Program Overview

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

The Ph.D. in Computer Engineering creates future leaders in the thriving field of computer engineering. Under the tutelage of renowned computer engineering faculty, graduates of this program produce significant contributions and original research to advance next generation electronics and computing.

Program Overview

Offering a highly customizable curriculum, this program specializes in the following areas:

• Biomedical engineering
• Communications and signal processing
• Computer engineering
• Controls and robotics
• Electromagnetics and remote sensing
• Lasers and photonics

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

1. Identify, formulate, and solve advanced research problems using fundamental computer engineering principles, methodologies, and tools.
2. Produce important contributions and add to the body of knowledge through peer-reviewed, high-impact publications.
3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication to convey technical concepts to both engineers and non-engineers.
4. Demonstrate professional behavior and understand the ethical, economic, environmental, and societal impacts of their work.
5. Serve as leaders in Computer Engineering research.

Program Requirements

Effective Fall 2024

For students who have earned an M.S. degree:

• M.S. Degree: 30 credits
• Regular Coursework: 9-18 credits
  • Any regular course approved by advisor and graduate committee
  • CS 5XX: Any CS course at the 500-level (excluding courses numbered 582-599)
  • CS 6XX: Any CS course at the 600-level (excluding courses numbered 682-699)
  • ECE 5XX: Any ECE course at the 500-level (excluding courses numbered 582-599)
  • ECE 6XX: Any ECE course at the 600-level (excluding courses numbered 682-699)
  • ECE 7XX: Any ECE course at the 700-level (excluding courses numbered 782-799)
  • MATH 5XX: Any MATH course at the 500-level (excluding courses numbered 582-599)
  • MATH 6XX: Any MATH course at the 600-level (excluding courses numbered 682-699)
  • MATH 7XX: Any MATH course at the 700-level (excluding courses numbered 782-799)
  • PH 5XX: Any PH course at the 500-level (excluding courses numbered 582-599)
  • PH 6XX: Any PH course at the 600-level (excluding courses numbered 682-699)
  • PH 7XX: Any PH course at the 700-level (excluding courses numbered 782-799)
• ECE 799: Dissertation: 24-33 credits
• Program Total Credits: 72

For students who have not earned an M.S. degree:

• Regular Coursework: 30-39 credits
  • Any regular course approved by advisor and graduate committee
  • CS 4XX: Any CS course at the 400-level (excluding courses numbered 482-499)
  • CS 5XX: Any CS course at the 500-level (excluding courses numbered 582-599)
  • CS 6XX: Any CS course at the 600-level (excluding courses numbered 682-699)
  • ECE 4XX: Any ECE course at the 400-level (excluding courses numbered 482-499)
  • ECE 5XX: Any ECE course at the 500-level (excluding courses numbered 582-599)
  • ECE 6XX: Any ECE course at the 600-level (excluding courses numbered 682-699)
  • ECE 7XX: Any ECE course at the 700-level (excluding courses numbered 782-799)
  • MATH 4XX: Any MATH course at the 400-level (excluding courses numbered 482-499)
  • MATH 5XX: Any MATH course at the 500-level (excluding courses numbered 582-599)
  • MATH 6XX: Any MATH course at the 600-level (excluding courses numbered 682-699)
  • MATH 7XX: Any MATH course at the 700-level (excluding courses numbered 782-799)
  • PH 4XX: Any PH course at the 400-level (excluding courses numbered 482-499)
  • PH 5XX: Any PH course at the 500-level (excluding courses numbered 582-599)
  • PH 6XX: Any PH course at the 600-level (excluding courses numbered 682-699)
  • PH 7XX: Any PH course at the 700-level (excluding courses numbered 782-799)
• ECE 799: Dissertation: 33-42 credits (or ECE 699: Thesis)
• Program Total Credits: 72

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

1. Application for admission
2. Diagnostic examination when required
3. Appointment of advisor
4. Selection of graduate committee
5. Filing of program of study
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD)
7. Report of preliminary examination
8. Changes in committee
9. Application for Graduation
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee
11. Final examination
12. Report of final examination
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only)
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically
15. Graduation