is defended before a panel of experts.
Other:
- Major and Minor Requirements: Students must complete at least 9 credits in their major area and 6 credits in two different breadth areas. Electrical Engineering majors must have a minor in Computer Engineering, and Computer Engineering majors must have a minor in Electrical Engineering.
- Residency Requirement: Students must complete one academic year of full-time residency (18 credit hours within 12 months).
- Research Area Identification: Students must identify their research area within 12 months of acceptance into the Ph.D. program.
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in all approved courses in the program of study.
- Graduate Supervisory and Research Committee: A committee should be appointed as soon as possible and no later than 15 months after admission to the program.
- Faculty Involvement: The department strives to involve faculty in a balanced combination of research and teaching to benefit students. Many faculty have industrial experience and consulting roles to provide current and relevant knowledge.
Florida International University
Overview:
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.
Services Offered:
FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.Student Life:
Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.Campus Resources:
Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:
Student Involvement:
Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.Campus Highlights:
Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.Arts & Culture:
Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.Recreation & the Outdoors:
Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.Research Excellence:
FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.Global Focus:
FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.Diverse Student Body:
FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.Campus Amenities:
FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.Academic Programs:
FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Design
Business and Economics
Education
Hospitality Management
Humanities and Culture
Medicine and Health
Public Policy
Sciences and Engineering
Technology
Other:
FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.
Entry Requirements:
- GPA: A GPA score of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 in upper-level undergraduate work or 3.3 or higher out of 4.0 in a master's program.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation in the forms provided in the online application portal.
- TOEFL/IELTS: International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A total score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL or 6.5 overall on the IELTS is required.
- Other: Credentials of all other applicants will be examined by the Graduate Admission Committee on a case by case basis. In addition to the departmental requirements, all students must satisfy the University’s Graduate Policies and Procedures.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOEFL: A total score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL is required for international students whose native language is not English.
- IELTS: A total score of 6.5 overall on the IELTS is required for international students whose native language is not English.
It is one of the largest university campuses I have ever been to as I struggled to find the places that I needed to be multiple times. Food choices are great, library is phenomenal, and water fountains are very pleasing to sit by. SASC Building has very interesting architecture.
I went here for my undergrad back several years ago and came back for my graduates. This university is a blast of culture and learning. Most of the professors are amazing, there's clubs for everything, classes that range from odd to amazing and everything in between. They keep adding to MMC making new buildings, bringing in new vendors, and creating new art.
