Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ph.D.

Program Description

Website: eecs.ucmerced.edu 
Contact: Alberto E. Cerpa, Graduate Program Chair, acerpa@ucmerced.edu

Graduate studies in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers individualized, strongly research-oriented courses of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The EECS graduate area is organized to allow students to pursue cutting edge research in modern fields of electrical engineering and computer science, emphasizing research and preparing students for leadership positions in industrial labs, government or academia.

The EECS graduate area is supportive of cross-disciplinary work with connections to faculty from all three Schools at UC Merced. For instance, collaborations with the graduate programs in Environmental Systems and Cognitive and Information Sciences are possible.

Research projects with applications across the full spectrum of science and engineering are encouraged. Opportunities for collaborative projects with scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and with the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) are available, particularly with respect to the use of specialized computational equipment.

Prospective applicants must hold the equivalent of a B.S. degree as determined by the university.

Ph.D. Program Requirements

The principal requirements for a Ph.D. degree are (1) coursework, (2) the qualifying exam, and (3) the dissertation. To apply for the graduate studies in EECS, applicants must follow the application procedure of the UC Merced Graduate Division.

Ph.D. Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science:

1. Research Ability: Able to identify novel and significant open research questions in electrical engineering and computer science and are able to situate such questions in the contexts of current research literatures.

2. Core Knowledge: Able to apply their knowledge of computing, mathematics, science, and engineering to the analysis of technological problems, as well as to the design and implementation of viable solutions to those problems.

3. Experimental Ability: Able to design and conduct experiments and computational simulations for the purpose of evaluating and comparing proposed solutions on the basis of empirical evidence.

4. Lifelong Learning: Possess the characteristics of lifelong learners, able to acquire and use new techniques, skills, and engineering and scientific tools for research and development in electrical engineering and computer science, as well as develop new methods and make new discoveries.

5. Ethical Practice: Practice a high standard of professional ethics, including integrity in the conducting and writing of research.

6. Communication and Presentation: Communicate effectively through oral, visual, and written means, effectively addressing a broad range of technical audiences.

(A higher level of attainment in the PLOs, which are shared with the M.S. degree, is required for the Ph.D.)