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Doctor of Philosophy

Electrical and Computer Engineering

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Become a Leader in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program at the University at Albany encompasses the design, development, testing, and evaluation of hardware and software components, as well as integrated systems and networks. The doctoral program prepares you for research and/or teaching careers in industry, at universities, or in government agencies, and develops your ability to recognize and formulate research problems, apply theoretical and/or experimental techniques to develop a solution, and to transmit the results to the scientific and engineering community.

At UAlbany, you’ll work closely with an ECE faculty member, performing research that leads to your doctoral dissertation (thesis). The broad research areas are signal processing and communications, electronic circuits and systems, and control and computing systems with research projects often spanning multiple areas.

Program Highlights

Expert faculty: Work with world-class, research-active faculty who are experts in their disciplines.

Diversity: Our faculty is also incredibly diverse, including a higher representation of female faculty than in most other ECE programs.

Research: Join a research team of one of our faculty and engage in externally-funded research that advances a field in ECE

Flexibility: Choose from a wide variety of courses and the ability to build your program of study to meet your career goals.

Location: Live in proximity to New York’s Tech Valley and take advantage of numerous internship and job opportunities available within the public and private sectors of this innovative region.

Cost: Most full-time doctoral students receive Graduate Assistantships that provide tuition and a stipend.

Network: Gain access to an invaluable network of leading professionals in the field of electrical and computer engineering.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Course Catalog

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Content

Career Outlook

A PhD in ECE opens doors to opportunities in academia, research, and technology leadership. Graduates are recognized as experts in their fields and many find jobs with leading technology firms and national laboratories. A PhD is generally required to teach at the college level.

Two engineering students working on electrical component of a machine in laboratory

"As a doctoral student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at University at Albany, I am grateful for the unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research, collaborate closely with the faculty and the students while playing a key role in the growth of the department and the field."

- Maqsood Careem, ECE doctoral student

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: January 15
  • Spring: September 1
  • Summer: Not Available


 No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: March 15
  • Spring: November 15
  • Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Personal statement
Special Notes

Departmental Assistantship Consideration is subject to availability of funds and student credentials.

Students are expected to have an appropriate undergraduate degree such as a B.S., B.Tech, B.E., M.S., M.Tech, or M.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related fields.  Students with other backgrounds may be admitted on a conditional basis and need to take additional courses to build up their background before starting their program.

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

PhD
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge in one area of Electrical and Computer Engineering;
  • Apply their knowledge in the science, mathematics and engineering disciplines to solve problems;
  • Study an issue, identify and evaluate alternative actions, propose a course of action, implement a solution, and defend conclusions; and
  • Present technical information in a variety of formats, including written reports and oral presentations.
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