UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical & Computer Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Direct PhD or traditional PhD with Master'sAdmission Tracks
- Interdisciplinary research opportunitiesResearch Focus
- Optional concentration in Computational Science & EngineeringSpecialization
- Guaranteed funding for first five years (for eligible Grainger Engineering PhD students)Funding Guarantee
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required, 3.5+ recommended for admissionGPA Requirement
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers two admission tracks: a traditional doctoral program for those with a master's degree and a direct doctoral program for those with a bachelor's degree. This program focuses on advanced research and aims to develop students' abilities to identify and solve complex technical challenges in the field. Students will gain in-depth knowledge in specialized areas, develop strong communication and teaching skills, and be prepared for research-oriented careers. Research within the department is diverse, spanning numerous interdisciplinary programs and laboratories, including affiliations with centers like the Beckman Institute and the Coordinated Science Laboratory. This provides ample opportunities for graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research and collaborate across disciplines. Students can also pursue specialization through the Computational Science & Engineering optional graduate concentration. Graduates are expected to demonstrate expertise in at least one sub-area of ECE, possess a broad understanding of the field's research landscape, and be capable of functioning effectively as researchers and potential educators.
Careers
Graduates of the PhD program are prepared for advanced research and development roles in industry, academia, and government laboratories. The program equips students with the analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for impactful careers.
- Research Scientist
- R&D Engineer
- Professor
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Technical Lead
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering?
- Applicants need a Bachelor's or Master's degree substantially equivalent to the University of Illinois ECE curriculum, with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 for the last two years of undergraduate study. A GPA above 3.50 is strongly recommended for admission. GRE scores are optional, but English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) are required.
- How much does the PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering cost and what funding is available?
- Most admitted PhD students receive fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. These typically cover tuition, fees, and provide a stipend. Grainger Engineering PhD students may be guaranteed funding for their first five years.
- How long does the PhD program take to complete?
- The program duration is not specified, but it involves completing credit hours, thesis research, qualifying, preliminary, and final exams, and depositing the dissertation.
- What are the application deadlines for the PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15, and the deadline for Spring admission is July 15.
- What career opportunities are available for PhD graduates in Electrical & Computer Engineering?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Research Scientist, R&D Engineer, Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Technical Lead in industry, academia, and government laboratories.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's or Master's DegreeSubstantially equivalent to University of Illinois Electrical or Computer Engineering curriculum. Graduates in physical sciences, mathematics, or computer science may be admitted if background is sufficient.
GPAMinimum 3.0/4.0 for the last two years of undergraduate study. GPAs below 3.50 are rarely admitted.
TOEFL or IELTSMinimum scores set by the Graduate College
IELTS (for Teaching Assistantship consideration)Minimum 8.0 on speaking section
TOEFL iBT (for Teaching Assistantship consideration)Minimum 24 on speaking section
GRE is optional. For PhD admission with a master's degree, a faculty member must be willing to serve as the thesis advisor prior to application. International applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses to obtain a visa.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Most admitted PhD students receive fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships, which typically include tuition waivers and stipends. Grainger Engineering PhD students in their first five years may be guaranteed a funded appointment covering tuition, fees, and a stipend.
How to apply
1. Contact Potential Advisor (for Master's entry)If entering with a Master's degree, contact prospective PhD advisors to discuss research interests and potential thesis topics well in advance of application deadlines.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores (optional), and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS).
3. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College admissions portal. Pay the application fee.
4. Submit Financial DocumentationInternational applicants must provide documentation proving their ability to self-support their studies to the Graduate College to facilitate visa processing.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmissions decisions are typically released after the application deadlines.
Scholarships
Fellowships, Research Assistantships, Teaching AssistantshipsFull tuition waiver, partial fee waiver, and stipend
Accreditation
Not specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor's or Master's degree substantially equivalent to the University of Illinois ECE curriculum, with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 for the last two years of undergraduate study. A GPA above 3.50 is strongly recommended for admission. GRE scores are optional, but English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) are required.
How much does the PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering cost and what funding is available?
+
Most admitted PhD students receive fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. These typically cover tuition, fees, and provide a stipend. Grainger Engineering PhD students may be guaranteed funding for their first five years.
How long does the PhD program take to complete?
+
The program duration is not specified, but it involves completing credit hours, thesis research, qualifying, preliminary, and final exams, and depositing the dissertation.
What are the application deadlines for the PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15, and the deadline for Spring admission is July 15.
What career opportunities are available for PhD graduates in Electrical & Computer Engineering?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Research Scientist, R&D Engineer, Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Technical Lead in industry, academia, and government laboratories.