Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Graduate study in Electrical and Computer Engineering is oriented toward the Ph.D. degree, with emphasis on scholarship and research rather than formal course work. Although our doctoral students usually major in Electrical or Computer Engineering, it is not uncommon to find doctoral students in our program who have majored in mathematics, physics, computer science, or other fields closely related to electrical and computer engineering.
Our Ph.D. program is designed to be easily tailored to the needs and interests of individual students. There are no lists of required courses. The program is directed at independent, highly motivated individuals who desire to work closely with faculty members at the forefront of research in a variety of scientific areas, such as:
- Computational and Biomorphic Systems
- Computational Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
- Computer Engineering
- Control Systems
- Image Processing and Analysis
- Integrated Circuits and Microsystems
- Language and Speech Processing
- Photonics and Optoelectronics
- Signal Processing
The publication of the results of that work in scholarly journals and presentations at departmental seminars, organized conferences, and symposia are not only highly encouraged but are viewed by our faculty as principal measures of research accomplishment.
We do not require an M.S.E. degree for applying to our Ph.D. program. However, many of our doctoral students obtain the M.S.E. in the course of their study towards their doctorate.
We strongly recommend that students whose objective is to obtain a Ph.D. degree apply directly to our Ph.D. program. Applying to our M.S.E. program severely limits the type and amount of financial aid that may be available.
The Ph.D. degree certifies that the holder has demonstrated research capability. Accordingly, the Ph.D. requirements are used as checkpoints leading the student through this research experience. Because students tend to spend more than ample time on the path to research, several requirements prescribe time limitations.
To fulfill the requirements for the Ph.D. degree in our department, the student must:
- Satisfy the University Ph.D. residency requirement and the Departmental course load requirements.
- The University requires at least two consecutive semesters as a full-time resident graduate student.
- All full-time students must satisfactorily complete at least three graduate courses per semester until they have a Research Sponsor. Until the Departmental Examination is passed, no more than one independent study course per faculty member can be counted toward these three courses.
- A course (including independent study) is satisfactorily completed if a grade of A, B, C, or P is obtained. A grade of D or F or a second grade of C results in probation. A second grade of D or F or a third grade of C results in termination from the program.
- Pass the Departmental Qualifying Examination before the beginning of the fifth semester of graduate study, and then select a Research Sponsor within six months . The purpose of this examination is to test the student’s knowledge in fundamental subjects of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
- Take the Graduate Board Oral Examination within one year of passing the Departmental Qualifying Examination. The purpose of this examination is to test the depth and breadth of the student's knowledge and reasoning abilities.
- Submit a Preliminary Research Proposal before the end of the seventh semester of graduate study. The purpose of the preliminary research proposal is to ensure that the student is planning a research project that is both significant and realistic.
- Present a Departmental Seminar before the end of the seventh semester of graduate study. The Departmental Seminar is a public presentation of the student's proposed research. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for the student to present the research to an audience unfamiliar with the student's work. Also, it affords the student an opportunity to demonstrate how the proposed research is progressing. Finally, it provides an opportunity for other members of our department to become familiar with the student's work.
- Submit a written Dissertation and successfully complete a Public Dissertation Defense.
