Doctor of Philosophy Engineering with a Concentration in Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)

Doctoral degrees in engineering that focus on Electrical and Computer Engineering are required for college-level teaching and employment in research institutions. Many leading industries and agencies also seek well-trained doctoral graduates.

The Ph.D. degree is awarded to candidates who have displayed an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrated the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen field of specialty. A key component of the Ph.D. degree is the student's original research, culminating in a written dissertation and an oral defense. Ph.D. students usually publish the results of their research in highly reputable nationally and internationally refereed journals. In addition, the students are expected to present their work at national and international conferences.

For additional information, please request a departmental handbook from the Graduate Program Director (ECEGPD@odu.edu).

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering with a Concentration in Electrical and Computer Engineering requires a minimum of 49 credits beyond a master's degree (or 79 credits beyond a bachelor's degree).  These include 24 credits of coursework, 24 credits of dissertation research, and 1 credit of graduate seminar (beyond a master's degree). 

Additional Information

Additional Graduate Student Resources (Graduate School): The Graduate School has extensive additional resources for graduate students at https://www.odu.edu/graduateschool/graduate-student-resources  

Program Financial Aid: Our programs offer graduate assistantships with stipends, awarded to students following a competitive review process.  The level of award is determined on the basis of previous experience and performance as a graduate assistant and on the student’s academic achievement and potential in the field. In addition, several teaching and research positions are available to support graduate assistants during the summer months (June and July).

Accelerated Study (Dual Dominion Program): Exceptionally well-qualified undergraduate students in the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology can apply for entry into the Dual Dominion Program, which permits students to begin pursuit of a graduate degree (including a doctoral degree) in Engineering while they are still pursuing their undergraduate degree in a complementary discipline. Subject to approval by the undergraduate and graduate program directors, a student enrolled in the Dual Dominion program may count up to 6 credit hours of coursework toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Students who are matriculated in an undergraduate major in the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology with a GPA of at least 3.5 overall and 3.5 in the major are eligible to apply for admission to a Dual Dominion Bachelor's/PhD's program.  Additional Undergraduate Catalog information on the Dual Dominion program can be found at https://catalog.odu.edu/undergraduate/registrationrequirementsandprocedures/linked_programs/.

Admission Information

Application Process

Summary: Applications for graduate study in the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Program (Electrical and Computer Engineering Concentration) should be made through the general ODU Application Portal.  Additional materials supporting your application (outlined below) will be required. Once complete, your application package will be reviewed and forwarded to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Program's Graduate Program Director for consideration.  Questions regarding the general application process can be directed to admissions@odu.edu (on-campus) or globaladmissions@odu.edu (online).

Application Deadlines:  The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Program uses a rolling admission process and does not have a formal application deadline.  Program entry and commencement of studies will begin at the start of the next academic term following admission.

General ODU Requirements

General ODU Requirements: General requirements for graduate admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Program (Electrical and Computer Engineering Concentration) can be found on the ODU Graduate Admissions website.   Additional details are available in the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog.

Additional Program Requirements:

Prior Degrees: Electrical and Computer Engineering doctoral applicants typically hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field.  However, exceptionally well-qualified students may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program without a master’s degree. Provisional admission (see below) may also be possible for applicants with prior degrees in a related field other than the applicant’s intended graduate program. 

GPA: Regular admission to a doctoral program generally requires a master's degree GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA may be considered for regular or provisional admission based on successful engineering work experience or other credentials that demonstrate potential for success in the doctoral program.  Exceptionally well-qualified students with a bachelor's degree GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program without a master’s degree.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are required.

Examination/Test Scores: Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is nominally required.  However, this requirement is waived if the applicant holds an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institution in the USA.

Language Proficiency Requirements: TOEFL (or IELTS) scores are required for all applicants whose native language is not English, unless their BS degrees are from USA institutions.  These applicants must meet the University's admission requirements (IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 79). Please refer to the website at https://www.odu.edu/admissions/proficiency for additional details.

Résumé: A résumé or CV detailing relevant experience is required.

Personal Statement: Each applicant must submit an essay of 500 words or fewer describing personal and academic goals, professional objectives, preparation for graduate study, and how the chosen program will help the applicant achieve these goals and objectives.

Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation must be submitted.  At least one must be from a former or current professor, and one could alternatively be from an employment supervisor. 

Provisional Admission: Students who do not meet the above requirements may be admitted provisionally.  Only the Graduate Program Director (GPD) can waive an admission requirement.  Please contact the GPD directly if you believe you are eligible for a waiver from a requirement.  The GPD may request additional information, including GRE scores.  Provisionally admitted students may be required to complete additional prerequisites to prepare them for the graduate curriculum in their discipline.

Curriculum Requirements

Curriculum requirements in the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Electrical and Computer Engineering Concentration) are in accordance with the general requirements for Ph.D. degrees at Old Dominion University as specified in the Requirements for Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Progression in the Ph.D. program is governed by a Plan of Study established by the student in conjunction with their advisor and guidance committee.  The Plan of Study will follow the established course requirements (below) unless a substitution to one or more courses is agreed upon between the student and their primary advisor and approved by the Graduate Program Director.

The plan of study is designed to prepare the student to undertake scholarly research in the particular field and specialization of their dissertation. The coursework selected will provide the student with (1) the requisite foundational knowledge of the selected field, and (2) the necessary research skills. A high degree of flexibility is provided to customize the plan of study, taking into account the diversity of fields of study, the multidisciplinary nature and variety of research undertaken, as well as the different levels of preparation that individual students have upon entry to the program.

The Ph.D. degree requires:

•     24 credit hours of graduate-level courses beyond the master's degree    
      (not including Graduate Seminar),
•     24 research credit hours (ECE 899),
•     1 credit of graduate seminar (ECE 831),
•     successful completion of a written diagnostic examination,
•     successful completion of written and oral candidacy examinations,
•     successful completion of a dissertation research proposal, and
•     successful completion and public defense of a dissertation.
•     Or, in the absence of a master's degree, 79 credit hours ( 48 credit hours of graduate-level courses, 30 research credit hours, and 1 credit of graduate seminar) beyond the bachelor's degree are required. 

All Ph.D. students are required to take the department's Ph.D. Diagnostic Examination. BS/PhD students are required to take the Diagnostic Exam for the first time before the end of their fourth semester or after completing 36 credit hours of graduate coursework. PhD students with an MS are required to take the Diagnostic Exam for the first time before the end of their second semester or after completing 18 credit hours of graduate courses. The examination is offered in the fall and spring semesters, and the student must pass it in no more than two attempts. The second attempt, if necessary, should be taken at the next offered examination.  The topics for the examination and samples of previous examinations are posted on the department's website.  The examination rules are given on the first page of each examination.

It is required that the written and oral candidacy examinations be taken in the semester preceding completion of the graduate coursework or in the following semester.  Once a student has completed the coursework, passed the candidacy examinations, and gained approval for the research proposal, the student advances to candidacy.  It is a university requirement that students who have advanced to candidacy be enrolled for at least one credit hour every fall, spring, and summer until graduation. For both advisory and dissertation committees, the chair must be a full-time ECE faculty member or a faculty member with an ECE degree from the BCET college. A faculty member who is not in the BCET college may still be approved to serve as an advisor, but cannot serve as the committee chair unless they have a joint appointment with ECE.  Additionally, a minimum of 2 full-time ECE faculty members and 1 external ECE member are required for the committee.  

Students Starting Doctoral Studies After Master's Degree:

The 49 credit hours of graduate-level coursework consist of 8 graduate courses selected by the student in consultation with the research advisor and approved by the Graduate Program Director, 24 credits of dissertation (ECE 899), and 1 credit of graduate seminar (ECE 831).   For 8 graduate courses, at least 5 courses (15 credits) must be completed at the 800 level; no more than 6 credit hours of Independent Study courses (ECE 897) may be taken; and no more than 3 graduate courses (9 credits) may be taken in other departments.  Exceptions to the credit-hour distribution requirements at any level must be approved in writing by the graduate program director, the dean or his or her designee, and the provost or his or her designee. Additional coursework or an appropriate research background may be required to meet prerequisites for courses or to prepare for the diagnostic examination. Furthermore, at least 1 credit hour of Graduate Seminar (ECE 831) is required, and all funded students are required to attend Graduate Seminar. The graduate course descriptions are included in the catalog and are also listed on the department's website. Additional graduate courses are offered through Cardinal Education (Home - Cardinal Education).

Students Starting Doctoral Studies After Bachelor's Degree:

The 79 credit hours of graduate-level coursework consist of 16 graduate courses selected by the student in consultation with the research advisor and approved by the Graduate Program Director, 30 credits of dissertation (ECE 899), and 1 credit of graduate seminar (ECE 831).   For 16 graduate courses, at least 6 courses (18 credits) must be completed at the 800 level, no more than 6 credit hours of Independent Study courses (ECE 897), and no more than 3 graduate courses (9 credits) can be taken in other departments.  Exceptions to the credit-hour distribution requirements at any level must be approved in writing by the graduate program director, the dean or his or her designee, and the provost or his or her designee. Additional coursework or an appropriate research background may be required to meet prerequisites for courses or to prepare for the diagnostic examination. Furthermore, at least 1 credit hour of Graduate Seminar (ECE 831) is required, and all funded students are required to attend Graduate Seminar. The graduate course descriptions are included in the catalog and are also listed on the department's website. Additional graduate courses are offered through Cardinal Education (Home - Cardinal Education).