PhD Computer Engineering (Computer Systems) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in computer engineering with a concentration in computer systems prepares you to conduct transformative research at the intersection of hardware and software, driving innovation in next-generation computing systems. This transdisciplinary program encompasses computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics and the physical sciences. You may have the opportunity to conduct original research that advances the design, analysis and optimization of computing systems.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (6 credit hours) CSE 551 Foundations of Algorithms (3) EEE 554 Probability and Random Processes (3) Concentration (9 credit hours) Focus Area Electives (3 credit hours) Technical Electives (30 credit hours) Research (24 credit hours) CEN 792 Research (24) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) CEN 799 Dissertation (12) Additional Curriculum Information Concentration, focus area and technical elective courses are selected in consultation with the academic unit.

Career pathways

Graduates are well positioned for careers in academia, advanced research laboratories, or highly technical entrepreneurial ventures, where they lead the development of next-generation computing technologies. Career examples: computer engineering professor, computer engineering researcher, computer hardware engineer, computer systems engineer, systems software engineer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of recognized standing in a related field such as computer engineering, computer science, computer systems engineering or electrical engineering. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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