Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. will give students the opportunity to learn about how to build devices and systems that will sense, communicate, store and compute information. During this time, students will become fully immersed in the field by completing coursework, conducting research, and participating in teaching internships. 

Admissions and Scholarships – Applications are Closed

To apply, visit the Admissions and Scholarships page. For more information please contact us at apply[at]cmuportugal.org

The College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University offers the dual degree Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering in conjunction with:

 

Objectives

Students in the ECE/Portugal Ph.D. Program will undertake a research-intensive study of the fundamentals of electrical or computer engineering. During the course of obtaining the Ph.D. degree, pupils will create and disseminate knowledge of electrical and computer systems.

Program

Admission criteria for the ECE/Portugal Ph.D. Program are identical to current ECE Ph.D. admission standards.

In the ECE Ph.D. Program, students usually spend the first year in Portugal doing course work at one or more Portuguese Universities. The second year is spent at CMU where students take additional course work and develop their research. The next two years are divided between CMU and Portugal and are used for the student to further develop their thesis research while also engaging in teaching internships. The fifth and last year is usually spent in Portugal focusing on thesis research conclusions and preparation for the defense.

In order to assist and guide students, an advisor from both Carnegie Mellon and Portugal will be assigned to work in tandem in order to create and define a project for their student, as well as advise which classes to take based on the student’s academic goals and background.

Course Structure

The course structure requirements and contents at CMU are available at the College of Engineering website.

 

Supervision

The thesis will be co-advised by at least two co-advisers, one from CMU and one from a Portuguese partner University

 

Type of Degree

The student will be awarded with a dual degree Ph.D conferred by CMU and another by the Portuguese partner University. During the Ph.D., the student should comply with the regulations of both Universities.

 

Duration

5 years (full-time), with up to 2 years at CMU and up to 3 years at a Portuguese University.

Scholarships and tuition​

The Ph.D. students enrolled in the dual degree Ph.D. program will receive financial support through an FCT - CMU Portugal Fellowship (includes tuition fees and a monthly stipend).​

Application requirements

The Ph.D. program uses the College of Engineering online application for admissions. You must submit the following with your application:
• CV (pdf.)
• A statement of purpose — a concise one- or two-page essay describing your primary research interests, related experiences and objective in pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)* scores
• If your native language is not English, then you must submit a TOEFL**
• Transcripts from each college and/or university you attended, even if no degree was granted (pdf.)***
• Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which are from faculty or recent employers

* GRE test: On the following website you can register for the GRE test. In Portugal, this test can be taken in Lisbon and Coimbra. To meet the application deadline, we recommend applicants to take the required tests by September. GRE Scores are valid for five years; older scores will not be considered.

** Fluency in English: The TOEFL is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. More information can be found on the following website.

*** Degree recognition: If the degree was obtained in a foreign institution the candidate must require the equivalence or the recognition of the degree according to the Portuguese law, through DGES or a Portuguese higher education institution. More information here.

More information on admission requirements at the CMU ECE Department are available here.