Coursework
A minimum of 15 course units are required, consisting of both core courses and area-specific courses such as information theory, communication networks, signal processing, quantum semiconductors, and photonics and optics.
PhD in Electrical Engineering
Learn to develop the technologies to address global challenges
Electrical and computer engineering is an incredibly broad field that equips students to develop emerging technologies that will help address some of the world’s biggest challenges in energy, health care, and transportation.
Prepare yourself for this work by engaging in collaborative, interdisciplinary research in state-of-the-art labs with our world-renowned faculty members in areas such as solid-state devices, photonics, image and video processing, and wireless communications.
Our faculty research falls into two research interest groups:
- Systems and Signals focus on images and other forms of information and their acquisition, representation, processing, analysis and interpretation, coding, transmission through networks, wireless and other channels, and the control of linear and non-linear dynamic systems
- Solid State, Photonic, and Quantum Technologies focus on the design, analysis, and proof-of-concept development of solid-state and photonic devices and systems.
Students are fully funded by a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships.
Curriculum
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.
Research
PhD students focus on independent research culminating in a dissertation.
Teaching
All candidates serve as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course.
Dissertation
Candidate must present a dissertation indicating evidence of original or significant research.
Why Northwestern?
Network with fellow students and collaborate with internationally recognized faculty, research labs, and corporations
Network and build career expertise through work in student groups
Graduate students can connect with colleagues and jumpstart their careers through the many student groups within the department, including:
Work with world-class researchers across Northwestern
Our faculty members oversee and participate in many research centers at Northwestern.
- Center for Computational Imaging and Signal Analytics in Medicine
- Center for Deep Learning
- Center for Engineering and Health
- Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience
- Center for Optimization and Statistical Learning
- Center for Photonic Communication and Computing
- Center for Quantum Devices
- Center for Ultra-scale Computing and Information Security
Get a head start on your career while you earn your degree
PhD candidates may elect to participate in the Crown Family Graduate Internship Program. This opportunity allows the doctoral candidate to gain practical experience in industry or in national research laboratories in areas closely related to his or her research.
Questions about the ECE graduate program?
Career Paths
Prepare for a career in academia or industry
The PhD program in computer engineering emphasizes excellence in education and research, providing graduates with a solid foundation for a career in industry, academia, and research labs. In the last decade, recent graduates have founded more than half a dozen successful start-ups.
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 Your Program & Application Guide
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