Best Ph.D. in Computer Engineering Programs

Founded in 1965, the University of California-Irvine (UCI) educates more than 35,000 students in 224 academic programs. As part of its academic network, UCI maintains the Samueli School of Engineering, which enrolls over 4,500 students.

Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

UCI's Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering allows students to choose from electrical and computer engineering concentrations. The computer engineering concentration focuses on designing, developing, and evaluating software and systems.

Research topics generally fall into one of three main categories: software design, computer architecture, or embedded systems. This customizable program fosters research skills in VLSI architectures, low-power design, security, and service-oriented architectures. Students may also pursue joint Ph.D./JD degrees through UC Irvine's Program in Law and Graduate Studies.

Applying to UCI

Each prospective student must possess a 3.5 or higher GPA and a bachelor's degree. UCI does not require GRE scores, but the application includes a $135 fee. New students can begin each fall.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Public
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Tuition: $12,264 per year
• Required Credits: Contact school for specifics
• Program Length: Five years
• Delivery Format: On campus

With 110 graduate programs across 19 schools and colleges, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UM-Ann Arbor) serves students from 50 states and 99 countries. In 2023, the university was responsible for 580 new inventions.

Ph.D. in Computer Science Engineering

UM-Ann Arbor's Ph.D. in computer science engineering prepares graduates to pursue careers as researchers or college teachers. This program includes advanced coursework in subjects like microwave circuits, quantum nanotechnology, electrical biophysics, and computer vision. The program concludes with a dissertation.

Students generally complete master's degree requirements in the first three years of the program before conducting research for their dissertations. UM-Ann Arbor accepts limited transfer credits. All admitted applicants receive full financial support for the duration of the program.

Applying to UM-Ann Arbor

Prospective students should apply by Dec. 15 for admission in the following fall term. Each applicant must possess a bachelor's degree and a 3.5 GPA or higher. Candidates with master's or Ph.D. degrees in computer science will not be considered.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $2,117 per credit (in state) or $3,628 per credit (out-of-state)
• Required Credits: Varies
• Program Length: Five years
• Delivery Format: On campus

Northwestern University serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in Chicago, Evanston, and Qatar. The university reports that, as of 2022, 97% of its graduates were employed or pursued further education within six months of graduation.

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

Offered through the McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern's Ph.D. in computer engineering prepares aspiring leaders to serve in industrial, academic, and entrepreneurial settings. 

The curriculum includes a small number of courses drawn from at least three of six tracks — algorithms, the internet of things, software systems, computer architecture, parallel and distributed systems, embedded and cyber-physical systems, and digital design and VLSI. 

The program focuses on research, teaching, and professional development, and students have an opportunity to practice all three skills. For example, Northwestern offers the Crown Family Graduate Internship Program for participants to gain experience in industry or national research laboratories.

Applying to Northwestern

An applicant must demonstrate their academic background in computer engineering by earning a degree in a related field. The application deadline is Dec. 1. Northwestern's Ph.D. program's application fee is not publicly available. 

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $4,672 per quarter
• Required Credits: Contact school for details
• Program Length: Five years
• Delivery Format: On campus

A Catholic university founded in November 1842, the University of Notre Dame enrolls more than 13,000 students. In addition to its academic and spiritual emphases, Notre Dame is known as the home of the Fighting Irish.

Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering

Open to applicants with bachelor's and master's degrees, Notre Dame's Ph.D. in computer science and engineering is a research-heavy program that prepares graduates to pursue positions in academia, government, or industry.

The degree requires coursework in topics such as operating systems, computer architecture, and algorithms, along with an oral exam, dissertation, and dissertation defense. Research topics include software engineering, computer architecture and systems, and human-computer interaction.

Students generally take classes part time and serve as research or teaching assistants to receive full tuition, health insurance, and a 12-month stipend.

Applying to Notre Dame

Each applicant needs a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field — Notre Dame does not require GRE scores or a master's degree. The application fee is $75, and the deadline for new applicants is Dec. 15.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $32,178 per semester
• Required Credits: 60
• Program Length: 3-5 years
• Delivery Format: On-campus

A school of 47,000 learners, the University of Southern California (USC) awards more than 14,000 advanced degrees annually. The university is known for its community partnerships, sponsored research, and Trojan athletic teams.

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

Offered through the Viterbi School of Engineering, USC's Ph.D. in computer engineering provides guided research in subjects like computer architecture, computer-aided design, distributed systems, and VLSI design. The school enrolls about 50 doctoral-level students.

Courses may include advanced topics in microarchitecture, mixed-signal integrated circuit design, stochastic processes, and probability for electrical and computer engineers. Once coursework is complete, students with GPAs of 3.5 GPA or higher qualify for the screening exam, which allows them to begin their research.

The school offers fellowships, assistantships, and other resources to cover tuition and living expenses during the program. 

Applying to USC

Each candidate applies with a $90 fee, transcripts, and a personal statement. USC requires Ph.D. applicants to hold bachelor's degrees in engineering, math, or hard science. No GRE score is needed.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Tuition: $2,543 per credit
• Required Credits: 60
• Program Length: 5-6 years
• Delivery Format: On campus

Located in one of the country's most historic cities, Boston University (BU) enrolls 37,000 students in 300 programs of study from across 17 colleges and schools. Students can participate in arts, medical, or research programs in Boston or around the world. 

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

BU's Ph.D. in computer engineering equips students with the research skills and theoretical knowledge they need to succeed in high-tech environments. In 2022, seven new students entered the program, and seven graduated. Post-bachelor's students complete eight courses, including tech preparation courses, a teaching practicum, and a dissertation. 

BU provides opportunities in five research areas: bio-ECE and digital health; imaging and optical science; mobile/cloud computing and cybersecurity; data science and intelligent systems; and photonics, electronics, and nanotechnology. The university encourages external collaborations with government and industry labs as students prepare for tech roles in various sectors.

Applying to BU

A prospective student must send evidence of a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in a relevant field of study but do not have to submit GRE scores. Each candidate must submit BU's application by Dec. 15 for fall admission and pay a $95 fee. 

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Tuition: $63,798 per year
• Required Credits: 64
• Program Length: Five years
• Delivery Format: On campus

From its 2,000-acre residential campus in coastal California, the University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) serves more than 18,000 students. Sammy the Slug, a yellow banana slug, has been the university's official mascot since 1986.

Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering

Offered through the Baskin School of Engineering, UC Santa Cruz's Ph.D. in computer science and engineering provides doctoral students with many opportunities for research. The school's areas of specialization include natural language processing, computer vision, social computing, and cyber-physical systems. 

Ph.D. students complete 18 credits of core courses in programming languages and theory, computer architecture or systems, AI, machine learning, and data science. Then, they engage in an additional 40 credits pertaining to their area of interest before sitting for the qualifying examination. After passing the exam, they may advance to candidacy to write and defend their dissertations.

Applying to UC Santa Cruz

Between Oct. 1 and Jan. 10, each candidate should submit their application, a $135 fee, and all supporting documents. UC Santa Cruz expects a Ph.D. applicant to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two years. GRE scores are not required.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Public
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $14,832 per term (in state) or $29,934 per term (out of state)
• Required Credits: 58
• Program Length: Five years
• Delivery Format: On campus

Founded in Boston in 1898, Northeastern University now has 13 campuses across the U.S., in Canada, and in London. The university reports that about 93% of its graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

Offered in part-time and full-time formats, Northeastern's Ph.D. in computer engineering allows students to learn in class or through streaming video. The curriculum covers software engineering, computer-aided design, applied algorithms, computer architecture, and microprocessor-based design.

Students must complete 32 semester hours of coursework — the equivalent of a master's degree — before taking the final 16 credits, which includes their dissertations. New students who already hold a master's degree may move directly into their final 16 credits. Each doctoral student must hold a 3.0 GPA or better and successfully defend their dissertations to graduate.

Applying to Northeastern

For admission, a candidate must submit an application, pay a $100 fee, and submit transcripts showing they have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. Non-engineering majors may need leveling coursework. The application deadline is June 1 or Dec. 1 for early action.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Tuition: $1,864 per credit
• Required Credits: 48
• Program Length: 4-6 years
• Delivery Format: On campus or hybrid

Founded in 1853, Washington University of St Louis (WashU) now enrolls more than 16,500 graduate and undergraduate students from 110 countries and all 50 states. Almost 2,900 of these students pursue engineering degrees.

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

WashU's Ph.D. in computer engineering takes a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to solving real-world computer problems through research. Students majoring in computer science, electrical engineering, and other STEM fields can pursue this degree. Each student is fully funded, receiving tuition coverage and living stipends.

Each first-year student completes two one-month rotations with research groups. WashU expects doctoral students to commit 40 hours per week to their research program. New learners are automatically inducted into the Association of Graduate Engineering Students, a networking organization.

Applying to WashU

Each candidate submits an application, a $75 fee, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. In 2024, GRE scores are optional for Ph.D. applicants. The application deadline is Dec. 15.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $32,250 per semester
• Required Credits: 72
• Program Length: Five years
• Delivery Format: On campus

With campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee, the University of South Florida (USF) enrolls more than 50,000 students. It generates upwards of $6 billion in economic impact and is a top 10 producer of Fulbright Scholars in the U.S.

Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering

USF's Ph.D. in computer science and engineering prepares students to conduct and report independent research in the discipline. This program accepts students with bachelor's and master's degrees. Graduate degree-holders take fewer credits to complete their degrees.

Enrollees take three core courses before conducting independent research and writing the dissertation. Enrollees need GPAs of 3.6 or higher in core courses before advancing. More important than accruing credits, doctoral students should demonstrate competence in computer science and engineering. 

Applying to USF

Each applicant submits GRE scores and transcripts, along with a resume and letters of reference. USF expects prospective students to have backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering. The application fee is $30.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Public 
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $348 per credit (in state) or $773 per credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 72
• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Delivery Format: On campus