Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Advance Your Career with a Degree from Mississippi State

Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Develop advanced expertise in electrical and computer engineering through doctoral-level coursework and research. The program prepares you for leadership in research, product design, consulting, education, and other areas of the field.

Application Deadlines:

Fall: June 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: May 1

Number of credit hours:
48 Hours

Number of Courses:
8 Courses + Dissertation

Tuition per credit hour:
$602.50

Instructional Support Fee per credit hour:
$25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Program Highlights

Focused Course Work: Each graduate program is tailored to include course work and research to develop maximum capability in the student's area of special interest.
In-State Tuition for All: Students both in and out of state only pay In-State tuition rates.
Fully Online: All courses are 100% online, making them accessible from anywhere in Mississippi and beyond.

Respected Degree from an Accredited University: Earn your degree from Mississippi State University, a nationally recognized research institution and leader in online education.
Flexible Schedule: Courses are delivered asynchronously to accommodate work and life schedules.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this degree may go on to succeed in roles such as:

Research Scientist
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Systems Architect

Hardware Design Engineer
Robotics Systems Engineer
Principal Systems Engineer

Course Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering requires advanced graduate coursework and independent research leading to the completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation. Each student’s program of study is developed in consultation with the major professor and graduate committee to support their individual academic and research goals.

12 hours of ECE 8XXX Graduate-level coursework

12 hours of ECE XXXX Additional graduate-level coursework

Students can also take up to 6 hours in ECE 7000, and a minor area outside the department is optional (12 credit hours at the Ph.D. level with a minimum of 3 credit hours at the 8000 level)

24 hours of ECE 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Electrical and Computer Engineering

A doctoral student is required to orally defend his or her dissertation. The dissertation document (finished, not a draft) must be read and approved by the major professor and presented to the remaining committee readers two weeks before the scheduled oral defense.

ECE Graduate Handbook

Transfer Credit

Bagley College of Engineering programs may accept transfer work previously completed by the student. Transcript reviews to determine transfer or prerequisite work will be evaluated AFTER students are granted full admission. Once admitted an academic coordinator can review those transcripts for more information.

What Our People Say

"It's been an incredible journey. Juggling a career and being a full-time mom and student can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I’ve been fortunate to have amazing professors who are always available to offer support whenever I need it."

Tolanda Jones,
MS State Online Student

Admissions

Ready to advance your education with a flexible, fully online degree? Follow the steps below to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Mississippi State University.

Additional Required Application Step

Complete Identity Verification: Applicants must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity as part of the required application process. This step helps confirm the applicant’s identity before the application can be completed.

Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English language proficiency test score. Mississippi State University accepts scores from the TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Prospective students should consult the appropriate testing organization for information about test registration and administration.

The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English language test score requirements and additional information regarding English language proficiency.

Contact Us

Tyranni Outlaw

Online Enrollment Services Coordinator

General Program Questions

Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements

to283@msstate.edu

662-325-8545

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

Current Student Inquires

Academic & Support Services Assistance

a.rijal@msstate.edu

662-325-8876

Dr. Jenny Du

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Graduate Program Coordinator

du@ece.msstate.edu

662-325-2035

Olivia Lane

Engineering

Online Education Coordinator

olane@bagley.msstate.edu

662-325-3786

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Department Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am an unclassified student?

Only NINE (9) hours of course work taken as an "Unclassified Student" can be applied toward a degree program. All Unclassified students should submit a classified application once they have reached the maximum of nine hours. Full admission into the Electrical and Computer Engineering online program will be based upon successful completion of all classified admissions requirements.

Is Mississippi State Online accredited?

Mississippi State Online programs are offered by Mississippi State University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Individual programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Learn more on the Mississippi State University accreditation page.

Will my Mississippi State University diploma say "online"?

No. When you earn a degree through Mississippi State Online, your diploma identifies Mississippi State University and does not indicate that you studied online. Online programs meet the same university standards for academic quality and rigor as on-campus programs.

How much does Mississippi State cost?

Mississippi State helps make your education more affordable by offering the applicable in-state tuition rate to online students regardless of where they live. Tuition and required fees are charged per credit hour, and your total cost depends on your program, credit hours, and applicable fees. Textbooks and course materials are additional expenses, and rates are subject to change.

Do out-of-state students pay in-state tuition at Mississippi State Online?

Yes. Mississippi State Online students pay the applicable in-state tuition rate whether they live in Mississippi or elsewhere. You do not need to be a Mississippi resident to receive this rate for your online program. Required fees and other course expenses still apply.

Can Mississippi State Online students receive financial aid or scholarships?

Eligible online students may receive financial aid, and scholarship opportunities are available. Eligibility and award amounts vary; funding is not guaranteed for every student or program. Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student aid, and review scholarship requirements and deadlines.

How do I apply to Mississippi State Online?

Start with the Apply Now page and choose the application that matches your undergraduate or graduate program and applicant status. Select "Online Education" as your campus. Review your program's admission requirements and deadlines, then submit the application, required documents, and any applicable application fee. Requirements vary by program and may differ for new, transfer, returning, and international students.

Do Mississippi State Online programs require campus visits or in-person experiences?

Requirements depend on the program and concentration. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others include internships, field experiences, or coursework that requires in-person participation. Review your program's curriculum and contact its program representative before applying to confirm attendance requirements. Explore programs and their requirements in the Academic Programs directory.

Can I transfer previous college credits to a Mississippi State Online program?

Transfer-credit policies vary by degree level and program. Some programs consider eligible coursework from other institutions, while others do not accept prior credit toward program requirements. Review your program's transfer-credit policy and contact its academic advisor or program coordinator before planning your coursework.

What support is available to Mississippi State Online students?

Mississippi State Online students have access to academic advising, library resources, writing support, technical assistance, and career services. Program coordinators and advisors can help you navigate your studies and connect with university resources.

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