Electrical Engineering, Ph.D.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline.
design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data.
understand research methodology.

Contact Information

Yantao Shen, Associate Professor, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering
(775)784-6927
ytshen@unr.edu
Graduate Handbook

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

I. 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.

A. Required Courses

All electrical engineering graduate students are required to complete the following course:

EE 782 - Random Signal Analysis and Estimation Theory (3 units)
Doctor of philosophy degree candidates must successfully complete a written qualifying examination administered by the department. The examination includes separate exams in two of five major study areas in electrical engineering. One of the two exams must be in the student’s major research area. Additionally, the Ph.D. candidate must pass a final comprehensive exam administered by his or her committee. The comprehensive examination can be from 1 to 3 credits and is above the required 72 credits beyond the B.S. The comprehensive examination credits cannot be used to fulfill the 30 credits of 700-level course work.

II. 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

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.