Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering

University of Central Florida

The Computer Engineering PhD prepares students for careers in research or academia with a potential focus in computer systems and VLSI design, software engineering and algorithms, intelligent systems and Machine Learning, computer networks and computer security, as well as simulation systems. The doctoral program in Computer Engineering is primarily intended for students with a master's degree in Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline wishing to pursue a career in research or academia. Specializations include computer systems and VLSI design, software engineering and algorithms, intelligent systems and Machine Learning, computer networks and computer security and simulation systems. Research interests of the Computer Engineering faculty include computer architecture, software engineering, artificial intelligence, expert systems, modeling and simulation, computer networking and ubiquitous computing, computer security, and very large-scale integration (VLSI) systems. The specific research that each one of the ECE faculty conduct can be found at the Department of ECE website. The Computer Engineering PhD degree requires a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. Of these 72 hours, a minimum of 36 credit hours must be formal coursework, exclusive of independent study coursework. A minimum of 15 credit hours with up to a maximum of 24 credit hours of dissertation hours can be credited toward the degree. No more than 12 credit hours of Independent Study are allowed. The remaining hours can be a combination of formal coursework and/or pre-candidacy doctoral research. Details about this program can be found in the Computer Engineering PhD Handbook, linked in the Program Handbook Section of this page.