University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Ph.D. program in Electrical and Systems Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania is meticulously crafted to cultivate advanced research capabilities and equip students for a successful career in academia and industry. This program emphasizes collaboration with faculty and research groups, fostering an environment where innovative theories, methods, and technologies can flourish.

What you'll study

The curriculum integrates graduate-level coursework with extensive research, guiding students to develop a robust technical foundation and research expertise. Key components of the program include:

• Graduate Coursework: Encompasses advanced courses tailored to students' research interests and the department’s technical spectrum.
• Research Training: Involves continuous engagement with a faculty advisor and research team, focusing on literature reviews, experimentation, simulation, and technical writing.
• Dissertation: Culminates in a dissertation that presents original research findings.

Course offerings may cover various topics, including but not limited to:

• Electromagnetic Phenomena
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Modern Optics
• Spectroscopy
• Quantum Mechanics
• Statistical Mechanics
• Solid State Theory

Students have the opportunity to select electives that enhance their research depth and broaden their knowledge across relevant subfields, as well as engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments and research centers at the university.

Entry requirements

• Educational Background: Applicants should possess a relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related discipline. Admission is competitive and reliant on academic preparedness for graduate-level research.
• Standardized Tests: The GRE General Test is mandatory, with minimum scores established by the university.
• English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores unless their previous education was conducted in English.

Specific score requirements may be outlined by the university for each application cycle.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Ph.D. program in Electrical and Systems Engineering are well-prepared for diverse career paths, including roles in academia, research institutions, and industry. They are equipped to contribute to advancements in technology and engineering practices, making significant impacts in their chosen fields.