Doctoral program · Rossin College
PhD in Electrical Engineering
The PhD in Electrical 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, spanning optoelectronics and biophotonics, wireless communications and networking, and nanoelectronics and MEMS.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering
- DepartmentElectrical and Computer Engineering
- Credit hours72 minimum
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENot required
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Electrical Engineering is
The program is rapidly growing and uniquely positioned to advance enabling technologies that drive revolutionary developments in nanotechnology, biotechnology, optical technologies, information and communications technologies, and sensors and sensor networks.
Research is sponsored by NSF, DARPA, the Office of Naval Research, the Army Research Office, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Northrop Grumman Corp., Raytheon Systems, ArkLight, Inc., and other corporations.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering maintains the authoritative program detail — see the department page.
Research
Three broad research areas
Doctoral research in the PhD in Electrical Engineering spans 3 areas published by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Specific focus areas include compound semiconductor optoelectronic devices, silicon photonics, optical communications, displays, microelectronics fabrication, MEMS, bioengineering, wireless communications and networking, sensing, signal processing, code-division multiple access, and space-time coding.
Optoelectronics and biophotonics
Conducted in conjunction with Lehigh’s Center for Photonics and Nanoelectronics.
Wireless communications, networking, and sensing
Nanoelectronics, MEMS, flexible displays, and biotechnology
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
72 credits beyond the bachelor’s; 48 with a master’s from another institution. 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 Electrical Engineering?
The PhD in Electrical 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/electrical-engineering-phd
How many credits does the PhD in Electrical Engineering require?
72 credits beyond the bachelor’s; 48 with a master’s from another institution.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply to the PhD in Electrical 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; 48 with a master’s from another institution.
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Electrical 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 Electrical 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 Electrical Engineering student?
Three broad research areas published by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Optoelectronics and biophotonics; Wireless communications, networking, and sensing; Nanoelectronics, MEMS, flexible displays, and biotechnology.
What is the qualifying examination for the PhD in Electrical 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 Electrical Engineering?
Competence in a foreign language is not required.
Do PhD in Electrical 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 Electrical Engineering based?
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is located in Packard Laboratory, 19 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015-3084, on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Who do I contact about the PhD in Electrical Engineering?
Graduate Coordinator 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
Graduate Coordinator · (610) 758-4072
Address
Packard Laboratory
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015-3084
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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