Doctoral program · Rossin College
PhD in Computer Engineering
The PhD in Computer Engineering at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science is a research doctorate in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, requiring 42 to 72 credit hours depending on prior degrees, a qualifying examination within two years, a general examination and a publicly defended dissertation.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering
- DepartmentElectrical and Computer Engineering
- Credit hours72 minimum
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENot required
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Computer Engineering is
Students in the graduate program of Computer Engineering conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of fields including database and information systems, Internet search, graphics, user interfaces, Web-based systems, multimedia and image processing, bioinformatics, intelligent systems, computer architecture, robotics, secure systems, networks, embedded systems, and mobile computing.
Research in the department is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation, and Lockheed Martin.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering maintains the authoritative program detail — see the department page.
Research
Research fields
Doctoral research in the PhD in Computer Engineering spans 13 areas published by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
- Computer architecture
- Robotics
- Secure systems
- Networks
- Embedded systems
- Mobile computing
- Database and information systems
- Internet search
- Graphics and user interfaces
- Web-based systems
- Multimedia and image processing
- Bioinformatics
- Intelligent systems
Affiliated research labs
Laboratory of Networking Group (LONGLAB)
Pattern Recognition Research (PRR) Lab
Signal Process and Communications Research (SPCRL) Lab
Vision, Assistive Devices and Experimental Robotics (VADER) Lab
Wireless Infrastructure and Network Security (WiNS) Lab
Web Understanding, Modeling, and Evaluation (WUME) Lab
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
72 credits beyond the bachelor’s; 42 beyond a Lehigh master’s; 48 with a master’s from elsewhere. Lehigh publishes the following complete set of requirements.
- Credit hours
A minimum of 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, or a minimum of 48 credits for students entering with a master’s degree from another institution. The Computer Engineering program page states 42 credit hours beyond a Lehigh master’s degree, including the dissertation, and 48 if the master’s degree is not from Lehigh. Once admitted to candidacy and past the credit minimum, students register for one credit of Maintenance of Candidacy.
- Qualifying examination
Passed within two years after entrance. The department offers different qualifying examinations for the different areas of study.
- Admission to candidacy
After passing the qualifier, students submit a written program proposal to their doctoral committee discussing the proposed dissertation research.
- General examination
Passed in the candidate’s area of specialization, following college guidelines.
- Teaching
All PhD students serve as a half or full teaching assistant for a minimum of one semester.
- Dissertation and defense
Independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor and a doctoral committee, defended in a public presentation.
- Foreign language
Competence in a foreign language is not required.
Funding
Financial support
Prospective Rossin College graduate students have access to a variety of financial support, both internal and external. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering does not publish program-specific stipend or assistantship figures.
- PhD applications submitted by December 15 are considered for financial aid.
- Financial aid for Lehigh’s graduate programs consists mainly of fixed-rate federal student loans through the Office of Financial Aid.
- Loan eligibility requires enrollment at least half-time — six credits during the academic year, three credits in summer.
- Emergency loans and grants are available through the Graduate Life Office.
Admissions
How to apply
Applications for admission — all semesters, all levels — are completed online. Applications open September 1; PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration.
What to submit
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts (with English translation for international applicants)
- Statement of purpose / essay
- Letters of recommendation (typically three)
- Résumé or CV
- Application fee of $50 USD
The GRE is not required or considered for any Rossin College graduate program.
English proficiency minimums
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 81 (old scale) / 4 (new scale); Speaking 22/4, Writing 20/4, Reading 20/4, Listening 16/4 |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5; Speaking 6.5, Writing 6, Reading 6.5, Listening 6 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 125; Speaking 125, Writing 120, Reading 125, Listening 110 |
| Cambridge | Overall 176; Speaking 176, Writing 169, Reading 176, Listening 169 |
| Pearson (PTE) | Overall 68, with 53 or higher on each band |
Scores expire two years from the test date. MyBestScore and One Skill Retake formats are not accepted. Waivers are available for applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of an English-speaking country, earned a U.S. degree with two or more years of in-person study, earned a degree taught in English in an English-speaking country, or studied or worked full-time in an English-speaking country for two or more years within the last five.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which department at Lehigh offers the PhD in Computer Engineering?
The PhD in Computer Engineering is offered by Lehigh University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, within the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Full program detail, faculty and current requirements are maintained on the department’s own page: https://engineering.lehigh.edu/ece/graduate/computer-engineering-phd
How many credits does the PhD in Computer Engineering require?
72 credits beyond the bachelor’s; 42 beyond a Lehigh master’s; 48 with a master’s from elsewhere.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply to the PhD in Computer Engineering?
No. Students enter the program with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, and the credit requirement differs accordingly: 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s; 42 beyond a Lehigh master’s; 48 with a master’s from elsewhere.
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Computer Engineering?
No. The GRE is not required or considered for any P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate program. Scores may be submitted but may not be reviewed.
What is the application deadline for the PhD in Computer Engineering?
PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration. Applications open September 1.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $50 USD. Applications for admission at all levels are completed online through Lehigh’s graduate application portal.
What research areas can I work in as a PhD in Computer Engineering student?
Research fields published by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Computer architecture; Robotics; Secure systems; Networks; Embedded systems; Mobile computing; Database and information systems; Internet search; Graphics and user interfaces; Web-based systems; Multimedia and image processing; Bioinformatics; Intelligent systems.
What is the qualifying examination for the PhD in Computer Engineering?
Passed within two years after entrance. The department offers different qualifying examinations for the different areas of study.
Is a foreign language required for the PhD in Computer Engineering?
Competence in a foreign language is not required.
Do PhD in Computer Engineering students have to teach?
All PhD students serve as a half or full teaching assistant for a minimum of one semester.
What English proficiency scores are required?
International applicants must meet Lehigh’s minimum scores: TOEFL iBT overall 81 (old scale) or 4 (new scale); IELTS overall 6.5; Duolingo English Test overall 125; Cambridge overall 176; or Pearson (PTE) overall 68. Scores expire two years from the test date. Waivers are available in defined circumstances.
Where is the PhD in Computer Engineering based?
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is located in Packard Laboratory, 19 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015, on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Who do I contact about the PhD in Computer Engineering?
Lucy Waldman, Graduate Coordinator, xlw224@lehigh.edu is the graduate contact for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The department can be reached at engineering@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-4070. General Rossin College graduate enquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.
Contact
Talk to the department
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Graduate contact
Lucy Waldman, Graduate Coordinator · xlw224@lehigh.edu · (610) 758-4072
Address
Packard Laboratory
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone and email
(610) 758-4070
engineering@lehigh.edu
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
engineering@lehigh.edu
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