How do I Earn a Computer Engineering PhD?

The first step toward a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in computer engineering is typically to receive a four-year degree, such as a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. You will likely want to begin applying at graduate programs while you are still working on your bachelor’s degree, and you should consider any specific requirements for graduate programs as you are completing your undergraduate work. Once you are admitted into a graduate program you will then usually need to complete required coursework and testing, as well as prepare a doctoral thesis or dissertation and present and defend your work before receiving your computer engineering PhD.

To begin working on your computer engineering PhD you should typically start off by receiving a four-year degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Some graduate programs require that you have a master’s degree as well, while other schools will admit someone with a bachelor’s degree. These programs usually require that you complete coursework to receive a master’s degree as you work on your computer engineering PhD. You may also need to take certain tests to be eligible for admission, such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and international students may need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as well.

Once you satisfy the requirements for admission and are admitted into a school, you will then usually need to complete a certain amount of coursework and research to receive your computer engineering PhD. If you do not have a master’s degree then the program will likely take a few years longer. You will likely need to take some form of PhD qualifying examinations to become a PhD candidate and progress in your work, and you may be expected to assist other professors or teach classes. Once you pass these exams, you will then be ready to begin the research necessary to earn your computer engineering PhD.

This research is typically aimed at identifying some problem or issue in the field of computer engineering or science and then doing research and work to find a way to solve this problem or improve the issue. The problem you choose and how you will approach it typically forms the basis of a doctoral thesis which you will present to an adviser for approval. Once approved, you will likely spend several years researching and working on the issue before finally publishing and presenting your work. A final public defense of your work is usually the last step toward your computer engineering PhD and once complete you will have earned your degree.