Program Overview
Pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the University of Kansas prepares you for leadership roles in research, academia, and industry. As the highest academic credential in the field, the Ph.D. in electrical engineering is designed for students who want to advance fundamental knowledge, drive technological innovation, and contribute original research to the discipline. At KU, students in the Ph.D. electrical engineering program work closely with faculty mentors to develop advanced technical depth and independent research capabilities that address complex engineering challenges.
Whether you’re passionate about developing next-generation communication systems, improving power grid reliability, advancing radar and remote sensing technologies, or enhancing biomedical and imaging systems, KU’s electrical engineering Ph.D. offers the resources and faculty expertise to support your academic and professional goals. The program emphasizes rigorous coursework, comprehensive examinations, and dissertation research that results in a significant scholarly contribution.
KU’s Ph.D. in electrical engineering emphasizes both theoretical foundations and research-driven application. Students may pursue advanced study and research in areas such as communications and networking, radar systems, remote sensing, signal and image processing, electromagnetics, power and energy systems, robotics, controls, and semiconductor devices. Faculty within the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are internationally recognized for their scholarship and leadership in research centers and laboratories. Through collaborative projects, sponsored research, and interdisciplinary initiatives, doctoral students gain experience that positions them competitively within national and global electrical engineering Ph.D. programs.
Research is central to the KU Ph.D. in electrical engineering experience. Doctoral students contribute to externally funded research projects and publish in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Many students also gain experience presenting at national and international conferences, preparing them for careers that demand advanced technical communication and scholarly leadership.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Electrical Engineering, Ph.D.KU School of Engineering
The Doctorate in Electrical Engineering is part of the School of Engineering, where new technologies are developed to solve the problems facing the world.Doctorate in Electrical Engineering Learning Outcomes
Graduates of KU’s Ph.D. in electrical engineering program will be prepared to:
- Conduct original, independent research that advances the state of knowledge in electrical engineering
- Formulate, analyze, and solve complex engineering problems using advanced mathematical and computational methods
- Demonstrate deep expertise in a specialized technical area within electrical engineering
- Effectively communicate research findings through scholarly publications, presentations, and professional engagement
- Uphold ethical standards and professional responsibility in research and engineering practice
What Careers Are Possible with a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering
Earning a Ph.D. in electrical engineering opens the door to advanced roles in academia, government laboratories, and high-technology industries. Graduates of electrical engineering Ph.D. programs often pursue careers such as:
- Research Scientist
- University Professor
- Principal Engineer
- Systems Engineering Manager
- Advanced Technology or R&D Director
Many positions in research, development, and advanced system design require the depth of expertise developed through a doctorate in electrical engineering. According to Lightcast, professionals with doctoral preparation in engineering disciplines often command competitive compensation aligned with national Ph.D. electrical engineering salary trends.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid opportunities for graduate students. For detailed information on costs and funding options, visit KU Scholarships & Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
To apply for KU’s Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, prospective students must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts.
- For direct entry to the Ph.D. program, a master’s degree in electrical engineering is preferred
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
- GRE scores (optional but highly recommended) (school code 6871)
- Statement of objectives and resume
- Three Letters of recommendation
- TOFEL scores at or above 90 (international students)
- Financial statement (international students only)
For more information on the electrical engineering MS program, please visit School of Engineering.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
KU’s Ph.D. in electrical engineering program is research-intensive and collaborative. Doctoral students have access to specialized laboratories and research groups, including facilities dedicated to radar systems and remote sensing, telecommunications and networking, power and energy systems, robotics and control systems, and semiconductor and microelectronics research. These environments allow students to conduct advanced experimental, computational, and theoretical investigations.
Beyond research, students in the Ph.D. electrical engineering community benefit from professional development workshops, interdisciplinary seminars, and engagement with industry partners. Student organizations such as IEEE and graduate engineering associations provide networking opportunities, technical enrichment, and peer support. The Lawrence campus fosters collaboration across engineering, science, and computing disciplines, strengthening the academic experience for every doctorate in electrical engineering candidate.
Doctorate in Electrical Engineering Sample Courses
The Ph.D. in electrical engineering curriculum combines advanced coursework with dissertation research tailored to the student’s specialization. Sample courses may include:
- High-Speed Digital Circuit Design
- Photonics
- Microwave Engineering
- Adaptive Signal Processing
- Wireless Communication Systems
Coursework is selected in consultation with a faculty advisor to align with research goals and dissertation focus areas within the Ph.D. electrical engineering program. For a comprehensive listing of graduate-level offerings, consult the KU Catalog.
Doctorate in Electrical Engineering Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications deadlines for each entry term are:
- Fall semester: Priority deadline of Dec. 15, final deadline of Mar. 1.
- Spring semester: Priority deadline of Sep. 30, final deadline of Oct. 1.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.