Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering is a research-based program that allows students to play a vital role in researching and developing future technology. The program offers opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, both at Queen's and abroad.

Program Structure

The program consists of coursework, research thesis, and comprehensive oral examinations. The duration of the program is 4 years, and funding is available.

Admission and Application

To be admitted to the program, applicants must have a Master's of Applied Science or Master of Science degree with a minimum grade of 75% or B+ or Upper Second Class Standing for domestic applicants. International applicants must meet specific grade requirements depending on their country of origin.

• Domestic Applicants: 75% or B+ or Upper Second Class Standing
• International Applicants:
  • P.R. China: 80% or GPA of 3.1/4.0
  • India, Bangladesh & Pakistan: First class or 63%
  • Iran: 16/20
  • All others: 80%

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English must obtain satisfactory standing in English language proficiency tests. The minimum required scores are:

• IELTS: 7.0
• PTE: 65
• TOEFL: 580 (paper-based), 237 (Computer-based), and 88 (Internet-based) with a minimum score in each of the components: Writing test 24/30, Speaking test 22/30, Reading test 22/30, and Listening test 20/30.

Curriculum Vitae

A detailed, structured listing of education, publications, projects, awards, and engineering work history is required.

Program Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 4 term-length graduate courses beyond the master's degree, a two-part comprehensive examination, the seminar course ELEC-891, satisfactory research progress, and a thesis. One of the graduate courses must be taken from outside the department, and one of the graduate courses must be taken inside the department.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is administered in two parts by the candidate's PhD Advisory committee. Part I deals with the candidate's background in their chosen area of research, and Part II consists of the candidate's thesis proposal.

Funding

The minimum funding guarantee for domestic and international PhD students is $29,350 per year, up to four years, providing good academic standing and satisfactory progress toward the completion of the degree.

Research

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering is home to nationally and internationally recognized researchers and cutting-edge research facilities. The research areas include:

• Antennas
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Biomedical and Human-Machine Systems
• Communication and Signal Processing
• Engineering Education and Technology
• High Performance and Next Generation Computing
• Information and Software Security
• Networks and The Internet of Things
• Photonics, Nanotechnology & Integrated Circuits
• Power Electronics and Energy Systems
• Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Control
• Software Engineering

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program have found careers as university professors, with high-tech companies, startup companies, and in service sectors such as financials, pension, actuarial, and intellectual property.