
Computer Engineering Doctoral Program
Program Details
Degree
Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment
Electrical and Computer EngineeringAvailable
On campusGain the in-demand computer engineering skills you need to lead in rapidly evolving fields like cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).
In the Stevens computer engineering Ph.D. program, you’ll develop a strong repertoire of knowledge and techniques, learning to develop models, algorithms and architectures and using them to solve a variety of challenges. Then, you’ll apply that expertise alongside faculty innovators who are advancing the principles and practices that enable today’s complex computer hardware, software, digital, electronics and wireless communications systems. All the while, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the HUDSONLab, which focuses on fundamental challenges in chip design, data science, AI and IoT, and the AISecLab, which focuses on analytics and information security for complex systems.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers dynamic opportunities to explore leading-edge research within a close community of faculty mentors. You'll be able to study under a faculty mentor in the area that you find most exciting:
Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing
Information Systems and Cybersecurity
Cognitive Radio Networks and Spectrum Management
Data Analytics
Internet of Things
Blockchain Technology
Applied Artificial Intelligence
Electrical and Computer Engineering Research at Stevens
Major advantages of studying electrical and computer engineering at a premier research institution like Stevens include support for your ideas, great mentors and the best tools for your research. Learn more about research in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The Stevens Advantage
Stevens computer engineering Ph.D. graduates are highly regarded in academia, with many alumni going on to careers as research fellows and faculty at other institutions. Additionally, Stevens’ proximity to New York City offers ample opportunities for networking in fields like technology, telecommunications, defense, consulting, finance and government.
More Advantages to Our Program
Innovative curriculum including courses on artificial intelligence, wireless security and intelligent networks
Opportunities for both independent research and collaborative work with renowned faculty in state-of-the-art facilities
Collaboration with other universities and national research centers
Strong financial support and strategic mentoring
Strong focus on research and commercialization with patented knowledge
Optional Practical Training (OPT) to enhance professional opportunities
Additional Information
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applicants with a master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering (up to 30 credits may be transferred to Stevens’ Ph.D. program). Applicants carrying a GPA of 3.5 or higher are preferred. Exceptionally well-qualified applicants with a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering and a background that demonstrates the potential to perform independent research may be considered for direct admission to the Ph.D. program.
Program Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.5, from an accredited institution
Official college transcripts
Two letters of recommendation
Resume or curriculum vitae
A statement of purpose
For international students: An excellent TOEFL/IELTS score
A competitive GRE or GMAT score (required for both part-time and full-time applicants)
For information about fellowships and assistantships, contact Graduate Admissions. Contact >
Computer Engineering Doctoral Program Curriculum Overview
The computer engineering doctoral program provides opportunities for the Ph.D. student to proceed with professional development beyond the master’s level. The course work may be directed toward depth in the area of the master’s degree or toward depth in a new area related to that of the master’s degree. A design project of significance is required.
By the end of this program, you will be able to:
Conduct research in the design and analysis of computer hardware and software systems, digital and electronics systems, and wireless communication systems
Design models, algorithms, and architectures to protect information security
Apply computer engineering knowledge and techniques to solve a broad spectrum of engineering problems
Play a leadership role in both academia and industry
Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. program requires the completion of a total of 54 credits beyond the master’s degree or 84 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, passing of a qualifying examination, a dissertation proposal defense, and the final dissertation defense.
For students with a master’s degree, a minimum of 18 course credits and 18 research credits must be completed, together with a 3-credit Stevens signature course: PRV961. The remaining 15 credits could be either courses or research credits. For students admitted into the Ph.D. program directly from the bachelor's degree, a minimum of 30 course credits, and 30 research credits must be completed, together with a 3-credit Stevens signature course: PRV961. The remaining 21 credits could be either course or research credits.
Qualifying Examination
Successful completion of a written qualifying examination is required.
Doctoral Dissertation and Advisory Committee
Within one year of passing the qualifying examination, the student must complete and defend a thesis proposal. A Ph.D. candidate may arrange for an advisor to assist in the development of the thesis proposal. The advisor must be a full-time ECE professor or professor emeritus. The proposal must indicate the direction that the thesis will take and procedures that will be used to initiate the research. Some preliminary results are often included in the proposal. In addition, the proposal must include the results of a thorough literature search.
A committee of at least three faculty members, chaired by the thesis advisor, must accept the written thesis proposal and conduct an oral defense presented by the doctoral candidate.
All Ph.D. candidates who are working on a thesis must have a thesis committee chaired by the thesis advisor. The committee must include at least three full-time faculty members or professors emeritus of the ECE department, and one regular faculty member from another department. In addition, it is permissible and encouraged to include a highly qualified person from outside of Stevens. The committee must approve the completed thesis unanimously. After the thesis has been completed, it must be publicly defended.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS >
If you have existing graduate credits or experience in this area of study, contact [email protected] to discuss opportunities to include it in the curriculum.
A Tech Forward Education
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