Computer Engineering (Computer Systems), PhD

Program Overview

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, with a focus on computer architecture, networks, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, or highly technical entrepreneurial innovation.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Type: PhD
• Area: Computer Engineering
• Focus: Computer Systems
• Objective: Develop a unique combination of computer science and electrical engineering skills.
• Description: This transdisciplinary program builds on the fundamentals of computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics and physical sciences.
Students can take courses and participate in projects across two schools and among the core areas.
• Target Audience: Students with excellent ability in mathematics and physical science who are interested in gaining an in-depth knowledge of the foundational principles of engineering and wish to pursue a career in academia, research or highly technical entrepreneurial innovation.

Outline:

• Degree Requirements:
• 84 credit hours
• Written comprehensive exam
• Oral comprehensive exam
• Prospectus
• Dissertation
• Program Structure:
• Required Core (6 credit hours)
• Concentration (9 credit hours)
• Focus Area Electives (3 credit hours)
• Technical Electives (30 credit hours)
• Research (24 credit hours)
• Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
• Modules:
• Required Core:
• CSE 551 Foundations of Algorithms (3)
• EEE 554 Probability and Random Processes (3)
• Concentration:
• Computer Architecture (3)
• Computer Networks (3)
• Embedded Systems (3)
• Focus Area Electives:
• Minimum of 3 credit hours from the list of approved courses in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or mathematics.
• Technical Electives:
• Minimum of 30 credit hours from a list of approved graduate-level courses in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
• Research:
• CEN 792 Research (24)
• Culminating Experience:
• CEN 799 Dissertation (12)

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Written and oral comprehensive exams, prospectus, dissertation defense.
• Assessment Criteria: Depth of understanding in computer engineering principles, research skills, ability to articulate research findings, originality and significance of research contributions.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, research projects, independent study.
• Faculty: Expertise in various areas of computer engineering including computer architecture, computer networks, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence.
• Unique Approaches: Emphasis on interdisciplinary research, close collaboration between faculty and students, strong emphasis on research and innovation.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities: Computer engineering professor, researcher, hardware engineer, systems software engineer.
• Career Examples:
• Autonomous systems and robotics
• Distributed, dependable and secure systems
• Embedded systems for media processing and communications

Other:

• STEM-OPT: Eligible for a 36-month extension of Optional Practical Training for international students on F-1 visas.
• Application Deadlines: Fall - December 31st, Spring - August 15th.
• Contact Information: Computer Science and Engineering Program, CTRPT 105, SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu, 480-965-3199.

Additional Notes:

• This program may allow transfer of up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree.
• Students are encouraged to take specific undergraduate courses to ensure adequate background preparation for the program.