Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)

At Cornell University, tuition fees are 29,500 USD per year.

The Ph.D. program is intended to train students for leadership positions in teaching and research. Entering students are admitted directly to the Ph.D. program; a master's degree is not a requirement for admission. Doctoral degree candidates must pass a qualifying examination before their second year of study.

Focus areas include Electrical engineering; electrical systems; electrophysics, Computer engineering.

The curriculum requires at least eight credit hours of graduate-level electrical and computer engineering courses (5000 level or above) with a grade of B or better, and continuous enrollment in research courses.

Graduates are trained for leadership positions in teaching and research.

Applicants must meet all Graduate School requirements, including English language proficiency with TOEFL iBT minimum scores of Listening 15, Writing 20, Reading 20, and Speaking 22. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the GRE general test is not required.

The program is delivered in person at Ithaca, NY, and requires a minimum of 10 semesters for degree completion. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.