Overview

Most candidates enter the program directly after completing an undergraduate degree in disciplines such as electrical engineering, computer science, or physics. Although our doctoral program is one of the largest at Princeton, its scale still allows students to receive personal attention and extensive faculty interaction.

Research in the Department is collaborative and interdisciplinary. The current main themes of research span areas from applied physics, devices, advanced circuits, and high-performance computing to security, data and information science, and artificial intelligence.

Details on those research themes and related application domains can be found on the Department’s website under the Research link and faculty and research group websites. There are also a variety of interdisciplinary research centers at Princeton that enhance and broaden educational and research opportunities.

Program Offerings

The Electrical and Computer Engineering program from Princeton University combines coursework and participation in original research. Most students enter the program with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related discipline.

Some have a master’s degree, but that is not necessary for success in the program. Every admitted Ph.D. student is given financial support in the form of a first-year fellowship. Students in academic good standing are supported by a teaching assistant or research assistant after the first year.

Students who remain on campus working with their adviser during the summer will receive summer salary. In addition, all admitted Ph.D. students are automatically considered for the prestigious Wu and Upton Fellowships.

Programme Structure

In the first year of the program, the main emphasis is on coursework. Students take courses both for proficiency within their specialty as well as for breadth.

The program has no specific required courses, but there is a required minimum course count and a required minimum GPA.

Students must complete a minimum of six courses in their area(s) of interest in preparation for research and the general examination during the first year.

Each student is assigned a first-year academic adviser who assists the student in determining the appropriate courses. Students must complete a minor area of study.

This can be completed by achieving a GPA of at least 3.3 in two or more coherent courses approved by the adviser. The courses must be in an area distinct from the student's research.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-11 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Electrical Engineering Computer Sciences View 227 other PhDs in Computer Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Other requirements

General requirements

Ph.D. applicants are required to select a research area of interest when applying.

Optional: Applicants may submit a statement with their application, briefly describing how their academic interests, background, or life experiences would advance Princeton’s commitment to diversity within the Graduate School and to training individuals in an increasingly diverse society. Please submit a succinct statement of no more than 500 words.

Tuition Fee

Princeton guarantees full funding for its Ph.D. candidates for all years of regular program enrolment.

Living costs for Princeton

2022 - 4977 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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