Ph.D. Electrical Engineering

A Ph.D. program with emphasis in Signals and Systems is offered through the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Full-time and part-time program options are available and generally requires a prior M.S. degree in EE, CS or closely related field.

Ph.D. Electrical Engineering (BMCS)
A Ph.D. program with emphasis in Signals and Systems is offered through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Upon entry into the program a Student Program Committee (SPC) of three faculty members is formed. The student discusses feasible research areas and eventual research directions with the committee and together they chart an individualized course of study to prepare the student for the qualifying exam.

The qualifying exam may be written or oral or both, at the discretion of the SPC, and may additionally involve a formal research proposal. It is usually taken within 12 months of enrolling in the program, and may be scheduled at any time of year. The amount of course work to be completed before taking the qualifying exam depends on the individual's level of preparation at entry. At minimum, three graded Electrical Engineering courses from OGI must be completed before taking the exam.

After passing the qualifying exam, the student works with the SPC to develop a research plan specifically for the dissertation. Ph.D. students are required to make annual reports to the SPC on the status of their research, and may be called upon to deliver timely research presentations as the work progresses. The dissertation itself must constitute a significant research contribution and must be of publishable quality. The Ph.D. degree is granted following the presentation of an acceptable dissertation and successful oral defense.