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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.
|
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 |