Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Engineering

The Computer Engineering PhD prepares students for careers in research or academia with potential focus in computer systems and VLSI design, software engineering and algorithms, intelligent systems and Machine Learning, computer networks and computer security, as well as simulation systems. The doctoral program in Computer Engineering is primarily intended for students with a master’s degree in Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline wishing to pursue a career in research or academia. Specializations include computer systems and VLSI design, software engineering and algorithms, intelligent systems and Machine Learning, computer networks and computer security and simulation systems. Research interests of the Computer Engineering faculty include computer architecture, software engineering, artificial intelligence, expert systems, modeling and simulation, computer networking and ubiquitous computing, computer security, and very large-scale integration (VLSI) systems. The Computer Engineering PhD degree requires a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Of these 72 hours, a minimum of 36 credit hours must be formal coursework, exclusive of independent study coursework. A minimum of 15 credit hours with up to a maximum of 24 credit hours of dissertation hours can be credited toward the degree. No more than 12 credit hours of Independent Study are allowed. The remaining hours can be a combination of formal coursework and/or pre-candidacy doctoral research. The Computer Engineering Program supports a number of specialization areas. These specialization areas are (in alphabetical order): Computer Networks and Computer Security (CNCS), Computer Systems and Reconfigurable Hardware (CS/RH), Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning (ISML), and Software Systems and Algorithms (SSA).