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Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. Program Overview

The main component and focus of the Ph.D. program is the independent research culminating in a Ph.D. thesis. Students should find a Faculty Advisor and participate in research activities as soon as possible. However, students must also take courses to help them establish both breadth and depth of knowledge in their area of research. 

  • Focus is on conducting novel, independent research
  • Typical time-to-degree is 4-5 years
  • Minimum of 9 graduate courses (36 units)

Latest rules and qualifications regarding coursework requirements will be explained in the latest graduate student manual.

Timeline of Ph.D. degree

Latest rules and qualifications regarding coursework requirements will be explained in the latest graduate student manual.

Milestone
Time to Completion
Submit a course plan, drafted in consultation with Faculty Advisor and/or Graduate Program Advisor Start of program
Start research with Faculty Advisor Start of program
Take classes Unit requirements must be completed within first 2 years 
Pass Preliminary Exam Before the end of 2nd year (normally at end of 3rd or 4th quarter)
Oral Qualifying Exam Committee approved, then Pass Oral Qualifying Exam Before the end of 2nd or 3rd year
Continue research; write Ph.D. Thesis Normally 3.5 to 5 years from start of program
Submit application to graduate through R’Web By Monday of 4th week of graduation quarter
Defend Ph.D. Thesis; submit it to Graduate Division Quarter of Graduation