UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
72 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at UC San Diego is a research-focused degree. It requires the completion of specific coursework, passing a preliminary examination, a university qualifying examination, and the successful defense of a doctoral dissertation. The program is designed to train students to become independent researchers capable of making significant contributions to the field.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. program requires forty-eight units of coursework, equivalent to twelve quarter courses. A minimum of thirty-six of these units must be in graduate-level courses. All course requirements are expected to be completed within two years of full-time study. Students who already hold a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in electrical engineering may have their course requirements adjusted with approval from their academic advisor.
- Year 1
- Year 2
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering?
- Specific academic and English language requirements are not detailed on the program page. Applicants to the Joint Doctoral Program with SDSU must have a bachelor's or master's degree and meet admission criteria for both institutions, including securing an SDSU faculty advisor.
- What is the duration of the Ph.D. program?
- The program requires forty-eight units of coursework, expected to be completed within two years of full-time study. The normative time limit for completion is six years of full-time study, or five years for students entering with an M.S.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees are not specified on the program page. As a public university in the United States, international student tuition can be significantly higher than domestic tuition.
- How do I apply to the Ph.D. program?
- Applications are submitted online through the UC San Diego Graduate Application. Top candidates may be invited for campus visits and faculty interviews in February and March.
- What are the career prospects after completing this Ph.D. program?
- While specific outcomes are not detailed, the Ph.D. prepares graduates for advanced research and development roles in academia and industry.
- Are there any scholarships available for Ph.D. students?
- The Chancellor's Associates Scholarship is available for eligible admitted transfer students, with amounts up to $20,000 over two years. There is also a specific scholarship for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, though the amount is not specified.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are not specified on the program page. As a public university in the United States, international student tuition can be significantly higher than domestic tuition.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are not specified on the program page. Domestic student tuition may vary.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program page.
The Joint Doctoral Program with SDSU may have different fee structures.
How to apply
1. Complete the UC San Diego Graduate ApplicationSubmit your application online via the UC San Diego Graduate Application portal. Ensure all required information and documents are included.
2. Identify a Potential Faculty Advisor (Strongly Encouraged)It is highly recommended to identify a faculty member willing to supervise your doctoral research by the end of your first year. This involves researching faculty interests, having conversations to assess compatibility, and talking to current students of potential advisors.
3. Participate in Interviews (if invited)Admitted students may be invited to UCSD for interviews in February and March. These interactions are important for assessing fit and discussing research opportunities.
4. Complete Preliminary ExaminationThis examination must be passed by the end of the second year of full-time study (or fourth quarter for students entering with an M.S.).
5. Complete University Qualifying ExaminationThis examination should be taken approximately one year after passing the Preliminary Examination, typically by the end of the fourth year of full-time study (highly recommended by the end of the third year).
6. Submit and Defend DissertationThe final steps involve submitting your completed doctoral dissertation and successfully defending it before your doctoral committee.
Scholarships
Chancellor's Associates ScholarshipUp to $20,000 over two years (up to $10,000 per year)
Chancellor's Associates Scholarship: Enrolled Members of Federally Recognized TribesNot specified
Accreditation
The University of California, San Diego is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering?
+
Specific academic and English language requirements are not detailed on the program page. Applicants to the Joint Doctoral Program with SDSU must have a bachelor's or master's degree and meet admission criteria for both institutions, including securing an SDSU faculty advisor.
What is the duration of the Ph.D. program?
+
The program requires forty-eight units of coursework, expected to be completed within two years of full-time study. The normative time limit for completion is six years of full-time study, or five years for students entering with an M.S.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees are not specified on the program page. As a public university in the United States, international student tuition can be significantly higher than domestic tuition.
How do I apply to the Ph.D. program?
+
Applications are submitted online through the UC San Diego Graduate Application. Top candidates may be invited for campus visits and faculty interviews in February and March.
What are the career prospects after completing this Ph.D. program?
+
While specific outcomes are not detailed, the Ph.D. prepares graduates for advanced research and development roles in academia and industry.
Are there any scholarships available for Ph.D. students?
+
The Chancellor's Associates Scholarship is available for eligible admitted transfer students, with amounts up to $20,000 over two years. There is also a specific scholarship for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, though the amount is not specified.