Northwestern University campus

Engineering

Computer Engineering PhD at Northwestern University

Northwestern University, United States

Programme overview

A research-focused PhD exploring hardware-software interrelationships, with focus areas including computer architecture, VLSI, embedded and reconfigurable systems, compilers, IoT, cyber-physical systems and machine learning.

Faculty: McCormick School of Engineering  |  Duration: 4-5 years  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

At least 15 course units, including six from track categories (Digital Design and VLSI, Embedded and Cyber-physical Systems, Computer Architecture, Software Systems, Parallel and Distributed Systems, Algorithms, IoT); one quarter of teaching and a dissertation are required.

Career pathways

Industrial research labs and universities; alumni at Intel Labs, IBM, Google, Qualcomm and AMD; more than half a dozen startups founded in the last decade.

Official programme page

Application information

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

Explore more study programmes

Engineering

BS Artificial Intelligence

Northwestern University, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Undergraduate terms run fall, winter and spring (quarter system); first-year applicants apply throug

Engineering

BS Biomedical Engineering

Northwestern University, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Undergraduate terms run fall, winter and spring (quarter system); first-year applicants apply throug

Engineering

BS Chemical Engineering

Northwestern University, United States

Degree
Bachelor's
Next intake
Undergraduate terms run fall, winter and spring (quarter system); first-year applicants apply throug

View all study programmes →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.