20 Best Doctor of Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Graduate Schools
Share this on:
Find your perfect college degree
Electrical Engineering is a branch of science studying electricity’s complexities, from constructing devices to supplying them with electricity to function and serve their purpose. A lot of professionals in the field pursue a doctoral degree to demonstrate advanced knowledge and unlock the best-paying career paths.
That said, an Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering doctorate expectedly entails rigorous coursework. Choosing the right program in this innovative STEM field is critical to ensuring that students obtain in-depth knowledge and extensive training to prepare them for the industry.
Quick audio summary:
METHODOLOGY
The 20 Doctor of Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering programs on this list take pride in this arsenal of features:
- Updated and extensive curricula covering best practices for high-level professional settings,
- Allows credit transfer,
- Robust student support services,
- Full academic accreditation,
- Active memberships in esteemed organizations,
- Impressive education reviews from leading academic agencies,
- Favorable reviews from students and alumni.
20 Best Doctor of Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Graduate Schools
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
| Tuition | $29,875 regular tuition per term |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
The EECS degree program at MIT is a consistent top-of-the-list of college-ranking websites. In addition to its rigorous curriculum, students of EECS doctorate receive financial assistance to cover full tuition, medical insurance, and a monthly living stipend.
PhD students have various research opportunities in several areas, including Bioelectrical Engineering, Control and Decisions Systems, Electromagnetics, Energy and Power, and more. Applicants must have a Master’s in Electrical Engineering degree.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
| Tuition | $1,304 per unit (summer) |
| Credit Hours | 135 |
The Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University expects students to study on full-time status to complete the program in five years. While a master’s degree is not a requirement for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering degree, they may choose to complete a master’s degree on their way toward a Ph.D.
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences
| Tuition | $6,132 per semester |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
The Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, is one of the best in the country, blending original research and rigorous coursework. The program does not require a master’s degree from students who want to apply for its Ph.D. program.
The College of Engineering recommends a minimum number of courses for Ph.D. students, including major, minor, outside minor, and elective courses, with at least 24 semester units.
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $18,136 annually (residents) $33,238 annually (non-residents) |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
UCLA’s PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering prepares students to master a subfield, leading to career tracks that focus on interdisciplinary research. The program requires students to complete the degree within five years, with those without an MS degree completing it in seven years.
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
| Tuition | $54,032 full tuition (first two years) |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
The Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering degree program at Harvard is committed to developing the student’s mastery in these fields:
- Computer Engineering
- Robotics and Control
- Signals and Information Processing
- Devices and Circuits
- Photonics
Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences runs the Electrical Engineering Ph.D. program. It admits applicants based on their flair and capability to contribute to their chosen field.
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $24,800 per semester |
| Credit Hours | 126 |
Cornell University’s Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering requires its students to enroll at Cornell Ithaca Campus for their first semester. Afterward, they will select their advisor/committee chair and be able to relocate to New York City.
The university does not require a master’s degree for admission to the Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program. Successful student applicants are admitted directly to the doctorate program. However, they should first pass a qualifying examination administered by the ECE faculty.
Duke University
Durham, NC
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $69,620 per 12 months (years 1-3) |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
The Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Duke takes pride in its world-class research and mentoring opportunities. The curriculum is specifically designed for students who are determined to undertake projects in areas that attract global interest, such as Machine Learning.
Duke University’s Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program aims to provide students with great opportunities. It allows them to present their research to the professional community and explore their field in a collaborative working environment.
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
| Tuition | $63,063 per year |
| Credit Hours | 135 |
Caltech’s Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering program accepts applicants with only a bachelor’s degree in EE. Initially admitted to the Master’s in Electrical Engineering program, you will be evaluated based on your interest, statement of purpose, and recommenders’ opinions, assessing your potential to contribute to the university’s terminal program.
If you pass the evaluation, you will be allowed to begin research work, which signifies that you are formally admitted to the Ph.D. program. To qualify for the Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program, applicants must complete 18 research units, complete 135 advanced Electrical Engineering courses, pass 27 mathematics courses, and pass a qualifying exam.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $586 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
The Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech is a highly individualized program. It is centered around interest areas like bioengineering, electromagnetics, electrical energy, electronic design and applications, and more.
It is committed to developing students to become leaders in this technology-driven world and do their share of improving human lives.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $48,250 per academic year |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
CMU’s PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering focuses on the principles, theories, and applications of electrical and computer engineering. Once accepted as a full-time Ph.D. student, the university will provide funding, provided that you are making sufficient progress toward the completion of your Ph.D. degree.
The curriculum will allow students to create and accumulate theoretical and technical knowledge of electrical and computer systems and impart this knowledge to undergraduates during their residencies.
George Washington University
Washington, DC
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
| Tuition | $2,075 per credit |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
GWU’s Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering offers a curriculum that is structured and well-planned research on communications, electronics, power, and energy. Students are required to work with a faculty member to assist in research, writing and publishing a dissertation, and participating in professional Electrical Engineering conferences.
If you are admitted to GWU’s Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering program., these are the top research areas you will encounter:
- Communications and Networks
- Electrical Power and Energy
- Electronics, Photonics, and MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems)
- Systems and Controls of Signal and Image Processing
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
Ph.D. – Electrical Engineering
| Tuition | $5,898 per semester (residents) $15,978 per semester (non-residents) |
| Credit Hours | 60 |
The Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering degree at Auburn allows students to develop mastery in these fields:
- Power Systems
- Electromagnetics Modeling and Analysis
- Computer Engineering
- Digital Signal Processing and Communications
- Control Systems and Robotics
- Microelectronics and Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
- Wireless Engineering
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and
- Digital Systems
The university guarantees the availability of equipment and facilities to students in each of these fields. It also offers individualized interdisciplinary programs in engineering, sciences, and mathematics.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
| Tuition | $12,252 per year (resident) $25,578 per year (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours | 109 |
The Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering program at UW Madison consists of electrical and computer engineering courses. It delves into discovering innovative ways of using research to solve problems in various areas, including Applied Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Energy Systems, Optics and Photonics, and more.
As a Ph.D. student, you will have an opportunity to earn a Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree on your way to your Ph.D.
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
| Tuition | $12,562 per year (resident) $26,496 per year (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours | 84 |
One of the main goals of ASU’s doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering is to make significant contributions to help strengthen the Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering fields. The program is delivered in six major areas of specialization:
- Electric Power and Energy Systems
- Control Systems
- Electromagnetics
- Electronic and Mixed-signal Circuit Design
- Antennas and Microwave Circuits
- Signal Processing and Communications, and
- Physical Electronics and Photonics
Students with non-Electrical Engineering undergraduate degrees can apply but will be encouraged to take Electrical Engineering courses to enhance their understanding of doctorate courses.
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $14,832 per year (resident) $15,102 per year (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours | 55 |
The Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering degree at the UCSC intends to discover Electrical Engineering breakthroughs beneficial to humankind. The program is focused on the following topics and allows students to choose one to pursue research:
- Electronic Circuits and Energy Systems
- Robotics, Control, and Cyber-Physical Systems
- Photonics and Electronic Devices
- Signals, Image Processing, and Communications
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering provides financial assistance to graduate students, covering tuition and living expenses.
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI
Ph.D. in Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | Fully Funded |
| Credit Hours | 60 |
The Ph.D. in Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering degree at UM-Dearborn is centered on research, continuing professional education, and the latest engineering practice. This is a full-time research-based program that aims to mold students into proficient original translational researchers and innovators of electrical, electronics, and computer engineering technologies.
All Ph.D. students at the University of Michigan are entitled to full funding, although they are required to render services as Research Assistants or Graduate Student Instructors. The school’s financial support covers the students’ tuition fees, monthly stipends, and health insurance.
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $57,410 regular enrollment |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
Princeton’s Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering admits qualified applicants with an undergraduate degree in related disciplines, even without a master’s degree. This research-based, interdisciplinary and collaborative program focuses on the major fields of electrical and engineering sciences, such as:
- Physics
- Advanced Circuits
- Devices
- Artificial Intelligence, and
- Data Information Science.
While the regular enrollment sticker price seems high, the university ensures that qualified students will receive full funding.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $5,558 per semester (in-state) $14,959 per semester (out-of-state) |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
The Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering program at Purdue University reinforces classroom study with an in-depth investigation. It enhances students’ understanding and confidence in their learning by enabling them to collaborate with the Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty.
Students with or without a master’s degree are welcome to apply to Purdue’s Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program.
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
| Tuition | $1,310 per credit |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
FIU’s Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering is the university’s second-largest engineering and is anchored on a culture of innovation. It provides an opportunity to master one of its five areas of specialization:
- Electromagnetics
- Wireless Systems and Technology
- Photonics
- Spacecraft Systems
- Systems and Information Processing
University of Texas-Austin (Cockrell)
Austin, TX
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition | $1,215 per credit hour (in-state) $1,612 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
| Credit Hours | Varies |
The Electrical and Computer Engineering program offered at the University of Texas-Austin is a huge department housed at its Cockrell School of Engineering. It offers graduate work in various areas of study, including experimental and theoretical/computational research.
UT Austin’s ECE PhD offers eight academic tracks spanning electrical and computer engineering:
- Architecture, Computer Systems, and Embedded Systems
- bioECE
- Decision, Information, and Communications Engineering
- Electromagnetics and Acoustics
- Electronics, Photonics, and Quantum Systems
- Integrated Circuits and Systems
- Power Electronics and Power Systems
- Software Engineering and Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What knowledge and skills are expected of an Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering degree holder?
Specific courses will vary. However, there are several topics you can expect to encounter. This includes:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Electronic Principles
- Circuit Theory
- Applied Electrodynamics
- Calculus
- Technical Writing
- Electromagnetism
- Robotics
What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical Engineering studies electricity, researches, designs, and develops systems using electromagnetism and electronics. Courses develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and creative skills for success.
What is Electrical and Computer Engineering?
Electrical Engineering encompasses various aspects of technology, including digital systems, computers, and surgical robots, and is crucial for designing and optimizing modern digital devices across various industries.
What is a Ph.D. in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering?
PhDs in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering is an advanced degree that aims to equip students with abilities to conduct independent study and contribute original concepts to the electrical and electronics field. However, it’s a rare degree in the US. A majority of better schools in the country offer a PhD in Electrical Engineering or PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering instead.
What are the differences between Electrical Engineering and Electronics Engineering?
Both professions have a lot of things in common, mainly because they are closely related. But if you look at their scopes, you will see that Electrical Engineering is the broader field because it covers electronics engineering and other areas, including communications and signal processing.
Here’s a table of comparison of their key differences:
| Aspect | Electrical Engineering | Electronic Engineering |
| Focus | Energy conservation, power distribution, and renewable energy generation. | Design and optimization of electronic components. |
| Skill Set | * Power systems * Electromagnetism * Control systems | * Circuit design * Programming * Electronic testing |
That said, seeing electrical and electronic engineers do similar jobs in these industries should not be a surprise:
- Telecommunications
- Semiconductor
- Instrument Manufacturing
- Engineering services
- Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Defense
- Marine
- Information Technology
What can I expect from a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering/Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that Electrical Engineering jobs will grow by 5% between 2020 and 2030 and have an estimated 22,700 job openings per year for the same period.
For as long as there are industries that rely on technology that depend on electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism – electrical, electronics and computer engineers will always have a place in this world.
What factors must be considered when choosing a graduate school in Electrical and Electronics or Computer Engineering?
Choosing a graduate school in Electrical Engineering requires following specific guidelines to avoid time-consuming and impractical applications.
1. Chances of Admission
Identify graduate schools near your residence, considering your interests and career goals. Separate them into categories based on admission chances. Pick two schools where you have higher chances of admission (you exceed the basic qualifications), two with a strong chance (you meet the criteria), and one uncertain (you lack clearly defined criteria).
2. Learning Experience
Academic experience is a key player in your success. You need to choose a program that aligns with your career goals. Moreover, your professors will be your advisors to help you choose and write your graduate thesis topic, which means you should consider schools where one or more professors stand out in your area of interest.
3. Faculty
Faculty members are among the best people to ask for information about the school. Try to arrange a meeting with faculty members you want to work with – to ask for insights into the program. Establishing a network in grad school you’re your professors can also bring some advantages to your application.
4. Feedback from Current Graduate Students
You can also connect with current Ph.D. students and ask them about their experiences with their professors, teaching and research methods, and the pros and cons of the program. They are a great source of organic comments, observations, and evaluations about the program.
5. Program Facilities and Resources
School facilities and resources for your PhD—such as laboratories, computers, libraries, teaching assistantships, grants, and summer fellowships—are valuable elements of learning and success. Always read the school catalog and evaluate whether the services they offer meet your needs and interests.
Do schools provide funding for their Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Students?
Most, if not all, schools offer full funding for Doctoral of Electrical Engineering programs. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and health insurance, and the amount varies depending on the school’s resources.
