Program Overview

Electrical and Computer Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering program is designed to generate new knowledge and shape the future through research in one of 14 areas of specialization. The program is conducted in the Engineering 7 (E7) Building on Waterloo's East Campus.

Program Overview

• Department/School: Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
• Delivery mode: On-campus
• Program type: Doctoral, Research
• Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Thesis

Research Fields

The program offers research opportunities in the following areas:

• Antennas, Microwaves and Wave Optics
• Biomedical
• Circuits and Systems Including Computer-Aided Design
• Communications and Information Systems
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software
• Nanotechnology
• Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (PAMI)
• Power and Energy Systems
• Quantum Information
• Silicon Devices and Integrated Circuits
• Systems and Control
• Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)
• Wireless Communication

Research Project Opportunities

One of the research project opportunities available in this program is the Silicon Thin-Film Applied Research project. This project involves developing imaging device technology based on propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast (XPC) for obtaining three-dimensional images of medical tissues with sub-cellular resolution.

Application Deadlines

• February 1 (for admission in September)
• June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
• October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is based on the student's academic record and evidence of ability to pursue independent research. Normally, an overall standing equivalent to 80% in either a relevant thesis-based master's degree or a University of Waterloo Master of Engineering (MEng) degree that includes a completed ECE 699 Master of Engineering Project course is required. At the time of admission, each student must have a faculty supervisor who has endorsed the recommendation for admission.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for the PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering program include coursework, original research, and a thesis. Students can review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar and check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate students.

Application Materials

The following application materials are required:

• Resume
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining the interest in and fit for the program
• Transcript(s)
• References: Three references are required; at least two from academic sources
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 80 (writing 22, speaking 20, reading 20, listening 18), IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.0)

Tuition and Fees

Students can visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for their program. They can also review living costs and housing, including the PhD housing guarantee program for admitted students in fall 2026 and winter 2027. Additionally, students can review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.