The PhD program in computer engineering prepares students to become innovative leaders in academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial settings. The program, designed with a research focus in mind, equips students to develop emerging technologies that will help address some of the world’s biggest challenges in areas such as energy, healthcare, and transportation.
PhD students explore the interrelationships between hardware and software in a hands-on, interdisciplinary setting. Areas of focus include computer architecture, design automation, embedded and reconfigurable systems, very large-scale integration (VLSI), computer systems, compilers, mobile and wearable computing, Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, and machine learning.
The basics at-a-glance
The PhD curriculum is designed to help students solidify and in-depth background in their intended area of research, while also providing a breadth of knowledge in computer engineering and related fields.
Students typically complete the program in 4-5 years.
A minimum of 15 course units are required, including at least six courses from CE track categories: Digital Design & VSLI, Embedded and Cyber-physical Systems, Computer Architecture, Software Systems, Parallel and Distributed Systems, Algorithms, and Internet-of-Things.
Our PhD program is designed with relatively few required courses, allowing students to focus on their area of research interest. Research begins on day one for PhD students.
All candidates serve in an instructional capacity for at least one academic quarter.
Candidate must present a dissertation indicating evidence of original or significant research.
“The research I will conduct is meant to directly empower marginalized populations worldwide to use wearables that may be lowpowered but are just as performing useful. This is my way to giving back to my community.”
Network with fellow students and collaborate with internationally recognized faculty, research labs, and corporations
Notable outside partners include:
Connect with colleagues and jumpstart your career through our many student groups, including:
PhD candidates may elect to participate in the Crown Family Graduate Internship Program, which offers students practical experience in industry or national research labs in a paid position and may provide a basis for future employment.
Prepare for a career in academia or industry
Recent graduates have pursued careers in industrial research labs or continued their work in universities around the world. In addition, in the last decade, recent graduates have founded more than half a dozen successful startup companies.
Also, our career advisers in Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement assist students with career development and placement.
Where our alumni work in industry and research labs
Where our alumni work in academia
Request a customized program guide about the PhD in computer engineering.
