COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Electrical Engineering
DOCTORATE
The PhD program in Electrical Engineering enables you to select from a broad range of electrical engineering areas and pursue research that maps to your career goals. In this research-based program, you will work alongside accomplished faculty in state-of-the-art facilities while also having the opportunity to complete an internship, gaining industry experience as part of your academic work.
PROGRAM FORMAT
On ground and hybrid
time COMMITMENT
Part time, full time
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Advancing the field of electrical engineering
As a PhD in Electrical Engineering student at Northeastern University, you can pursue cutting-edge research in a broad range of electrical engineering areas such as:
- Signal and image processing
- Biomedical signal processing and brain-computer interface
- Pattern recognition
- Adaptive signal processing
- Wireless and underwater communications
- Information theory and coding
- Robust and distributed control
- Optics, photonics, acoustics, and magnetics sensors
- Radio frequency chip design
- Digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits
- Low-power very-large-scale integration
- Modeling and analysis of large-scale power grids during normal operation and under faults
- DC-DC converters, inverters, rectifiers, and AC-AC converters
- Modulation techniques used in power electronics
Our research-based doctorate program has minimal and flexible course requirements, and you can pursue the program full-time or part-time. The exact nature of the program of study will vary depending on your dissertation subject area and preparation. You can enter the PhD program with either a BS or an MS degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field.
Unique features
- A variety of graduate courses provide the flexibility to plan course requirements that map to your research requirements and personal interests.
- Many of our courses are offered in two sections: in-person and streaming video for part-time students who have schedule conflicts and for live-casting of courses.
- Northeastern is a renowned leader in internships and cooperative education and has close collaborations with Silicon Valley industry, national labs, and other universities. Additionally, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to numerous startup incubators and venture capital funds.
- Northeastern’s Institute for NanoSystems Innovation is located on the Oakland, California, and Boston, Massachusetts, campuses. A global institute, it is focused on semiconductor research, education, and entrepreneurship.
Career outlook
Pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering puts you at the forefront of an in-demand industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronics engineering jobs are expected to increase 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average job outlook growth rate. Additionally, the National Semiconductor Association indicates that the semiconductor industry’s workforce will grow 33% by 2030.
ADMISSIONS
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Admissions requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- Personal statement
- Resumé
- 2 letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency:
- Degree earned or in progress at a U.S. institution
- Degree earned or in progress at an institution where English is the only medium of instruction
- Official exam scores from either the TOEFL iBT (institution code is 3682), IELTS, PTE exam, or Duolingo English Test. Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Visit the College of Engineering website for detailed application requirements.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Prepare for success
Our electrical engineering doctorate program will prepare you to contribute to and help advance understanding in a range of cutting-edge areas.
Master and apply key principles
Be comfortable explaining and applying engineering design principles. Learn to apply analytical, numerical, and/or experimental methods to evaluate and design complex engineering systems.
Direct research
Gain the skills and confidence to direct independent scientific research in electrical engineering and related fields.
Problem solve
Learn to identify, formulate, and solve new and complex engineering problems to meet specified end-user needs.
Innovate and share findings
Equip yourself to formulate new research plans and effectively communicate research outcomes through oral and written communication.
OAKLAND FACULTY
PhD Advisors
As a doctoral candidate, your advisor is a key partner in achieving your goals. Learn about the Northeastern professors you could work with, and explore the range of research they’re advancing.
-
David HorsleyProfessor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Deputy Director, Institute for NanoSystems Innovation
-
Aravind Nagulu
Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
-
Flavius Pop
Assistant Research Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
-
Yuan Yuan
Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Watch and learn
COST OF ATTENDANCE
Tuition and financial aid
To learn about cost of attendance and funding assistance, please visit the College of Engineering’s tuition and financial assistance web page.
Information sessions and tours
-
Upcoming events
Sign up for virtual information sessions where you can meet Northeastern admissions staff, faculty, or even our Oakland campus dean. Find out more about our graduate programs, experiential learning in the San Francisco Bay Area, and get advice on preparing a strong admissions application.
On: Aug 04 -
Campus tours
Schedule an in-person tour and experience our beautiful Northern California campus for yourself. Meet our Oakland community, discover our world-class resources, and learn about the unique opportunities in the Bay Area’s thriving business ecosystem.
On: Jul 23
Connect with Us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Click through and complete the form to receive additional program details.