- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best computer engineering doctoral degree programs reveals that computer engineering PhD graduates in industry research earn $150,000 median salary (BLS, 2024), while tenure-track faculty earn $120,000-$180,000.
- 2.Our top-ranked doctoral programs are University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Southern California—selected for research output, funding, and graduate placement.
- 3.Most PhD programs are fully funded: tuition waiver + $25,000-40,000/year stipend. You should not pay for a PhD.
- 4.Average time to degree is 5-6 years, though it varies by research area and advisor.
- 5.60% of computer engineering PhD graduates enter industry research (Google, Meta, Microsoft Research); 40% pursue academic careers.
Source: A computer engineering PhD is worth it if you want to conduct original research, whether in academia or industry research labs. Unlike master's programs, PhDs are typically fully funded (tuition + ~$35K/year stipend). Industry research scientists at Google, Meta, and OpenAI earn $200K-400K+. Academic faculty earn less but enjoy research freedom and job security.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering PhD?
A PhD is the terminal research degree in computer engineering—required for tenure-track faculty positions and highly valued for industry research scientist roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers/Computer Hardware Engineers with advanced degrees can earn $208,000+ or more, especially in research-focused positions.
Who Should Consider a PhD?
- Aspiring academics: Tenure-track faculty positions require a PhD
- Research scientists: Industry labs (Google Research, Microsoft Research, Meta AI) recruit PhDs for cutting-edge research
- Deep specialists: Those who want to push the boundaries of computer engineering
- Intellectually curious: People who find fulfillment in solving hard, unsolved problems
The PhD Value Proposition
- Fully funded: No tuition + $25K-45K/year stipend (you're paid to learn)
- Research freedom: Work on problems that interest you with expert guidance
- Career options: Both academic ($100K-200K faculty) and lucrative industry paths ($150K-400K+ research scientist)
- Expertise: Become a world expert in computer engineering
Important: Don't pursue a PhD just for salary gains. If your goal is maximizing income quickly, a master's + industry experience often yields better short-term returns. A PhD is a 5-6 year commitment to research mastery.
Best Computer Engineering PhD Programs - Top 10
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley EECS is consistently ranked #1-2 nationally, pioneering advances in computer architecture, RISC processors, and integrated circuit design that have shaped modern computing.
University of California-Berkeley Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 in computer engineering degree program.
University of California-Berkeley's Computer Engineering program graduates 94 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area with direct access to Silicon Valley's hardware and tech ecosystem
Hakia Insight: University of California-Berkeley leverages partnerships with Intel and NVIDIA to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Located in the San Francisco Bay Area with direct access to Silicon Valley's hardware and tech ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Intel, Apple, Google, NVIDIA, AMD
Admissions
University of California-Los Angeles
UCLA ECE is a top-10 program nationally with pioneering research in integrated circuits, wireless communications, and embedded computing systems.
University of California-Los Angeles Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #2 in computer engineering degree program.
University of California-Los Angeles's Computer Engineering program graduates 65 students annually with a 92% graduation rate. Located in Los Angeles tech hub
Hakia Insight: University of California-Los Angeles's direct partnerships with Qualcomm and Broadcom give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Located in Los Angeles tech hub
- •Access to major cloud computing companies
- •Strong industry connections in Southern California
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Qualcomm, Broadcom, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Google
Admissions
University of Southern California
USC Viterbi is ranked among top graduate engineering schools nationally with transdisciplinary research connecting computer engineering to AI, robotics, and data science.
University of Southern California Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #3 in computer engineering degree program.
University of Southern California's Computer Engineering program graduates 101 students annually with a 92% graduation rate. Los Angeles location provides connections to aerospace, entertainment technology, and defense industries
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Southern California benefit from active collaborations with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Los Angeles location provides connections to aerospace, entertainment technology, and defense industries
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Qualcomm, Intel, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Boeing
Admissions
University of California-Irvine
UCI EECS offers unique interdisciplinary networked systems program jointly administered with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences.
University of California-Irvine Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #4 in computer engineering degree program.
University of California-Irvine's Computer Engineering program graduates 59 students annually with a 96% graduation rate. Orange County location with proximity to semiconductor and technology companies in Southern California
Hakia Insight: University of California-Irvine's industry network — including Broadcom and Western Digital — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Orange County location with proximity to semiconductor and technology companies in Southern California
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Broadcom, Western Digital, Google, Amazon, Qualcomm
Admissions
Stanford University
Stanford EE is consistently ranked #1-2 nationally, driving innovations in computer architecture, chip design, and hardware-software integration that have shaped Silicon Valley.
Stanford University Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks Stanford University as the #5 in computer engineering degree program.
Stanford University offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Center of Silicon Valley tech ecosystem
Hakia Insight: Stanford University graduates earn $135,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •Center of Silicon Valley tech ecosystem
- •Direct proximity to Google, Apple, Intel, NVIDIA headquarters
- •Established venture capital and startup environment
- •Exceptional concentration of alumni in leadership roles at major tech companies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-San Diego
UCSD ECE is a top-15 program with 60+ faculty conducting cutting-edge research and access to San Diego Supercomputer Center resources.
University of California-San Diego Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #6 in computer engineering degree program.
University of California-San Diego's Computer Engineering program graduates 64 students annually with a 81% graduation rate. San Diego tech hub with Qualcomm headquarters and growing biotech/wireless industries
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Qualcomm and Intel, University of California-San Diego bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •San Diego tech hub with Qualcomm headquarters and growing biotech/wireless industries
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Qualcomm, Intel, Apple, Google, Illumina
Admissions
University of California-Santa Barbara
UCSB ECE ranks among top-10 nationally for interdisciplinary science, with strengths in quantum computing, photonics, and advanced materials for computing.
University of California-Santa Barbara Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Barbara as the #7 in computer engineering degree program.
University of California-Santa Barbara's Computer Engineering program graduates 55 students annually with a 90% graduation rate. Santa Barbara coastal location with growing tech presence and proximity to LA tech ecosystem
Hakia Insight: University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn $95,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Processor Design
IoT and Embedded Computing
Integrated Circuit Design
Quantum Information Systems
Location Advantages
- •Santa Barbara coastal location with growing tech presence and proximity to LA tech ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Apple, Intel, Nvidia, Microsoft
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia Engineering provides NYC location advantages for tech industry access while maintaining rigorous research standards in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment.
Columbia University in the City of New York Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #8 in computer engineering degree program.
Columbia University in the City of New York's Computer Engineering program graduates 47 students annually with a 100% graduation rate. New York City location provides access to finance tech, media, and major tech company offices
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Google and IBM, Columbia University in the City of New York bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Location Advantages
- •New York City location provides access to finance tech, media, and major tech company offices
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Meta, Amazon, IBM, finance tech firms
Admissions
California Institute of Technology
Caltech provides unmatched research intensity with small cohorts working alongside Nobel laureates and NAE members on fundamental advances in computing hardware and systems.
California Institute of Technology Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks California Institute of Technology as the #9 in computer engineering degree program.
California Institute of Technology's Computer Engineering program graduates 11 students annually with a 88% graduation rate. Pasadena location near JPL/NASA with access to LA tech ecosystem and aerospace industry
Hakia Insight: California Institute of Technology graduates earn $165,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Quantum Computing and Information
AI and Deep Learning
High-Performance Computing
Image Processing and Recognition
Algorithms and Complexity
Location Advantages
- •Pasadena location near JPL/NASA with access to LA tech ecosystem and aerospace industry
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Amazon
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Cornell University
Cornell ECE offers unique dual-campus model with Ithaca and Cornell Tech (NYC) options, combining traditional academic research with industry-connected urban tech environment.
Cornell University Computer Engineering Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #10 in computer engineering degree program.
Cornell University's Computer Engineering program graduates 48 students annually with a 95% graduation rate. Ithaca campus with state-of-the-art facilities plus Cornell Tech in NYC for industry connections
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with Intel and IBM, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
security, privacy and cryptography
computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning
decision-making support models
accessibility, educational technology, CSCW and social computing
language modeling and natural language processing
Location Advantages
- •Ithaca campus with state-of-the-art facilities plus Cornell Tech in NYC for industry connections
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Intel, Google, IBM, Apple, academic positions
Admissions
Best Computer Engineering PhD Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. University of California-Berkeley Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 in computer engineering degree program. Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 100.0
What makes University of California-Berkeley stand out: Berkeley EECS is consistently ranked #1-2 nationally, pioneering advances in computer architecture, RISC processors, and integrated circuit design that have shaped modern computing.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Berkeley leverages partnerships with Intel and NVIDIA to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.
Program Overview: UC Berkeley EECS offers PhD programs in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with specializations spanning signal processing, computer architecture, VLSI, embedded systems, and controls. The program combines rigorous coursework with groundbreaking research alongside world-renowned faculty.
Degree Programs: PhD in Electrical Engineering; PhD in Computer Science; Joint MS/PhD program
Research Labs: Berkeley Wireless Research Center; ASPIRE Lab; Par Lab; Berkeley AI Research Lab
Industry Partners: Intel, NVIDIA, Apple, Google, Qualcomm
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95%+ | Top Employers: Intel, Apple, Google, NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm
Admissions:
#2. University of California-Los Angeles Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #2 in computer engineering degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 98.4
What makes University of California-Los Angeles stand out: UCLA ECE is a top-10 program nationally with pioneering research in integrated circuits, wireless communications, and embedded computing systems.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Los Angeles's direct partnerships with Qualcomm and Broadcom give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.
Program Overview: UCLA's Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD allows specialization across circuits and embedded systems, physical and wave electronics, and signals and systems. Research covers communications, control systems, integrated circuits, MEMS, nanotechnology, photonics, and signal processing.
Degree Programs: BS; MS; PhD
Research Labs: Integrated Circuits and Systems Lab; MEMS Research Group; Photonics Lab; Signal Processing Lab
Industry Partners: Qualcomm, Broadcom, Intel, Apple, Google
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95%+ | Top Employers: Qualcomm, Broadcom, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Google
Notable Faculty: Xiang Anthony Chen (Human-computer interaction, sensing and interaction techniques, intelligent user interfaces, computational design and fabrication); Jason Cong (Computer system architecture, energy-efficient computing, reconfigurable computing, electronic design automation); Puneet Gupta (Design-technology co-optimization, variability and reliability-aware computer architecture, electronic design automation); Lei He (Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), Programmable Logic (FPGA), AI-on-A-Chip, Quantum Computing); Achuta Kadambi (Computational Imaging, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Robotics, Medical Devices); William Kaiser (Biomedical informatics, embedded systems, biomedical devices); Ankur Mehta (Printable robotics, Rapid design and fabrication, Controls algorithms, Wireless sensor networks); Majid Sarrafzadeh (Embedded systems, health analytics, biomedical systems, and algorithm design); Nader Sehatbakhsh (Security and Privacy, Computer Architecture, IoT/Embedded Systems Security, and Side-Channels); Mani B. Srivastava (Embedded software, Ubiquitous and mobile computing, Human-cyber-physical systems, Security and privacy); Lixia Zhang (Internet architecture and protocol designs, security and resiliency of large-scale systems); Omid Abari (Internet-of-Things (IoT), Digital Health, Ubiquitous Sensing, Wireless and Mobile Systems, Human-computer interaction (HCI))
Admissions:
#3. University of Southern California Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #3 in computer engineering degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 96.8
What makes University of Southern California stand out: USC Viterbi is ranked among top graduate engineering schools nationally with transdisciplinary research connecting computer engineering to AI, robotics, and data science.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Southern California benefit from active collaborations with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: USC Viterbi's Computer Engineering PhD is housed in the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, covering signal and image processing, communications, computer engineering, controls, and electrophysics research groups.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Engineering; PhD in Electrical Engineering; PhD in Computer Science
Research Labs: Information Sciences Institute; Signal Analysis and Interpretation Lab; VLSI CAD Laboratory
Industry Partners: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, Intel, Qualcomm
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 93%+ | Top Employers: Qualcomm, Intel, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Boeing
Admissions:
#4. University of California-Irvine Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #4 in computer engineering degree program. Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 94.5
What makes University of California-Irvine stand out: UCI EECS offers unique interdisciplinary networked systems program jointly administered with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Irvine's industry network — including Broadcom and Western Digital — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: UC Irvine EECS PhD program offers advanced study in computer engineering with research spanning embedded systems, computer architecture, VLSI design, and networked systems through an interdisciplinary curriculum.
Degree Programs: BS (4 years); MS (2 years); PhD
Research Labs: Center for Embedded and Cyber-physical Systems; VLSI Design Lab; Computer Systems Architecture Lab
Industry Partners: Broadcom, Western Digital, Intel, Qualcomm, Google
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: Broadcom, Western Digital, Google, Amazon, Qualcomm
Admissions:
#5. Stanford University Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks Stanford University as the #5 in computer engineering degree program. Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,731/year | Score: 94.3
What makes Stanford University stand out: Stanford EE is consistently ranked #1-2 nationally, driving innovations in computer architecture, chip design, and hardware-software integration that have shaped Silicon Valley.
Hakia Insight: Stanford University graduates earn $135,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
Program Overview: Stanford Electrical Engineering PhD is a research-intensive program preparing students for academic and industry leadership. The program offers 135 units of coursework combined with original research under world-class faculty mentorship.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Engineering (4 years); MS in Computer Engineering (2 years); PhD in Computer Engineering (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Stanford SystemX Alliance; Center for Integrated Systems; Stanford AI Lab; Gates Computer Science Building
Industry Partners: Google, Apple, Intel, NVIDIA, Meta, Microsoft
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95%+
Notable Faculty: Christoforos Kozyrakis (Computer architecture, parallel systems, machine learning systems)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited (Engineering Accreditation Commission)
#6. University of California-San Diego Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #6 in computer engineering degree program. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 93.2
What makes University of California-San Diego stand out: UCSD ECE is a top-15 program with 60+ faculty conducting cutting-edge research and access to San Diego Supercomputer Center resources.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Qualcomm and Intel, University of California-San Diego bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: UCSD ECE offers PhD degrees with specializations in computer engineering including communication theory, electronic circuits, intelligent systems, robotics and control, signal and image processing. Research utilizes state-of-the-art facilities including the Qualcomm Institute.
Degree Programs: PhD in Electrical Engineering with Computer Engineering specialization; Joint PhD with San Diego State University
Research Labs: Qualcomm Institute; Center for Wireless Communications; Signal and Image Processing Lab
Industry Partners: Qualcomm, Intel, Apple, Google, Illumina
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 92%+ | Top Employers: Qualcomm, Intel, Apple, Google, Illumina
Admissions:
#7. University of California-Santa Barbara Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Barbara as the #7 in computer engineering degree program. Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 92.9
What makes University of California-Santa Barbara stand out: UCSB ECE ranks among top-10 nationally for interdisciplinary science, with strengths in quantum computing, photonics, and advanced materials for computing.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn $95,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
Program Overview: UCSB ECE PhD offers three research tracks: Communications, Controls & Signal Processing (CCSP), Computer Engineering (CE), and Electronics & Photonics (EP). Research spans control theory to nanofabrication, device fabrication to VLSI design.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Engineering; MS/PhD combined program; PhD for students with existing MS
Research Labs: Computer Architecture Lab - Processor Design; Embedded Systems Lab - IoT and Embedded Computing; VLSI Design Lab - Integrated Circuit Design; Quantum Computing Lab - Quantum Information Systems
Industry Partners: Intel, Microsoft, Google, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90%+ | Top Employers: Google, Apple, Intel, Nvidia, Microsoft, Tesla | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Systems Engineer, Firmware Developer
Admissions:
Accreditations: IEEE Certified Software Development Professional, Cisco CCNA, AWS Cloud Practitioner
#8. Columbia University in the City of New York Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #8 in computer engineering degree program. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,526/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 92.0
What makes Columbia University in the City of New York stand out: Columbia Engineering provides NYC location advantages for tech industry access while maintaining rigorous research standards in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Google and IBM, Columbia University in the City of New York bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Columbia Engineering PhD programs offer research in computer architecture, VLSI, embedded systems, and hardware-software co-design. Students work alongside faculty on projects spanning theory to robotics to systems with opportunities through the Data Science Institute.
Degree Programs: PhD in Computer Science; PhD in Electrical Engineering; Doctor of Engineering Science (part-time option)
Research Labs: Data Science Institute; Center for Artificial Intelligence Technology; VLSI and Embedded Systems Lab
Industry Partners: Google, IBM, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95%+ | Top Employers: Google, Meta, Amazon, IBM, finance tech firms
Admissions:
#9. California Institute of Technology Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks California Institute of Technology as the #9 in computer engineering degree program. Location: Pasadena, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $60,816/year | Graduation Rate: 88% | Score: 91.0
What makes California Institute of Technology stand out: Caltech provides unmatched research intensity with small cohorts working alongside Nobel laureates and NAE members on fundamental advances in computing hardware and systems.
Hakia Insight: California Institute of Technology graduates earn $165,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on computer engineering curriculum.
Program Overview: Caltech Electrical Engineering PhD offers intimate research environment with approximately 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Research spans device physics to system design with options in EE and Medical-EE tracks plus the interdisciplinary Computing and Mathematical Sciences program.
Degree Programs: PhD in Electrical Engineering; PhD in Computing and Mathematical Sciences; Medical-EE joint track
Research Labs: Quantum Information Lab - Quantum Computing and Information; Machine Learning Systems Lab - AI and Deep Learning; Parallel and Distributed Systems Lab - High-Performance Computing; Computer Vision Lab - Image Processing and Recognition; Theoretical Computer Science Lab - Algorithms and Complexity
Industry Partners: Intel, Google, Apple, Boeing, JPL/NASA
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 98%+ | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Academic Institutions, NASA/JPL | Common Roles: Research Scientist, Principal Software Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Academic Professor
Admissions:
Accreditations: IEEE Senior Member, AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Google Cloud Professional
#10. Cornell University Computer Engineering Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #10 in computer engineering degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 90.5
What makes Cornell University stand out: Cornell ECE offers unique dual-campus model with Ithaca and Cornell Tech (NYC) options, combining traditional academic research with industry-connected urban tech environment.
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with Intel and IBM, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Cornell ECE PhD is an interdisciplinary program with research in power and energy, computer architecture, nanotechnology, photonics, neuroscience, and computing. Students can pursue research across campus from physics to bioscience to economics.
Degree Programs: BS; M.Eng. (1 year); M.Eng.; Ph.D.
Research Labs: Security & Privacy Research Group - security, privacy and cryptography; Artificial Intelligence & Robotics - computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning; Data & Modeling Research Group - decision-making support models; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) & Social Computing - accessibility, educational technology, CSCW and social computing; Cornell Language, Interaction, and Learning (LIL) Lab - language modeling and natural language processing
Industry Partners: Intel, IBM, Google, Microsoft, Applied Materials
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95%+ | Top Employers: Intel, Google, IBM, Apple, academic positions
Notable Faculty: Vitaly Shmatikov (Digital privacy, computer security, security and privacy issues in machine learning); Yoav Artzi (Language modeling, machine learning, natural language processing); Noah Snavely (Computer vision, computer graphics); Nathan Kallus (Machine learning, data mining and signal processing)
Admissions:
Full Computer Engineering Doctoral Rankings 2026
| Rank | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | 96% | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | 92% | 98.4 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | 92% | 96.8 |
| 4 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | 96% | 94.5 |
| 5 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | — | 94.3 |
| 6 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | 81% | 93.2 |
| 7 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | 90% | 92.9 |
| 8 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | 100% | 92 |
| 9 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | 88% | 91 |
| 10 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | 95% | 90.5 |
| 11 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | 96% | 90.2 |
| 12 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | — | 89.5 |
| 13 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | 91% | 88.3 |
| 14 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Charlottesville, VA | Public | 96% | 87.7 |
| 15 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | 97% | 87.6 |
| 16 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | 76% | 87.2 |
| 17 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | 98% | 86 |
| 18 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | — | 84.5 |
| 19 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | 99% | 84.5 |
| 20 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | 81% | 84.3 |
| 21 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | 100% | 83.6 |
| 22 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | 84% | 83.6 |
| 23 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | 90% | 83.6 |
| 24 | Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | — | 83.4 |
| 25 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | Private | — | 83.1 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Research Areas & Specializations
PhD programs in computer engineering offer multiple specialization tracks. Your research area determines your advisor options, publication venues, and career trajectories.
Key Computer Engineering Research Areas
- Embedded Systems
- VLSI Design
- Computer Architecture
- Hardware Security
- IoT Systems
Emerging Research Topics (2024-2025)
- Quantum Computing Hardware
- Neuromorphic Computing
- Hardware Accelerators
- Secure Processor Design
- Energy-Efficient Computing
Choosing Your Specialization: Your research area should align with your interests, available advisors, and career goals. Review faculty research pages and recent publications. Attend seminars and read papers from top venues in computer engineering to understand current research directions.
Publication Venues: Check CSRankings.org to see which conferences and journals are most prestigious for your chosen specialization. Top-tier venues vary significantly by subfield.
Finding the Right Advisor
Your advisor is the single most important factor in PhD success. A good advisor shapes your research trajectory, opens networking opportunities, and directly impacts your career outcomes. According to data from NSF's Survey of Earned Doctorates, advisor-student fit is strongly correlated with time to degree and completion rates.
What to Look For in an Advisor:
- Research alignment: Their work should genuinely excite you—you'll spend 5+ years on related problems
- Advising style: Some are hands-on, others hands-off. Know what you need and ask current students
- Funding stability: Do they have ongoing grants? Have they consistently funded students?
- Student outcomes: Where did their graduates end up? Academia? Industry? How long did they take?
- Lab culture: Talk to current students privately about work-life balance and lab dynamics
Red Flags to Avoid:
- High student turnover or many students leaving without degrees
- Faculty who are rarely available or traveling constantly
- Labs where students seem stressed, isolated, or unhappy
- Advisors with a history of conflicts or complaints
Pro tip: Email 2-3 current students and ask: "What do you wish you knew before joining this lab?" Their candid responses will tell you more than any faculty website.
PhD Funding & Stipends
You should not pay for a PhD.
Top programs offer full funding packages covering tuition plus a competitive stipend. According to CSStipendRankings.org and PhDStipends.com, computer science stipends range from $18,000 at lower-paying programs to $50,000+ at top institutions.
2024-25 Stipend Examples:
- Brown University: $49,000/year ($4,084/month) - Graduate School
- Duke University: Full funding for 5 years including tuition, fees, insurance, and stipend - CS Department
- Emory University: $37,467/year for CS/Informatics PhDs - Graduate School
- Mid-tier programs: Typically $25,000-35,000/year with full tuition waiver
Funding Sources:
- Research Assistantships (RA): Work on faculty research; most common funding source
- Teaching Assistantships (TA): Lead discussion sections, grade assignments
- Fellowships: Competitive awards (NSF GRFP, NDSEG, university fellowships) with higher stipends and research freedom
- Grants: Faculty research grants often fund PhD students
Cost of Living Warning: Use PhDStipends.com to compare living wage ratios, which normalize stipends to local cost of living. A $35K stipend in a low-cost city may provide better quality of life than $50K in San Francisco.
PhD Milestones & Timeline
The NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates tracks time to degree across all fields. Computer science PhDs typically take 5-6 years to complete, though this varies by research area and institution.
Typical PhD Timeline:
- Years 1-2: Coursework, rotations (if applicable), identify research area, pass qualifying exams
- Years 2-3: Thesis proposal, begin independent research, first publications
- Years 3-5: Core research, conference publications, build professional network
- Years 5-6: Complete dissertation, defend, job market
Key Milestones:
- Qualifying Exam: Usually year 1-2; tests breadth of knowledge and/or research potential
- Thesis Proposal: Year 2-3; defines your dissertation scope and convinces committee it's viable
- Candidacy: After proposal passes; you're now "ABD" (All But Dissertation)
- Dissertation Defense: Final oral exam presenting your complete research
What affects time to degree: Research area complexity, advisor expectations, publication requirements, whether you switch topics, and how quickly you identify a viable research direction.
Application Process
PhD admissions are highly competitive. According to ProFellow, top programs accept 5-15% of applicants. The process differs significantly from undergraduate or master's admissions.
Typical Application Components:
- Statement of Purpose: Your research interests, why this program, and potential advisors (2-3 pages)
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters, ideally from research supervisors who know your work deeply
- CV/Resume: Emphasize research experience, publications, and technical projects
- GRE Scores: Many programs have made GRE optional since 2020; check requirements
- Transcripts: Strong grades help, but research experience often matters more
- Research samples: Some programs request writing samples or research proposals
Timeline:
- September-November: Research programs, contact potential advisors, prepare materials
- December 1-15: Most application deadlines
- January-March: Interview invitations (virtual or in-person visit days)
- March-April 15: Admission decisions; April 15 is the standard decision deadline
Critical tip: Reach out to potential advisors before applying. A brief, professional email expressing genuine interest in their research can significantly improve your chances—especially if they respond positively and mention your application to the admissions committee.
Industry Research vs Academic Faculty Careers
| Factor | Industry Research | Academic Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $150,000-$200,000+ | $100,000-$140,000 |
| Salary Ceiling | $300,000-$500,000+ (with equity) | $150,000-$250,000 |
| Job Security | Project-dependent, at-will | Tenure after 6-7 years |
| Research Freedom | Aligned with company goals | High autonomy after tenure |
| Publication Pressure | Varies by company | Essential for tenure |
| Resources | Well-funded, large compute | Grant-dependent |
| Work-Life Balance | Generally better | Highly variable |
| Impact Timeline | Faster deployment | Long-term influence |
| Typical Employers | Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI | Universities, research institutes |
Source: Salary data from [CRA Taulbee Survey](https://cra.org/resources/taulbee-survey/) and [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/)
Choosing Your Career Path
Industry research is right for you if:
- Compensation is a priority
- You want to see research deployed at scale
- You prefer shorter feedback loops
- You're comfortable with more directed research agendas
- Geographic flexibility is important (industry hubs)
Academia is right for you if:
- Research freedom is paramount
- You want to mentor the next generation
- Job security matters more than peak compensation
- You enjoy teaching
- You want to pursue long-term, speculative research
Increasingly blurred lines: Many researchers move between academia and industry. Some professors consult extensively; some industry researchers teach courses. The choice isn't permanent.
Postdoc Pathways
A postdoc is a temporary research position after completing your PhD. According to Academic Positions, postdoc salaries average $61,000-$72,000 in 2024, with most positions lasting 2-3 years.
When is a Postdoc Necessary?
- Academic careers: Often expected, especially at research universities. Strengthens your publication record and expands your network.
- Industry careers: Rarely necessary—most industry research labs hire directly from PhD programs
- Switching fields: A postdoc can help you pivot to a new research area
- Building independence: Develops skills in grant writing, lab management, and independent research
Postdoc Considerations:
- Duration: 1-3 years typical; longer postdocs can signal difficulty finding permanent positions
- Salary gap: Postdocs earn significantly less than industry PhDs—factor this into your decision
- Location flexibility: Postdocs often require relocation; be prepared to move
- Exit strategy: Have a clear plan for what comes after the postdoc
Important: In computer science, a postdoc is increasingly optional. Strong PhD graduates with good publication records can go directly to tenure-track positions or industry research roles.
Publication Expectations
Publications are the currency of academic research. In computer science, conference papers (not journals) are the primary publication venue, unlike most other fields.
Typical Publication Expectations:
- Minimum for graduation: 2-4 peer-reviewed publications (varies by program and advisor)
- Competitive job market: 5+ publications with at least 1-2 at top-tier venues
- Top-tier venues: NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, ACL, SIGCOMM, SOSP, PLDI (varies by subfield)
- First-author papers: Critical for demonstrating independent research ability
Publication Timeline:
- Year 1-2: Workshop papers, co-authored papers with senior students
- Year 3-4: First-author publications at good venues
- Year 5+: Aim for top venues, build a coherent research narrative for job market
Quality vs Quantity: One strong paper at a top venue (NeurIPS, ICML, etc.) often matters more than several papers at lower-tier venues. Focus on impactful work that others will cite and build upon.
Resources: Check CSRankings.org to understand which venues matter most in your subfield and how faculty are evaluated by publication record.
Top States for Computer Engineering Doctoral Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Computer Engineering Doctoral Programs in California | 25 | $9,500 | University of California |
| Best Computer Engineering Doctoral Programs in Texas | 20 | $8,500 | University of Texas |
| Best Computer Engineering Doctoral Programs in New York | 18 | $12,000 | SUNY |
| Best Computer Engineering Doctoral Programs in Florida | 15 | $6,500 | University of Florida |
| Best Computer Engineering Doctoral Programs in Virginia | 12 | $11,000 | Virginia Tech |
| Best Computer Engineering Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania | 14 | $14,000 | Penn State |
Software Engineering Career Track
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Computer Engineering PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
Computer science research publication rankings by faculty
May 2024 salary data for research positions
Related Computer Engineering Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.