Computer Engineering (Computer Systems), PhD
Develop a distinct combination of computer science and electrical engineering skills and expertise.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in computer engineering with a concentration in computer systems prepares you to conduct transformative research at the intersection of hardware and software, driving innovation in next-generation computing systems.
This transdisciplinary program encompasses computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics and the physical sciences. You may have the opportunity to conduct original research that advances the design, analysis and optimization of computing systems.
As a doctoral student, you work across two schools --- the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence and the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering --- to gain deep expertise in both hardware and software foundations. The program provides rigorous preparation beyond the master's level, equipping you to independently pursue creative and high-impact innovations.
You analyze and synthesize key theories and methods used in computer engineering, while generating and evaluating new theories, methods and designs that can advance the field. More specifically, you develop the skills to advance the design, system integration, testing, evaluation and deployment of the state-of-the-art hardware and software for systems that include computing, communications and networking (wired and wireless), control functions, sensing, signal processing and actuation.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
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) Additional Curriculum Information The concentration and focus area course lists are on the computer engineering program website, and students must complete at least nine credit hours of graduate-level coursework in computer engineering (CEN) or computer science (CSE), and at least three credit hours of graduate-level coursework in electrical engineering (EEE) or computer engineering. This program requires a qualifying exam. Students should see the academic unit for information on timeline and satisfactory progress standards. Students may apply up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree toward their doctoral interactive plan of study with approval of the program and supervisory committee and the dean of the Graduate College.
CSE 551 Foundations of Algorithms (3)
EEE 554 Probability and Random Processes (3)
CEN 792 Research (24)
CEN 799 Dissertation (12)
Concentration, focus area and technical elective courses are selected in consultation with the academic unit.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of recognized standing in a related field such as computer engineering, computer science, computer systems engineering or electrical engineering. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Letters of recommendation are optional. The personal statement should explain the applicant's professional goals and their reasons for applying to the program. Depending on their prior academic preparation and accomplishments, it is recommended that some students consider taking the following courses to ensure adequate background preparation: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming Students should see the program website for application details.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
EEE 203 Signals and Systems I
EEE 335 Analog and Digital Circuits
EEE 350 Random Signal Analysis
MAT 243 Discrete Mathematical Structures
MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I
MAT 266 Calculus for Engineers II
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/31 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/15 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are well positioned for careers in academia, advanced research laboratories, or highly technical entrepreneurial ventures, where they lead the development of next-generation computing technologies. The skills they acquire can be applied in high-demand growth areas, such as autonomous systems and robotics; distributed, dependable and secure systems; and embedded systems for media processing and communications. Career examples include:
- computer engineering professor
- computer engineering researcher
- computer hardware engineer
- computer systems engineer
- systems software engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
