2024 Best Online PhD in Electrical Engineering Programs [Doctorate Guide]

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Pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering can be a strategic way to build on existing engineering skills, develop leadership abilities, and enhance your expertise in systems design and analysis.

Best Online PhD in Electrical Engineering Programs

Individuals with a strong interest and understanding of computer science, physics, and statistics may find themselves drawn to an advanced degree in electrical engineering.

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A doctoral program also enables you to conduct original research in an area of your choosing, providing you an opportunity to contribute your findings to the academic community.

Online PhD in Electrical Engineering Programs

Online PhD in Electrical Engineering Programs

The field of electrical engineering centers around the development and maintenance of electrical apparatuses and systems.

An electrical engineer plays a crucial part in the planning, design, and management of equipment in a variety of industries, such as power and smartphones. Electrical engineers have a key role in the modern workforce because they possess a strong understanding of how to apply electrical concepts. This knowledge can impact a company’s use of technology as well as their ability to develop innovative new products.

If you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, most programs require you to have both a bachelors and a masters degree, although there are always exceptions. Typically, students applying for their doctorate degree in electrical engineering have an academic background in electrical engineering, for example, a traditional or online masters in electrical engineering.

Alternatively, students may have a background in computer science, physics, materials science, or a related field.

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Once admitted into a doctoral electrical engineering program, your coursework will combine original research with technical knowledge in the field. Although it can vary depending on your chosen subfield, a PhD program in electrical engineering often covers topics like:

  • Biometrics
  • Digital signal processing
  • Linear systems
  • Power electronics
  • Photonics
  • Digital filters
  • Numerical methods in engineering
  • Physical electronics

In addition to any technical courses that you take, most doctoral programs require the completion of a dissertation. You have the opportunity to focus your research on a specific topic within an area of study that you find compelling.

Many programs require you to defend your thesis in front of a panel before it is considered complete, but this can vary between schools. After earning your doctorate in electrical engineering, there are a number of career paths in diverse industries that you might consider.

Common job titles for electrical engineering graduates include:

  • Computer network architect
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Instrumentation engineer
  • Senior research engineer
  • Postsecondary teacher

Regardless of the industry in which you choose to work, a PhD can help you develop your technical knowledge and research capabilities as well as increase your earning potential. Depending on your previous work experience, a doctorate can also help you qualify for leadership opportunities.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Careers & Salaries

Electrical Engineering PhD Careers & Salaries

Earning a PhD degree in electrical engineering can help pave the way to a lucrative and challenging career. The jobs for which you are qualified may vary depending on your chosen concentration and the research you conduct.

It is helpful to consider potential areas to focus on prior to applying. This ensures that the program you select offers mentors and courses that can prepare you to pursue a specific position after graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some potential careers related to electrical engineering, along with their median salaries.

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Chief Executives $179,520
Architectural and Engineering Managers $152,350
Computer and Information Research Scientists $131,490
Computer Hardware Engineers $128,170
Computer Network Architects $120,520
Postsecondary Engineering Teachers $104,940
Sales Engineers $103,710
Electrical and Electronics Engineers $101,780
General and Operations Managers $97,970
Industrial Engineers $95,300

Many graduates choose to remain in the world of academia after they complete their dissertation. They may engage in research, contribute findings to the academic community, and share their knowledge with others. There are plenty of careers available outside academia as well. An electrical engineering doctoral program can help you develop the technical and communication skills needed for related professional positions.

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Many professionals work as computer network architects, electrical and electronics engineers, sales engineers, or engineering managers.

Electrical Engineering Doctorate Curriculum & Courses

Electrical Engineering Doctorate Curriculum

An electrical engineering doctorate program curriculum will look different between schools, but common courses may include:

  • Biometrics: Central to this course are topics like facial recognition, fingerprinting, and iris scanning. This course also explores the social and legal issues raised by implementing identification devices.
  • Digital Signal Processing: This class covers digital signal theory and methods, exploring areas such as linear phase systems, impulse response, and sampling.
  • Linear Systems: Designed to develop an advanced understanding of dynamical systems, this course covers state space concepts, time and frequency domains, and algebraic systems theory.
  • Power Electronics: This course looks at how to apply electronics to energy conversion and control, including areas of study such as designing power circuits, modeling, and analysis.
  • Photonics: You’ll study concepts central to the study of light waves, covering topics like optical detectors, electromagnetic theory of light, and parametric process.
  • Digital Filters: In this class, you’ll study the design, theory, and application of digital filters, covering topics such as discrete time systems, windowing techniques, and finite impulse response.
  • Numerical Methods in Engineering: This course studies different numerical methods essential to engineering, and you may focus on using CAD programs to solve complex problems.
  • Physical Electronics: This course covers the fundamentals of electronics and electromagnetics, exploring areas such as quantum theory and the electronic structure of solids.
  • Digital Communications Systems: In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of digital communication systems, including channel coding and digital bandpass modulations.
  • Dissertation Research: This course provides the opportunity for you to develop a dissertation proposal as well as begin the research process and work closely with supervisors or mentors.

Your selected research topic will also impact the courses you take.

Admissions Requirements

Electrical Engineering PhD Requirements

Each doctoral program will have its own criteria and admissions team. While every school has a unique set of factors on which it evaluates applicants, you will likely be required to submit:

  • GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
  • Statement of intent
  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • CV or resume

In addition to these items, many doctoral programs require you to submit a summary of any potential research objectives.

Electrical Engineering PhD Programs Accreditation

Electrical Engineering PhD Accreditation

The accreditation status of a school is a key factor to consider when selecting a college. If an institution is regionally accredited, it means they offer educational programs, faculty, and facilities that meet a set of recognized, high-quality standards.

The accreditation status of your school can even impact you post-graduation, potentially influencing the decisions of employers who are searching for qualified candidates. You can verify which schools are regionally accredited by searching the online database by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Every college’s accreditation status should be accessible to the public.

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In addition to the school’s accreditation status, engineering programs can receive programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Electrical Engineering PhD Financial Aid

There are several financial aid options that doctoral students can explore to try and alleviate some of the upfront costs of a PhD.

For starters, you can apply for federal aid by completing the FAFSA—a form that will determine the amount of government aid you can receive based on your financial need. There are also a number of scholarship opportunities for doctoral students. Every school will have its own programs, but you can also research available scholarships through outside organizations.

If you are currently employed, you can check to see if your work offers tuition reimbursement or another form of educational aid.

Should I Get a PhD in Electrical Engineering?

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Any decision made about your own educational journey will ultimately be determined by personal factors. The choice to earn your PhD may be influenced by things like cost and career aspirations.

A doctorate in electrical engineering is often required for individuals who want to work in academia after graduation, pursuing roles like research assistants or teachers. While a doctoral degree might also help you qualify for senior or leadership positions in the engineering field, there are many advanced engineering roles that do not require a doctoral degree.

What Can You Do with a Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering?

Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering

Earning a PhD in Electrical Engineering is a common way to start a career in academia. Many graduates go on to become postsecondary teachers, educating the next generation of electrical engineers. Others choose to continue their research, contributing to existing knowledge in the field.

Some electrical engineering doctoral graduates prefer to use their technical and theoretical skills to work as electrical or electronics engineers, developing and testing electrical equipment. An advanced degree might also professionals qualify for leadership positions within the field, such as engineering managers or top executives.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering Online?

Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering Online

A typical doctoral program takes longer than a masters to complete given the advanced nature of the coursework. In general, an electrical engineering PhD usually takes anywhere from 3 years to 5 years to complete. How long it takes may depend on the number of credit hours required and the length of time spent working on a dissertation.

While most PhD programs do ask you to complete a dissertation, this is not always a requirement for professional doctorates. Without a thesis requirement, a doctoral program may be completed in 3 years with full-time enrollment.

What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Computer Engineering vs. Electrical Engineering Degree?

With the steady increase in technology-use, both computer and electrical engineering are disciplines that have an impact on our daily lives.

  • Electrical engineering: This field focuses on the planning and maintenance of electrical control systems.
  • Computer engineering: This subfield of electrical engineering focuses on the development and planning of computer systems.

Your interests and career goals can help determine which engineering specialization is a good fit for you. A PhD in either discipline can help you qualify for leadership positions in the field or for research or teaching positions in academia.

Is a PhD in Electrical Engineering Worth It?

PhD in Electrical Engineering Careers

Yes, a PhD in Electrical Engineering is worth it for many students. If you are interested in pursuing a career in academics or research, earning a PhD is a common prerequisite.

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Because of the intensity and dedication required to complete a PhD in Engineering online or on campus, you may also set yourself apart from the crowd in future job interviews. Your degree may even help you qualify for management positions as well. These career fields are in demand as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth for electrical engineers and 12% job growth for postsecondary teachers over the next ten years.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Electrical Engineering Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Columbia University

Columbia University

Columbia University offers a partially online Doctorate in Electrical Engineering. Applicants are asked to provide GRE scores and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program requires a total of 72 credit hours, 30 of which can come from an MS in electrical engineering if the student has a qualifying degree.

Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering. Students can complete a general program or get a concentration in Neuroengineering. The degree can be completed either entirely on campus or entirely online. Pathways are available for students with and without master’s degrees.

FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Lamar University

Lamar University

Lamar University offers a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering. This program can be completed either fully online or in a hybrid format. It requires the completion of 61 credit hours, including a dissertation. Graduates have a high employment rate and have gone on to work for computer technology companies, power and energy plants, and more.

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University offers a PhD in Electrical Engineering. The program is open to students with and without MS degrees. Students in the program are considered part of a community and can receive faculty mentorship. Some courses are available online for convenience, but students can also come to campus to conduct research in a working laboratory.

Michigan Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Classes can be taken online, and the online classes are taught by the same faculty that teaches the on-campus classes. The program requires the completion of 48 credit hours, 24 of which are dedicated to the dissertation. Applications are accepted three times per year.

Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology

The Missouri University of Science and Technology offers a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering through its distance education program. Missouri S&T’s distance programs are designed to help working professionals balance their education with their work and personal lives. Courses include live classes where students can have discussions with classmates and professors.

Missouri University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a PhD in Electrical Engineering that can be earned online. Online students are required to make at least three campus visits and defend their dissertations in person. Online students have access to a variety of support services, including advising, a digital library, and tutoring.

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Electrical Engineering PhD Online

Electrical Engineering PhD Degree Online

Pursuing a doctorate in electrical engineering can be a strategic path for anyone with a background in engineering and a strong foundation in mathematics and physics.

Throughout your doctoral program, you can develop advanced knowledge in a specialty area of your choosing while you build your research, problem-solving and communication skills. If you’re ready to acquire expertise in this lucrative field, you may want to start exploring online electrical engineering PhD programs from regionally accredited institutions.

Having an understanding of the specialty area you would like to focus on can help you more efficiently search for the online engineering degrees that are right for you.

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Molly Doyle
WRITTEN BY
Molly holds a B.A in Literature from the University of California - Santa Cruz and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. A Seattle-based educator, Molly focuses on student-centered instruction and creating culturally responsive curriculum.