CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
72 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€45k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The PhD program in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is designed to develop students into leading researchers and innovators. The program typically takes four to six years to complete, requiring a minimum of one year of full-time graduate study in residence. Students are expected to demonstrate technical breadth, make consistent progress in research, contribute new knowledge to the field, and effectively disseminate their findings through written and oral presentations. The program emphasizes both coursework and independent research, guided by faculty advisors.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition and living costs for the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program?
- Doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year. The estimated total cost of attendance, excluding tuition and health insurance, is $34,018 per academic year for living expenses.
- How long does the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program typically take to complete?
- The program typically takes four to six years to complete, requiring a minimum of one year of full-time graduate study in residence.
- What are the main admission requirements for the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program?
- Applicants need a strong academic background, implied to be in a relevant field. If English is not your native language, a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100 is normally required; waivers are not issued.
- How do I apply to the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program?
- Applications are submitted through Carnegie Mellon's centralized online graduate application portal. You will need to upload transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
- When is the application deadline for the Fall 2027 intake?
- The application portal opens on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions. The specific submission deadline should be confirmed directly with the department.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available for PhD students?
- Yes, there are various funding opportunities such as Conference Funding, Professional Engagement Funding, Scholarly Project Funding, and the Rales Fellowship Program, with amounts varying.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeWhile not explicitly stated, a strong academic background in a relevant field is implied for PhD admission.
Master's DegreeAdmission is typically after a Bachelor's degree; however, units from a Master's degree can be applied towards the PhD requirements.
TOEFL iBTA minimum of 100 is normally required for successful applicants whose native language is not English. Waivers are not issued.
While the specific program page focuses on the M.S. in Automated Science: Biological Experimentation, the general application requirements for graduate programs at CMU often include transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Specific requirements for the ECE PhD program should be verified directly with the department.
Fees
Tuition (international)Doctoral Tuition: $52,300 per academic year
Tuition (home)Doctoral Tuition: $52,300 per academic year
LivingEstimated Total Cost of Attendance (excluding tuition and health insurance): $34,018 per academic year, which includes housing, food, books, personal expenses, and transportation.
Costs are for the 2026-2027 academic year. Health insurance is TBD. Loan fees are applicable for students borrowing federal loans.
How to apply
1. Application PortalSubmit your application through the relevant online graduate application portal (e.g., School of Computer Science online application for some programs).
2. Required DocumentsPrepare and upload all required application materials, including transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
3. English Proficiency TestIf English is not your native language, take the TOEFL iBT and ensure your scores meet the program's minimum requirements. No waivers are provided.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application by the specified deadline for your intended intake.
5. Await DecisionApplications are reviewed by the admissions committee, and applicants will be notified of the decision.
Scholarships
Conference FundingVaries
Professional Engagement FundingVaries
Scholarly Project Funding$750
Rales Fellowship ProgramVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition and living costs for the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program?
+
Doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year. The estimated total cost of attendance, excluding tuition and health insurance, is $34,018 per academic year for living expenses.
How long does the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program typically take to complete?
+
The program typically takes four to six years to complete, requiring a minimum of one year of full-time graduate study in residence.
What are the main admission requirements for the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program?
+
Applicants need a strong academic background, implied to be in a relevant field. If English is not your native language, a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100 is normally required; waivers are not issued.
How do I apply to the Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program?
+
Applications are submitted through Carnegie Mellon's centralized online graduate application portal. You will need to upload transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
When is the application deadline for the Fall 2027 intake?
+
The application portal opens on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions. The specific submission deadline should be confirmed directly with the department.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available for PhD students?
+
Yes, there are various funding opportunities such as Conference Funding, Professional Engagement Funding, Scholarly Project Funding, and the Rales Fellowship Program, with amounts varying.