Dartmouth University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework with sustained independent research. Early years typically include graduate-level courses in areas such as computer architecture, digital systems and VLSI, embedded systems, hardware/software co-design, advanced operating systems, networking, security, and machine learning for systems. Students participate in research seminars, journal clubs and lab rotations to refine research topics and methods.

After completing required coursework and passing qualifying or preliminary examinations, students focus on dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Typical research activities include experimental system design and evaluation, hardware prototyping, FPGA and ASIC development, simulation and modelling, formal verification, and publication of results in peer-reviewed conferences and journals.

• Core topics: computer architecture, digital design, embedded and cyber-physical systems, hardware–software co-design
• Methods and tools: VLSI/CAD flows, FPGA prototyping, performance modelling, systems verification
• Research practice: seminar presentations, teaching or mentoring experience, peer-reviewed publishing

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record in electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline. Typical applicants hold a bachelor’s degree with significant relevant preparation; many hold a master’s degree and have prior research experience. Admissions committees look for evidence of research potential such as publications, research projects, or strong letters of recommendation.

Required application materials normally include transcripts, a statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae, academic references, and examples of previous work (for example, papers or project reports). International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency where relevant. Specific prerequisites include solid foundations in programming, digital logic, computer organisation, and mathematics (including discrete math, linear algebra and probability).

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Computer Engineering pursue careers in academic research and teaching, industrial R&D, and technology leadership roles. Common destinations include university faculty positions, research laboratories at major technology companies, semiconductor and systems firms, robotics and embedded systems companies, cybersecurity research groups, and foundational roles in startups that commercialise hardware or system-level innovations.

The programme’s emphasis on hands-on prototyping and systems evaluation also prepares graduates for roles that require bridging deep technical knowledge with product development, such as senior hardware engineer, systems architect, research scientist, and technical lead in cross-disciplinary engineering teams.

Why study at Dartmouth University

At Dartmouth, doctoral students in computer engineering benefit from a close-knit research environment with high faculty accessibility and interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, computer science, and applied sciences. Small cohort sizes and integrated lab groups mean students receive personalised mentorship and early opportunities to lead projects.

The institution’s facilities support both hardware and systems research, with access to shared fabrication, prototyping and high-performance computing resources, and partnerships with industry and national research labs. In addition, the academic culture emphasises teaching experience and professional development, helping graduates transition into academic roles or leadership positions in industry.