Program Overview
The Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering at The City College of New York (CCNY) prepares students to become leaders in research, academia, and industry. Housed within the Grove School of Engineering, the program offers a rigorous and research-intensive environment that leverages the strengths of CCNY’s diverse faculty, urban location, and commitment to innovation.
Students conduct cutting-edge research across a range of topics including communications; computer networks engineering; photonics engineering, including optical communications, nonlinear optics, remote sensing and LIDAR for atmospheric and environmental studies; optical engineering; VLSI design; robotics and control, image and signal processing; nano/micro devices; and power and energy systems. With access to advanced laboratories and a strong mentoring culture, students are equipped to tackle some of the most pressing technological challenges of our time.
Admissions
We welcome applications from students with strong academic preparation and a clear interest in research. Applicants typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline.
Application Requirements:
- Online application through the CCNY Office of Graduate Admissions on or before the Admissions Deadline
- Statement of purpose outlining research interests and goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international applicants)
- GRE scores (optional)
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Admission: January 15 (to be considered for the GSOE Fellowship)
- Fall Admission: May 1
- Spring Admission: November 15 (limited availability)
Highly qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.
Program Requirements
To earn the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, students must complete the following:
60 credits of coursework and research credits.
- Coursework Requirements
- Students are required to complete at least four graduate-level Electrical Engineering courses offered by the Grove School of Engineering (GSOE) as part of their core coursework.
- In addition, students must take elective courses from the Electrical Engineering program or other graduate programs in science and engineering, subject to prior approval by the EE Graduate Committee.
- Students must complete a minimum of 12 (36 credits) and a maximum of 16 (48 credits) graduate-level courses in total.
- Research Credits
- Students must register for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 research credits (EE J99xx).
- The combined total of coursework and research credits must equal 60 credits to satisfy the degree requirements.
- Seminar Requirement
- Students are required to register for a 0-credit doctoral seminar for two semesters during their program.
- Examination
- Successful passing of the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination (First Examination)
- Approval of a written dissertation proposal and oral defense (Second Examination)
- Completion and defense of an original doctoral dissertation (Final Examination)
- Residency Requirement
- EE PhD students are required to be in residence for the equivalent of six full-time semesters. The possession of a master’s degree from an accredited institution, or the completion of graduate work equivalent to the master’s degree may, by approval of the EE department, reduce the residence requirement to the equivalent of four semesters. At least two consecutive semesters must be in full-time residence.
- Credit Transfer
- Students may request to transfer up to 30 credits of graduate-level coursework completed at another accredited institution prior to enrolling at CCNY, provided that they earned a grade of B or higher in those courses and that equivalent courses are offered within the CCNY curriculum.
The program typically takes 4 to 6 years to complete, depending on prior preparation and research progress.
Research Areas
Ph.D. students work closely with faculty in a variety of research domains, including:
- Secure Computing and Networks
- Robotics, Intelligent Systems and Engineering
- Smart Electrical & Renewable Energy Systems
- Microelectronics and Nanotechnology
- Photonics and Optoelectronics Engineering and Materials
Research is conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative centers across CCNY. For more information, visit the Electrical Engineering Faculty Directory.
Financial Support
Financial support is available to qualified Ph.D. students in the form of:
- Grove School of Engineering PhD Fellowships
The Electrical Engineering Department offers Grove School of Engineering (GSOE) Fellowships to a select group of newly admitted Ph.D. students each fall on a competitive basis. These fellowships provide a first-year stipend, health insurance, and full tuition support, with the potential for continued tuition coverage for up to five years. After the first year, the student’s faculty advisor is expected to assume responsibility for providing the stipend, contingent on the student’s continued enrollment in the EE Ph.D. program and satisfactory academic and research progress.
Applicants who submit their Ph.D. applications by the priority deadline are automatically considered for the fellowship; no separate application is required.
Candidates selected for the fellowship must notify the EE Department of their decision within two weeks of receiving the offer letter. Fellowship recipients are expected to arrive on campus and complete registration before the official registration deadline for the fall semester.
- Research Assistantships (RA)
Some faculty members may have openings for Research Assistant (RA) positions, typically funded through their existing external grants and contracts. In such cases, the faculty advisor is responsible for providing the student’s stipend and salary from the start of the program through graduation, contingent on satisfactory academic and research progress.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty members whose research aligns with their interests, either before or during the application process, to inquire about potential RA opportunities within their research groups.
These positions typically provide tuition coverage and a stipend. Funding is renewable based on academic performance and research progress.
- Teaching Assistantships (TA) – For Current Students Only
The Electrical Engineering Department may offer Teaching Assistant (TA) positions to Ph.D. students based on instructional needs and student qualifications. These appointments are made at the discretion of the department and are not guaranteed.
Students at Ph.D. Levels 2 and 3 may be considered for available TA positions. Level 1 students are generally encouraged to focus on completing coursework and establishing their research foundation.
Prospective applicants should not consider TA positions as a primary or expected source of financial support.
- Externally funded or Institutional scholarships and grants
The Electrical Engineering Department welcomes applications from students who have secured financial support from external or institutional sources not listed above. Examples include national or institutional fellowships, as well as government-sponsored scholarships from a student’s home country.
To be considered, the external funding must be committed for the expected duration of the Ph.D. program and must meet the department’s minimum funding standards. Students with such support are still required to apply through the regular admissions process and meet all program requirements.
Student Experience and Professional Development
Located in the heart of New York City, CCNY offers a unique setting for research and collaboration. Ph.D. students benefit from:
- Access to leading researchers and cross-disciplinary centers
- Opportunities for internships, national lab collaborations, and industry partnerships
- Teaching and mentorship opportunities for career preparation
- Career support and conference travel funding
Graduates of the program have gone on to academic positions, research labs, government agencies, and leading technology firms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) For Prospective Students and Applicants
Q: What is the application website for the PhD Program in Electrical Engineering at CCNY?
https://app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/fl_ApplicantConnectLogin.asp?id=CUNYCCNYG.
Q: Do I need a master’s degree to apply?
No. Applicants with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field are eligible to apply. Strong academic preparation and research potential are the primary admissions criteria.
Q: Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is optional. Applicants may submit GRE scores if they believe it will enhance their application.
Q: What is the minimum GPA for admission?
There is no official minimum GPA, but competitive applicants generally have a GPA of 3.3 or higher. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach.
Q: Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes. International applicants are welcome. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required unless you hold a degree from an institution where English is the country’s official language.
Q: How many students are admitted each year?
Admission is competitive and varies year to year based on faculty research needs, available funding, and applicant qualifications.
Q: What funding opportunities are available?
Students may be supported through:
- Grove School of Engineering (GSOE) Fellowships
- Research Assistantships (RA)
- Teaching Assistantships (TA, for continuing students)
- External scholarships and home-country fellowships
Q: Do I need to find a faculty advisor before applying?
It is not required, but strongly encouraged. Reaching out to faculty whose research aligns with your interests can improve your application and increase the likelihood of securing funding (e.g., GSOE fellowship or RA position).
Q: Do I need to apply separately for the GSOE Fellowship?
No. Applicants who submit their application by the priority deadline are automatically considered. No separate application is required.
Q: Does the EE department have Teaching Assistant positions to support my studies?
No, prospective students should not rely on TA positions as a primary source of financial support. TA positions may be offered to qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Ph.D. students, depending on departmental needs. Level 1 students are expected to focus on coursework and establishing their research.
Q: I have a scholarship from my home country. Can I still apply?
Yes. Students with secure external funding (e.g., from government or institutional scholarships) are encouraged to apply. Funding must be sufficient for the full duration of the program and must be documented at the time of admission.
Q: How long does the Ph.D. program take to complete?
Most students complete the program in 4 to 6 years, depending on their background and research progress.
Q: What are the main research areas in the EE Department?
The department offers research opportunities in:
- Secure Computing and Networks
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems
- Smart Electrical and Renewable Energy Systems
- Microelectronics and Nanotechnology
- Photonics and Optoelectronics
Q: Does CCNY provide housing or support for international students?
CCNY’s Office of International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS) offers visa advising, orientation, and resources. Student housing options at the Towers, as well as off-campus housing resources, are available through Student Affairs.
Q: I have completed some graduate-level coursework before joining CCNY. Can I transfer those credits?
You may request to transfer up to 30 credits of graduate-level coursework completed at another accredited institution prior to enrolling at CCNY, provided that:
-
You earned a grade of B or higher in those courses, and
- Equivalent courses are offered within the CCNY curriculum.
Transfer credit requests are reviewed by the EE Ph.D. Program Advisor and the GSOE Office of Graduate Affairs.
Q: I started the PhD program at a different institution. Can I transfer to CCNY?
CCNY does not have a formal process for transferring students. If you are interested in enrolling at CCNY, you will need to apply and go through the same admission review criteria and process.
Q: Is there an application fee waiver available?
Currently, the EE department does not offer fee waivers for Ph.D. applicants. Please refer to the Graduate Admissions Office for any exceptional cases.
Q: When should I expect to hear back about my application?
Applicants typically receive a decision 6–8 weeks after the application deadline. If your application is neither accepted nor rejected during that period, it may be placed on a waitlist in case an admitted student declines the offer.
Note: Pressuring the department for an early decision may result in the application being removed from the waitlist and formally denied.
Q: What professional development opportunities are available?
Students have access to teaching experience, research seminars, workshops, conference funding, and collaborations with national labs and industry.
Q: What career paths do graduates typically pursue?
Graduates enter academic positions, industry R&D, national laboratories, and government agencies.
Q: Does CCNY offer support for international students (visa, housing, etc.)?
Yes. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides visa support, orientation, and advising. CCNY also offers resources for on-campus and off-campus housing and student support services.
Q: Who should I contact if I have a question related to visas, I-20, etc.?
The International Student and Scholar Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) For Current Ph.D. Students
Q: How many courses and credits are required to complete the program?
To fulfill the Ph.D. degree requirements, students must complete a total of 60 graduate credits, consisting of:
- 12 to 16 graduate-level courses (36–48 credits), including at least four Electrical Engineering courses offered by the Grove School of Engineering (GSOE)
- 12 to 24 research credits (EE J99xx)
In other words, students must complete a minimum of 12 graduate-level courses, which may include approved transfer credits. Based on the needs of their research, students may take up to 16 courses. Regardless of the total number, at least four of these courses must be EE courses taken at CCNY. The number of research credits, when combined with coursework credits, must total exactly 60 credits to satisfy the degree requirement.
Q: What is the seminar requirement?
All Ph.D. students must register for a 0-credit doctoral seminar for two semesters during the program.
Q: Can I transfer graduate credits from another institution?
Yes. You may request to transfer up to 30 credits of graduate-level coursework completed at an accredited institution, provided that:
- You earned a grade of B or higher in those courses, and
- The courses have equivalent offerings at CCNY
All transfer credit requests are subject to review and approval by the Ph.D. Program Advisor and the GSOE Office of Graduate Affairs.
Q: When and how should I request a credit transfer?
You should submit your transfer credit request during your first semester in the program. To do so:
- Request the Transfer Credit Form from the Office of Graduate Affairs
- Complete the form and submit it to the Ph.D. Program Advisor for review
- Attach course syllabi, descriptions, and official transcripts to support your request
Q: What are the requirements for passing the Qualifying Examination?
To pass the Qualifying Examination, students must satisfy both of the following components:
- Course Performance Requirement
- Students must earn a minimum grade of B+ in at least three of the four required Electrical Engineering graduate courses taken at CCNY.
- Research Presentation Requirement
- Students must deliver a presentation to the Electrical Engineering faculty outlining their proposed research area, with an emphasis on key challenges, knowledge gaps, and opportunities in the field.
- The presentation will be evaluated based on depth of understanding, originality, and alignment with current research priorities in electrical engineering.
Q: Must I have a defined Ph.D. dissertation topic or preliminary results for the Qualifying Examination?
No. You are not required to have a finalized dissertation topic or preliminary research results at the time of the Qualifying Examination. While presenting preliminary findings is allowed, it is not expected or necessary for passing the exam.
Q: What are the Second and Final Examinations?
- Second Exam: Oral defense of the dissertation proposal
- Final Exam: Dissertation defense before the doctoral committee
Q: When am I expected to take the Second Examinations?
You are expected to take the Second Examinations during your fourth to sixth semester.
Q: What is the format of the Second Examination (Proposal Defense)?
The Second Examination is a formal defense of your written research proposal. A Ph.D. Examining Committee will be formed with at least four members, including your advisor. The advisor will assist in identifying suitable committee members.
You must prepare a proposal describing the background, objectives, methodology, expected contributions, and any preliminary results. The proposal must be submitted to the committee in advance. The student or advisor must contact the Office of Graduate Affairs to schedule the defense.
The Proposal Defense typically lasts up to two hours and is evaluated based on your understanding of the field, clarity of the proposed work, and readiness to conduct independent research.
Q: Is there a required template or format for the Ph.D. proposal?
No. There is no standardized template. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to determine an appropriate structure and to request proposal examples from past students, if helpful.
Q: What is the format of the Final Examination (Ph.D. Dissertation Defense)?
The Final Examination is the defense of the completed Ph.D. dissertation. A Dissertation Examining Committee will be formed with at least five members, including:
- Your Ph.D. advisor
- Faculty members or recognized experts in your field
- At least one external member from outside the Grove School of Engineering, and preferably outside of CUNY
A complete draft of the Ph.D. dissertation must be submitted to the committee in advance of the defense. The student or advisor must contact the Office of Graduate Affairs to formally schedule the Final Examination.
The defense is an oral presentation typically lasting up to two hours, during which the student presents the research findings, addresses questions from the committee, and demonstrates scholarly contribution to the field.
Q: Is there a required format for the final Ph.D. dissertation?
There is no strict departmental template for the dissertation. Students should consult with their advisor regarding formatting expectations and may refer to previous dissertations in their area of study by visiting the CUNY library repository for examples.
Q: What is the residency requirement?
Students must be in full-time residence for at least six semesters. This may be reduced to four semesters with an approved prior master’s degree.
Q: How do I register for research credits (EE J99xx)?
Students must register for research credits under their faculty advisor’s name. Registration requires departmental approval. To obtain permission codes and course numbers, contact the Ph.D. Program Advisor or the Office of Graduate Affairs.
Q: I am an international student and need to maintain full-time status. What should I do after completing my coursework?
International students must remain enrolled full-time, which requires a minimum of 7 credits per semester. After completing coursework, students should register for WIU credits to meet this requirement.
All EE Ph.D. students must register for WIU credits under the Ph.D. Program Advisor’s name (not their dissertation advisor). For guidance on WIU registration, permission numbers, and compliance with visa requirements, contact the Ph.D. Program Advisor or the Office of Graduate Affairs.
Q: What support is available for travel and conference participation?
Ph.D. students may apply for travel funding through the Grove School of Engineering (GSOE) to present at academic or professional conferences. Applications typically require:
- Advisor endorsement
- A submitted abstract or conference invitation
- Approval by the Office of Graduate Affairs
Students should contact the Office of Graduate Affairs well in advance of the event to initiate the request process.
Q: What steps are required for graduation?
- Complete all coursework and research credits
- Pass all three examinations
- Submit the dissertation according to CCNY guidelines
Complete the degree audit and apply for graduation through CUNYfirst.
Contact Us
Director of Graduate Studies, Electrical Engineering
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed
Email:
amohamed@ccny.cuny.edu
Phone: 212-650-6619
Office: ST-669
For general graduate admissions, visit the CCNY Graduate Admissions Office.
Last Updated: 06/30/2025 13:23