Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering is a prestigious degree that acknowledges a student's success in an original research project, contributing significantly to the literature of the discipline. The program is designed to recognize research aptitude and academic record, with applicants selected by the Computer Engineering Program Graduate Committee on an individual basis.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering include:

• A master's degree in Computer Engineering or a closely associated discipline, such as Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
• Consideration will be given to highly qualified students wishing to pursue the doctorate without satisfying all of the requirements for a master's degree.
• A GPA in graduate-level coursework of 3.5 or higher on a 4-point scale.
• GRE revised scores of 154, 156, and 4 for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing components, respectively, are advisable based on experience with student success in the program.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals able to judge the candidate's probability of success in pursuing doctoral study.
• An essay outlining the candidate's background, education, and professional goals.
• A narrative describing their motivation for doctoral study and how it relates to their professional goals.

Degree Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 75 semester credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree, including:

• At least 30 semester hours of graduate-level courses beyond the baccalaureate level in the major concentration.
• The core requirements for the PhD degree in Computer Engineering are the same as those for the MS in Computer Engineering.
• All PhD students must demonstrate competence in the master's level core courses in their research area.
• A student's supervising committee may impose course requirements necessary and appropriate for the student's research program.

Additional Requirements

• A qualifying examination (QE), as approved by the CE graduate committee, demonstrating competence in the PhD candidate's research area.
  • A student entering the PhD program with an MS CE must pass this exam within 3 long semesters.
  • A student entering without an MS CE must pass this exam within 4 long semesters.
  • A student has at most two attempts at this qualifying exam.
• A comprehensive exam consisting of:
  • A written dissertation proposal.
  • A public seminar.
  • A private oral examination conducted by the PhD candidate's supervising committee.
• Completion of a major research project culminating in a dissertation demonstrating an original contribution to scientific knowledge and engineering practice.
• The dissertation will be defended publicly, following the rules specified by the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Dissertation

• A dissertation is required and must be approved by the graduate program.
• A student must arrange for a dissertation advisor willing to guide this dissertation.
• The student must have a dissertation supervising committee that consists of no less than four members.
• The dissertation may be in computer engineering exclusively or may involve considerable work in an area of application.

Part-Time Option

For students interested in a PhD but unable to attend school full-time, there is a part-time option available. The guidelines for admission to the program and the degree requirements are the same as for full-time PhD students. All students must have an academic advisor and an approved plan of study.