Ph.D. Electrical Engineering at University of South Florida

Programme overview

The Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering is a research-intensive programme preparing students for academia, research institutions and industrial R&D leadership, culminating in a doctoral dissertation. Research areas include nano and emerging devices, power and grid systems, communications and signal processing, electromagnetics, embedded and cyber-physical systems, AI and machine learning, and biomedical systems. An optional concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cancer Research is offered with the Moffitt Cancer Institute.

Faculty: College of Engineering | Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering | Duration: 72 credit hours post-bachelor's (up to 30 credits may transfer for entrants with a master's) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tampa, FL, United States

What you will study

4 core credits (random processes, applied optimization), 18 credits in a specialization, 4 math/statistics credits, 12 credits of concentration or EE electives, 12 credits of electives or directed research, a 2-credit graduate seminar and at least 20 dissertation credits. Students pass a doctoral qualifying exam (minimum 3.25 GPA in EE graduate courses), advance to candidacy and defend the dissertation.

Career pathways

Academia, research institutions, industrial research and development, consulting.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must also meet USF graduate admission and English proficiency requirements. BS (or equivalent) in an engineering programme; applicants without an engineering BS are evaluated case by case and may need additional courses before admission. GRE is optional. Personal statement (maximum 2 pages), three letters of recommendation and a recent resume/CV.

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.

Doctoral admission is offered for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Final university deadlines for doctoral programmes: February 15 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, February 15 for Summer. Programme-specific priority deadlines apply for funding and consideration.

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