Electrical Engineering, Ph.D.

I. Contact Information

Banmali Rawat, Professor, Electric and Biomedical Engineering
Office: (775)784-1457
rawat@ee.unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The electrical and biomedical engineering department offers graduate programs leading to both the master of science and the doctor of philosophy degrees in electrical and biomedical engineering.

Emphases in the department include:

• Image and signal analysis
• Electromagnetics and microwaves
• Optical communication
• Power and 
• Biomedical engineering

Graduate course work and research opportunities are available in the following areas:

• Biosensors and Actuators
• Integrated Bio-analytical Systems
• Wireless Networks and Communications
• Biomedical Image Analysis
• Microprocessor Design and Applications
• Antenna Design and Analysis
• Microwave Devices and Distribution Systems
• Bioelectromagnetics
• Optical Fiber Communications and Sensors
• Microwave Integrated Circuits
• Power System Simulation, Planning and Protection
• Renewable Energy Integration and Smart Grid Applications
• Power Electronics and Electric Drives
• Power Conversion
• Control Systems
• Unmanned Autonomous Systems
• Signal Processing

It is strongly recommended that prospective electrical engineering professionals take at least one year of graduate study. Both the undergraduate and graduate curricula at the university are designed to offer students the range of education needed for leadership in the profession, as well as knowledge of the physical sciences and basic professional techniques.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The objective of the Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering is to prepare students for research careers in research laboratories, industry or academia. The program provides students with advanced knowledge and research skills in one of the specialties within electrical engineering. The doctoral program includes the rigorous coursework in the student’s area of specialization as well as the completion and defense of a Ph.D. dissertation containing original and innovative research work. These research results are to be published in national/international journals or conference proceedings.

IV. Admission Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent degree with GPA: 3.5 or higher
• Master of science in electrical Engineering or equivalent degree with GPA > 3.0 + GPA>3.0 in BSEE or equivalent
• GRE: V+Q>301 with Q>156, A>3.5/6
• TOEFL (International students only): 550 or higher (or> 213 CBT or >79 IBT or IELTS > 7)
• Three reference letters, and
• Statement of Purpose are also required.

Applicants to the program who don’t hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering must complete EE 220, 220L, 221, 362 and six credits hours of upper-division (300 or 400 level) EE courses in at least two of the following areas. These courses can be taken as grad special.
Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency in two of the five following areas of specialization, either through coursework or an exam:

• Electromagnetics
• Electronics
• Communications
• Control
• Power

V. Program Requirements

General requirements for graduate degrees are determined by the Graduate School and are listed in the Graduate School section of this catalog. Ph.D. candidates must successfully complete the Qualifying Examination and Comprehensive Examination.

VI. Total Units

Total Units - 72 Units beyond the B.S. - At least 36 units should be from EE Courses

These credits include:

• 48 units course work (30 units must be in courses numbered 700 and above)
• 24 units Dissertation

VII. Note(s):

Two fellowships (Turner and Dickinson) and a number of teaching and research assistantships are typically available in electrical engineering. They are awarded on a competitive basis. For more information, contact the department chairman or the Graduate School dean’s office.
General requirements for graduate degrees are determined by the Graduate School and are listed in the Graduate School section of this catalog.