phd online electrical engineering

Electrical Engineering Ph.D.

Design and build the next generation of new component and device technologies.

UND's Ph.D. in electrical engineering offers a customizable curriculum. You'll develop the expertise to research and design a variety of electrical-based technologies and advances. And, for those seeking a career in higher education, the electrical engineering doctoral program provides a clear path.

Why earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering?

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

From wireless devices, to electronic security, the smart grid and embedded systems, the future will be powered by electrical engineering. Those with the highest expertise will impact everything from the next generation of computing platforms, to the circuits that power a myriad of devices, as well as future innovations.

With the UND doctoral program in electrical engineering, you'll benefit from a curriculum that advances your electrical engineering education to the highest level, with opportunities to:

• Customize the curriculum, research and training to meet your strongest interests and professional career goals.
• Engage in both traditional engineering and complementary multidisciplinary studies.
• Experience strong interaction between fellow engineering students, and high-quality research to advance teamwork skills to the highest level.
• Gain advanced research expertise with the skills and knowledge to identify needs, define context and execute on applications.

Best Universities for Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Learn the advanced skills and knowledge needed to invent and develop the next generation of powered components, computer platforms and devices.

Gain a deep expertise in electrical engineering, along with a breadth of knowledge in related areas, such as computers, aerospace or biomedical, to achieve your goals and objectives.

Develop a strong research methodology and apply it to a specific engineering problem, as directed by an adviser.

Be well-prepared for advanced professional practice, teaching or a career in research and creative activities.

Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can you do with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering?

Median annual salary for electrical and electronics engineers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Projected job outlook for electrical and electronics engineers through 2033

Electrical engineers comprise the second largest branch of the U.S. engineering community (behind software engineers). For many top companies, electrical engineers with the highest education are in high demand. A Ph.D. in electrical engineering from UND can put you in a good position to be considered by some of today's global leaders, or a teaching position in a higher learning institution.

Electrical Engineering Ph.D. Jobs

UND electrical engineering Ph.D. graduates can expect a broad range of opportunities, including senior-level management or consulting. A very small sampling includes:

• Senior research engineer
• Senior electronics design engineer
• Senior electrical engineer
• Senior process engineer
• Senior systems engineer
• College professor or researcher

Careers with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering alumni can expect a range of opportunities in electrical engineering, and many have recently gone onto careers in top regional and global engineering firms like:

• Rockwell Collins

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering Courses

EE 434. Microwave Engineering. 3 Credits.

Review of transmission lines and plane waves, analysis of microwave networks and components using scattering matrices, analysis of periodic structures, transmission and cavity type filters, high frequency effects, microwave oscillators, amplifiers, and microwave measurement techniques. Prerequisite: EE 409 or consent of instructor. On demand.

EE 411. Communications Engineering. 3 Credits.

Mathematical definition of random and deterministic signals and a study of various modulation systems. Prerequisite: EE 314 . On demand.

EE 428. Robotics Fundamentals. 3 Credits.

Fundamentals of robotic systems: modeling, analysis, design, planning, and control. The project provides hands-on experience with robotic systems. Prerequisite: MATH 266 or consent of instructor. On demand.

EE 430. Introduction to Antenna Engineering. 3 Credits.

Review of vector analysis and Maxwell's equations, wave propagation in unbounded regions, reflection and refraction of waves, fundamental antenna concepts, wire-and aperture-type antennas, wave and antenna polarization, antenna measurements, and computer-aided analysis. Prerequisite: EE 409 or consent of instructor. On demand.

EE 456. Digital Image Processing. 3 Credits.

Digital image retrieval, modification, enhancement, restoration, and storage. Image transformation and computer vision. The associated laboratory provides hands-on experiences. Prerequisite: EE 304 and EE 314 . On demand.

Top Online Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

UND is regarded as one of the top academic and research institutions in the nation for engineering. Our doctorate in mechanical engineering consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#2 Best Online Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Online Electrical Engineering Ph.D.

best online graduate programs

best online college in North Dakota

Intelligent

Online Electrical Engineering Ph.D. Courses

UND’s online engineering courses mirror those offered on campus. As an online doctoral student, you’ll follow the same curriculum, watch the same lectures and have the same deadlines for completing lessons and exams as a student on campus. Depending on the professor you may:

• Access course materials, assignments and recorded lectures in a flexible asychnrous format allowing you to attend class on your own time.
• Communicate with engineering faculty and classmates.
• Use UND’s student support services such as online tutoring, digital library, tech support and advising services.
• Take supervised (proctored) exams using ProctorU.

Research and Residency Requirements

The Ph.D. program in electrical engineering provides an opportunity for sustained and concentrated intellectual efforts. In both campus and distance delivery modes, the electrical engineering faculty advisor and advisory committee members must maintain regular interactions with the Ph.D. student.

Online students can meet the residency requirement by demonstrating their research activities are coordinated with their advisor and advisory committee and are being performed in an environment that provides meaningful intellectual interactions on a regular basis. This may be provided through their place of employment, through interactions with a national lab or other recognized research facility/university, by interfacing with a private or public industry, hospital, or other similar venue. The student will be responsible for including the nature of their interactions as a part of their research plan for approval as meeting residency requirements.

Campus Visit

For students completing the Ph.D. program by online delivery, a minimum of three campus visits are required and you'll need to make a presentation during each visit. One of these presentations can be the oral presentation for the qualifying exam. Additionally, a Ph.D. candidate should be present for the Ph.D. dissertation defense.

Top-Tier Online Electrical Engineering Ph.D.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Review research expertise of our electrical engineering faculty or discover other graduate education opportunities.

• School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
• Find Similar Programs

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information .

PhD (Doctoral) Admissions Overview

Our research-intensive program cultivates the next generation of leaders in academia and industry. Electrical Engineering doctoral students work alongside faculty, fellow students, and researchers who are leaders in their disciplines.  

Application Timeline & Deadlines

Click on the links below to read about each step of the application process:

Did You Know?

• A master's degree is not required prior to applying to the PhD program in Electrical Engineering. • Applications are reviewed on an annual basis for autumn quarter start only. • December 7, 2024 is the application deadline for Autumn 2025-2026. • Typical completion time for the PhD degree is 5-7 years. • All PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support for the duration of the doctoral program.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is designed to build an interdisciplinary community of Stanford graduate students dedicated to finding creative solutions to the world's greatest challenges. The program awards up to 100 high-achieving students every year with full funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford, including the M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. To be considered, you must apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars and separately apply to the Electrical Engineering department.

Additional Resources

Electrical Engineering PhD

The Electrical Engineering PhD program studies systems that sense, analyze, and interact with the world. You will learn how this practice is based on fundamental science and mathematics, creating opportunities for both theoretical and experimental research. Electrical engineers invent devices for sensing and actuation, designing physical substrates for computation, creating algorithms for analysis and control, and expanding the theory of information processing. You will get to choose from a wide range of research areas such as circuits and VLSI, computer engineering and architecture, robotics and control, and signal processing.

Electrical engineers at SEAS are pursuing work on integrated circuits for cellular biotechnology, millimeter-scale robots, and the optimization of smart power groups. Examples of projects current and past students have worked on include developing methods to trace methane emissions and improving models for hurricane predictions.

APPLY NOW >

PhD in Electrical Engineering Degree

Harvard School of Engineering offers a  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)  degree in Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering , conferred through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Prospective students apply through the Harvard Griffin GSAS. In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select " PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering ​."

The Electrical Engineering program does not offer an independent Masters Degree.

Electrical Engineering PhD Career Paths

Graduates of the program have gone on to a range of careers in industry in companies such as Tesla, Microsoft HoloLens, and IBM. Others have positions in academia at the University of Maryland, University of Michigan, and University of Colorado.

Admissions & Academic Requirements

Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering​." Please review the  admissions requirements and other information  before applying. Our website also provides  admissions guidance ,   program-specific requirements , and a  PhD program academic timeline .

Academic Background

Applicants typically have bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. In the application for admission, select “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your degree program choice and your degree and area of interest from the “Area of Study“ drop-down. PhD applicants must complete the Supplemental SEAS Application Form as part of the online application process.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted

Electrical Engineering Faculty & Research Areas

View a list of our electrical engineering  faculty  and electrical engineering  affiliated research areas , Please note that faculty members listed as “Affiliates" or "Lecturers" cannot serve as the primary research advisor.  

Electrical Engineering Centers & Initiatives

View a list of the research  centers & initiatives  at SEAS and the  electrical engineering faculty engagement with these entities .

Graduate Student Clubs

Graduate student clubs and organizations bring students together to share topics of mutual interest. These clubs often serve as an important adjunct to course work by sponsoring social events and lectures. Graduate student clubs are supported by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin School of Arts and Sciences. Explore the list of active clubs and organizations .

Funding and Scholarship

Learn more about financial support for PhD students.

• How to Apply

Learn more about how to apply  or review frequently asked questions for prospective graduate students.

In Electrical Engineering

• Undergraduate Engineering at Harvard
• Concentration Requirements
• How to Declare
• Who are my Advisors?
• Sophomore Forum
• ABET Information
• Senior Thesis
• Research for Course Credit (ES 91R)
• AB/SM Information
• Peer Concentration Advisors (PCA) Program
• Student Organizations
• PhD Timeline
• PhD Model Program (Course Guidelines)
• Qualifying Exam
• Committee Meetings
• Committee on Higher Degrees
• Research Interest Comparison
• Collaborations
• Cross-Harvard Engagement
• Seminar Series
• Clubs & Organizations
• Centers & Initiatives
• Alumni Stories
• Graduate Student Stories
• Undergraduate Student Stories

• Current Students

Doctor of Engineering in Engineering

Program summary.

This online program provides a deep understanding of advanced engineering and high-level leadership principles, helping you prepare to direct high-performing research divisions or companies. This D.Eng. incorporates the rigor of a Ph.D. but shifts the focus of career progression from academic research to leadership in an industrial or commercial setting.

Learn in person

during a 5-day on-campus residency

Application deadline

Credits and costs, elevate your advanced engineering and leadership skills.

Research and develop new products or processes that can benefit industrial, governmental, or military entities.

Analyze and synthesize critical information within your discipline and, where appropriate, across multiple disciplines.

Communicate and effectively disseminate research findings through technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed papers.

Lead high-performing research and development teams, divisions, and corporations. 

Customize Your Course List

The engineering degree program offers an extensive selection of electives from more than 20 disciplines, allowing you to customize your learning to reflect your previous experience and/or desired career-advancement path. You will also learn through independent research in your chosen discipline.

To graduate from Penn State's 45-credit online Doctor of Engineering in Engineering program, you must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or better in all course work including:

• at least 9 credits of required core courses
• at least 6 credits of research and statistics methods
• at least 15 credits of technical electives
• at least 15 credits of praxis research

Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Praxis Research

The D.Eng. program is flexible enough to provide opportunities for both discipline-specific and cross-disciplinary research. A doctoral committee consisting of a minimum of three faculty members (with three members on graduate faculty at Penn State) will oversee the research. When pertinent to the student’s praxis topic area and personal circumstances, an additional member can be added as a “special outside industry member” from the associated industry, military, organization, or governmental function. This doctoral committee will require demonstration of analytical and critical thinking, consistent with the expectations for a doctoral research program.

The program culminates with a 15-credit praxis research project focused on applied research executed in a real-world industry environment. You will identify an industry problem and use applied research methods to develop and present a proposed solution.

Required Courses (select 9 credits)

If students have previously taken one of the professional core courses, they may request a substitution.

Traditional and contemporary leadership theory is analyzed to determine effective strategies for leading projects and innovation within an engineering context.

Develop competencies for leading new product/process development or participating in corporate spinouts using entrepreneurial skills within a corporation.

Covers the essential concepts and skills needed to make effective contributions on projects, on time and within budget.

Explores cultural differences and impact on business practices and team dynamics working on virtual project teams with global partner universities.

Research and Statistic Methods (select 6 credits)

This research methods course focuses on the development of competencies required to become a successful professional researcher in engineering fields.

Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, power, estimation, confidence intervals, regression, one- and 2-way ANOVA, Chi-square tests, diagnostics.

Analysis of research data through simple and multiple regression and correlation; polynomial models; indicator variables; step-wise, piece-wise, and logistic regression.

6 credits of statistics or STAT 500 ; matrix algebra

Analysis of multivariate data; T-squared tests; partial correlation; discrimination; MANOVA; cluster analysis; regression; growth curves; factor analysis; principal components; canonical correlations.

STAT 501 and STAT 502 ; matrix algebra

Identification of models for empirical data collected over time. Use of models in forecasting.

STAT 462 or   STAT 501  or STAT 511

Electives (select 15 credits)

You can customize your learning to match your past experience and future goals by selecting 15 credits from a comprehensive list of technical electives. Review the following course pages to see a sampling of electives offered in each area. Not all courses listed are eligible to satisfy the Doctor of Engineering elective requirements, and students will work with their adviser to finalize their academic plan.

• Additive Manufacturing and Design
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Analytics
• Ecosystem Management and Administration
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering Management
• Financial Engineering
• Geographic Information Systems
• Homeland Security – Base Program
• Homeland Security – Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense option
• Homeland Security – Counterterrorism option
• Homeland Security – Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention option
• Homeland Security – Intelligence and Geospatial Analysis option
• Homeland Security – Public Health Preparedness option
• Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering – Thermal Sciences
• Mechanical Sciences
• Nuclear Engineering
• Project Management
• Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems
• Software Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Praxis Research (15 credits)

Provides Doctor of Engineering students with the opportunity to identify an applied research problem and develop a praxis research project to address the problem/question. Students will investigate the literature relevant to the selected area(s) of interest. Students will develop and implement a comprehensive praxis research project to address the problem. Students will also disseminate the results in both a scholarly presentation (final oral exam) and praxis (final praxis research document).

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Advance Your Career

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

• Engineering Director
• Project Development Director
• Research and Development Director
• Research and Development Engineer
• Research Engineer

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Engineers, all other, career services to set you up for success.

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

• Opportunities to connect with employers
• Career counselor/coach support
• Occupation and salary information
• Internships
• Graduate school resources  

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

I agree to be contacted via phone, email, and text by Penn State World Campus and affiliates. I understand my information may also be shared with select providers to offer ads that may be of interest to me. Privacy Policy . reCAPTCHA protected. Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service .

Learn more about this program

Ready to take the next step toward your penn state doctorate, costs and financial aid.

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities , as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

• visit the Tuition Information site
• click the plus sign to expand the table
• select a semester from the World Campus row

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

Residency Experiences

As a Penn State World Campus Doctor of Engineering in Engineering student, you will fulfill major program milestones during a campus residency.

Residency Requirement and Program Milestones

The online Doctor of Engineering in Engineering program requires you to spend a total of five days on campus. Major program milestones include the qualifying exam, comprehensive exam, and praxis defense. The full residency requirement can be met by attending a single five-day campus residency or multiple shorter on-campus residencies that combine to a minimum of five days. 

Immediately prior to each fall semester, the D.Eng. program will hold an optional two-day orientation on the Penn State University Park campus that can count toward part of the residency requirement. Residency days can also be obtained through visits to campus for research meetings with praxis faculty, students, and researchers; attendance in lab group meetings; on-campus workshops; and organized D.Eng. program–specific professional development activities that will be offered at least once per semester for those in the program and to the broader community. Some of these days may also be spent in fulfillment of major program milestones, including your qualifying exam, comprehensive exam, and praxis defense.

Set Your Own Pace

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall).

Looking to fit your education into a busy life?  You can complete courses at your own pace while maintaining your professional and personal responsibilities. Most students take just one online course per semester. 

Looking to earn your degree as quickly as possible?  If you take two courses per semester, it's possible to complete this degree more quickly. Most graduate-level programs recommend a slower pace, and you should consult with your adviser if you would like to take three or more courses in a semester. 

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

How to Apply to Penn State

Apply by March 7 to start May 19

Application Instructions

Deadlines and important dates.

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

Summer Deadline

Fall deadline, spring deadline, steps to apply, 1. review the admission requirements..

For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, you must hold either (1) a master of science or master of engineering degree in a suitable engineering or related technical field from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates. Students should have earned at least a 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in their master’s program.

2. Gather your required materials.

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

GPA and Test Scores — All applicants are expected to have earned a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Statement of Professional Goals — This statement should be concise and well-written. It should reflect your academic interests, research/praxis plan, and motivation, as well as how these further your career objectives. Please include the following sections in your statement:

Academic Interests (about half a page) — Discuss your academic interest in this D.Eng. program. In addition, propose a course work plan (i.e., review the program’s electives and discuss which courses would be most effective to help reach your praxis research and professional goals).

Praxis Research Interests and Rationale (about 1 page) — The praxis research should apply what you come to the program with and will learn in this program (methods/technology/theory) to research and solve a significant/complex problem from your work. The goal of this section is to describe to the admissions committee a problem you have identified and the research plan, goals, and deliverables, and how these will be supported. In other words, this section should reflect your ability to effectively communicate the maturity of your research aspirations.

This section should include:

• Problem motivation (i.e., background of the problem/how do you know this is a problem that should be addressed via the praxis?)
• Problem statement/hypothesis (i.e., one or two sentences stating what specific problem this praxis research is going to solve)
• Project purpose (i.e., describe how the praxis research will generally address the problem)
• Project plan goals (i.e., a bulleted list of what will be analyzed, designed/researched, and implemented)
• Project deliverables (i.e., what could ultimately be delivered as the solution to this problem, in addition to the required written praxis)

Career Objectives (about half a page) — This section should communicate a synergy between the education and praxis research accomplished in this program with your career/professional goals.

English Proficiency  — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the  Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page . Visit the  TOEFL website  for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

References (3)  — References should provide academic and professional perspectives. You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment to success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.

At least one reference should be from your employer indicating they support the praxis topic and specifying what resources you will have access to in support of the topic, e.g., allocated time, lab support, data. This reference letter would ideally come from the immediate or area supervisor of the applicant.

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

Résumé or Vitae — Upload your résumé or vitae to the online application.

Writing Sample — Provide a published or unpublished paper, thesis, or another scholarly writing sample.  This sample must be in English.

Interview — You will be asked to participate in an interview, either via internet-based video conferencing or in person.

3. Create a Penn State login account.

To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

Create a New Penn State Account

If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected] .

Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

4. Read the application instructions.

You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

• Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
• Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

Checking Your Status  You can  check the status of your application  by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

5. Complete the application.

Admissions help.

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at  [email protected] .

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

Visit the Engineering Design and Innovation Site to explore the D.Eng. program student handbook and other guidance about the program and learn more about the College of Engineering.

For questions about the program, contact: Dr. Sven Bilén [email protected]

For general questions about Penn State World Campus, contact: World Campus Admissions Counselors Phone: 814-863-5386 [email protected]

Learn from the Best

Taught by respected Penn State faculty with strong academic credentials and real-world experience, the online D.Eng. program can position you for advancement to the highest-level leadership positions in research and engineering in both the private and public sectors.

Explore Other Academic Programs

• myState on Mississippi State University
• Directory on Mississippi State University

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Tuition & Fees

In-state tuition for everyone!

Take your next step!

Access current student portal

Class Schedule

Access the master class schedule

Request Info

Connect with the team

Get Started on Your Graduate Degree Online Today!

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at MSU offers graduate programs of study leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. These programs provide graduates for leadership roles in the constantly changing activities of research, product design, consulting and education.

Program highlights:

• Each graduate program is tailored to include course work and research to develop maximum capability in the student's area of special interest.
• Online courses are taught by the same faculty that teach in our on-campus settings.

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

What are some potential careers?

Program structure.

1 Students can also take up to 6 hours in ECE 7000, and a minor area outside the department is optional (12 credit hours at the Ph.D. level with a minimum of 3 credit hours at the 8000 level).

A doctoral student is required to orally defend his or her dissertation. The dissertation document (finished, not a draft) must be read and approved by the major professor and presented to the remaining committee readers two weeks before the scheduled oral defense.

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Direct-Admit

Ph.D. Qualifying Exam (New Policy)

Effective Fall 2021, the ECE coursework-based Ph.D. qualifier requires a Ph.D. student to earn a 3.5 GPA on the first 18 credit hours of ECE graduate coursework (at least 50% of credit hours must be at 8000-level). DIS courses are not considered for Ph.D. qualifier. Full-time students are required to pass the qualifier by the end of the second year of doctoral enrollment.

For Ph.D. students with their doctoral enrollment before Fall 2021, they are considered "qualified" by either passing the written qualifying exam in old policy (see below) or satisfying the new coursework-based policy. Otherwise, they are required to have a minimum of four A's on ECE graduate courses (at least two at the 8000-level, DIS excluded) in their transcript by Spring 2022 for full-time students, or with the consideration of the next 10 credit hours starting Fall 2021 for part-time students.

Ph.D. Qualifying Exam (Old Policy)

All students enrolled in the doctoral program in Electrical and Computer Engineering are required to pass a written qualifying examination. The purpose of this qualifying examination is to assess the student's broad background in ECE and ensure their capabilities for conducting doctoral work. This exam covers undergraduate EE and CPE course work.

Students who are classified as doctoral students must pass the qualifying examination within the first two years of full-time doctoral enrollment. Students enrolled in the doctoral program part-time have two years to pass the qualifying examination after completing 9 credit hours of course work.

The qualifying examination is given twice a year, each fall and spring semester, usually the first Saturday in October and the first Saturday in March, or as scheduled by the department. Students planning to take the qualifying examination must submit to the graduate program director a Qualifying Exam Form by September 15 for the fall semester and by February 15 for the spring semester.

In addition to students enrolled in the doctoral program, the following students may also take the qualifying examination:

• students enrolled in the M.S. program within the department
• senior undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher enrolled in the department

Exam Overview

The ECE qualifying exam consists of a total of 25 problems, 12 problems form core courses in ECE and 13 problems from discipline-specific, upper-level areas. Each student must select a total of 8 problems (a minimum of two problems from upper-level areas) to work within a 4-hour duration for grading. Pass/fail results will be reported.

Sample Exam

ECE Qualifying Sample Exam

Permitted Calculators

A basic calculator is permitted; that is, any calculator permitted to be used on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination may be used. See the NCEES Calculator Policy for more information.

Course Coverage

Core courses.

• ECE 3443 - Signal and Systems
• ECE 3313 - Electromagnetics I
• ECE 3323 - Electromagnetics II
• ECE 3413 - Intro to Electronic Circuits
• ECE 3414 - Energy Systems
• ECE 3424 - Intermediate Electronic Circuits
• ECE 3434 - Advanced Electronics Circuits
• ECE 3714 - Digital Devices
• ECE 3724 - Microprocessors
• ECE 3213 - Solid State Electronics
• CSE 2383 - Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms
• CSE 2813 - Discrete Structures

Discipline Specific

• ECE 4713 - Computer Architecture
• ECE 4743 - Digital System Design
• ECE 4833 - Data Communications and Computer Networks
• ECE 4723 - Embedded Systems
• CSE 4733 - Operating Systems
• ECE 4413 - Intro to DSP
• ECE 4243 - Physical Electronics
• ECE 4263 - Intro to VLSI Design
• ECE 4613 - Power Transmission Systems
• ECE 4913 - Feedback Control Systems I
• ECE 4813 - Communications Theory
• ECE 4313 - Antennas

Admissions Requirements

Students seeking full admission into this program should apply as a classified student. Non-degree seeking students wishing to take classes offered through the online program should apply as an Unclassified student.

Applications for the degree programs are reviewed three times a year. The application deadlines for those semesters are as follows:

• Fall Semester – June 1
• Spring Semester – November 1
• Summer Semester – May 1

An applicant for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year educational institution that has unconditional accreditation with appropriate regional accrediting agencies. They must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the Electrical and Computer Engineering program.

Regular admission to graduate study in the program requires a minimum grade point average (last four semesters of undergraduate work) of 3.00/4.00. When a student is deficient in one of the criteria cited, the student's application, nevertheless, may be considered for admission based on the strength of other materials contained in the student's application.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores are NOT required for entry into this program.

Bagley College of Engineering programs may accept transfer work previously completed by the student. Transcript reviews to determine transfer or prerequisite work will be evaluated AFTER students are granted full admission. Once admitted an academic coordinator can review those transcripts for more information.

To meet admission requirements, submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university attended

Attention International Students

International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score greater than 550. Detailed information regarding international applications can be found in the Graduate Catalog . Questions regarding international applications can be addressed to the Office of the Graduate School at [email protected] .

• ETS is providing home testing for the TOEFL iBT test, and MSU is encouraging students to take advantage of this testing option. For those students applying who have taken the TOEFL within five years of the semester they plan to enroll and are unable to access the TOEFL iBT test from home, we will accept your previous test scores.

Admission Options

Domestic/international classified admissions, domestic unclassified admissions, international unclassified admissions, provisional admissions, readmission, transfer credit.

• Submit online application . You will choose Electrical and Computer Engineering as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
• Statement of Purpose
• TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
• You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
• One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
• Electronic transcripts should be sent to: [email protected] Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
• Paper Transcripts Address (USPS): Mississippi State University The Office of the Graduate School P.O. Box G Mississippi State, MS 39762
• Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.): Mississippi State University The Office of the Graduate School 175 President Circle 116 Allen Hall Mississippi State, MS 39762
• Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students. Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
• Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Only NINE (9) hours of course work taken as an "Unclassified Student" can be applied toward a degree program. All Unclassified students should submit a classified application once they have reached the maximum of nine hours. Full admission into the Electrical and Computer Engineering online program will be based upon successful completion of all classified admissions requirements.

If you are applying unclassified, select "Graduate School - Unclassified" as the college.

• Submit online application
• Pay $60 non-refundable application processing fee

PLEASE NOTE In general, students who are not admitted into a degree program are not eligible for student financial aid funds. For more information please visit Student Financial Aid to see if you will be eligible or not while taking courses as an Unclassified graduate student.

• One copy of academic records showing degree(s) (in native language along with translated copies if appropriate)
• Must obtain application approval from the Dean of the Graduate School
• Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.

A student who has not fully met the requirements stipulated by the University and the department for admission to graduate study may be granted admission as a degree-seeking graduate student with provisional status. Such student must have as his/her initial objective advancement to regular status. A provisional student must receive a 3.00 GPA on the first nine hours of graduate level courses on the program of study taken at Mississippi State University (transfer hours or unclassified graduate hours will not apply) in order to achieve regular status. If a 3.00 is not attained, the provisional student will be dismissed from graduate study.

Once enrolled in graduate study, a student who fails to meet the continuous enrollment requirement must complete an Application for Readmission to register for classes. Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in two of three semester terms (Fall, Spring, or Summer) with Fall enrollment required. Students who have not been enrolled for a period of three years or longer and are in good academic standing, are eligible to reapply to through the Lapsed Student Program. Readmission is not guaranteed and must be approved by the Department Head, Academic Dean, and Dean of the Graduate School. Interested students or academic departments should contact the Graduate School for more information.

Students may transfer up to twelve (12) hours of graduate level credits from regionally accredited institutions. The decision to grant transfer credit is made by the advisor and the student’s graduate committee. If you wish to transfer credits, contact your advisor. You will need to provide an official transcript showing the courses you wish to transfer.

Accessing Online Courses

Accessing course videos.

Videos recorded during our on campus class sessions are uploaded for online students to view within our online course repository.  Online students will have access to course videos within 24 hours of the on campus course completion. Students should visit Engage to access the course videos. Instructions for viewing the recordings and downloading the recordings are offered below.

View and Download Videos

Instructions for viewing classes live or downloading videos, use our video download instructions.

If you experience technical difficulties or have any questions regarding the recording or format of our lecture capture, please contact:

IT Support & Staff Bagley College of Engineering Mississippi State University [email protected] 662.325.7794

Student Resources

ECE Graduate Handbook

Graduate Forms

ECE Graduate Student Orientation

Ph.D. Qualifying Exam

Thesis and Dissertation

Research Guide

Contact Information

Mindy Wolfe

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

• General Program Questions
• Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

• Current Student Inquires
• Academic & Support Services Assistance

Dr. Jenny Q. Du

Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Interim Graduate Program Director

Tamra Swann

Engineering

• Distance Education Coordinator

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering