Graduate programs

The ECE Department offers M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in a variety of Electrical and Computer Engineering technical areas. Programs are available on both a full-time and part-time basis. Many classes are offered in the late afternoons and early evenings.

Please refer to the departmental website at www.pdx.edu/ece for detailed program information.

Admission requirements

Electrical And Computer Engineering M.S.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D.

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in Electrical and Computer Engineering

In addition to the University doctoral degree requirements listed in the PSU Bulletin, a candidate for the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering must complete a minimum of 80 graduate credits consisting of at least 45 ECE graduate credits, 8 elective graduate credits and at least 27 credits of ECE 603 (dissertation). Of the 45 ECE credits, 32 credits must come from ECE lecture courses (24 lecture credits if the student successfully completed an ECE MS Thesis). The 8 elective credits may come from any academic department, but must be lecture credits only.

Each Ph.D. must have at least one journal publication. Specific course requirements depend on the student’s area of emphasis, and the student’s program must be approved by his/her academic adviser. Students in the Ph.D. program in Electrical and Computer Engineering are required to pass a comprehensive examination (written or oral) after completing a substantial amount of coursework. They are also required to obtain approval of their proposed research plan by their doctoral committee before they can be advanced to candidacy. A dissertation containing a real contribution to knowledge based on the candidate’s own investigation and a final oral dissertation defense are required. The dissertation must show a mastery of the literature of the subject and be written in credible literary form. The defense is public and its schedule must be posted in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator (rfidler@pdx.edu) to schedule the defense and announcement.

Lecture courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (P/NP) shall not be used to satisfy any graduate degree program requirements. All coursework must be completed with a grade of B- or better.

Students should choose a research topic and adviser for their dissertation; information on research in the department can be found HERE.

Check List for Ph.D. Degree Requirements

Appointment of the Advisory Committee

Study Plan Approved by the Advisory Committee

Comprehensive Exam Passed

Doctoral Dissertation Committee Approved

Residency requirement

Dissertation Proposal Approved

Advancement to Candidacy

Minimum of 3 years beyond BS degree

Journal Publication Requirement

Final Oral examination–Dissertation Defense

Dissertation Signature Page