Pursue a Career in R&D

3 students working around a table in RUCOur PhD in Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering at UM-Dearborn is a full-time, research-based degree designed to train students to conduct original, high quality translational research and develop innovative technologies in the fields of electrical, electronics, and computer engineering. We’ve designed the program primarily for students interested in research and development careers in industry or academia. It typically takes five years to complete.

To lessen financial concerns, all PhD students receive full funding in the form of appointments as a graduate student instructor, a research assistant, or both. The appointments provide a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a tuition waiver. Students are guaranteed full funding for up to five years provided they maintain good academic standing and adequate progress toward their degree.

Where a PhD in Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering Will Take You

Numerous studies and survey data predict continued growth in engineering-related fields in the years to come. The PhD degree gives you the technical skills and professional development needed to excel in various career paths–whether that means diving into high-tech start-ups, leading projects in established engineering companies, or even pushing the boundaries of technology while pursuing an academic career.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is meant to be averages across the United States in 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$109,010 Median Salary

Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 17,800 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$130,720 Median Salary

Aerospace Engineers

Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$130,160 Median Salary

Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 153,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$95,360 Median Salary

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 19,800 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$129,840 Median Salary

Computer Network Architects

Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 10,200 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

This program operates on a strict deadline. All application and materials must be submitted by February 1 for Fall consideration and August 1 for Winter consideration. Please plan ahead to meet all deadlines and optimize your chances of acceptance.

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Graduate Scholarships

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