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The University of Tennessee (Ph.D. in Computer Engineering – Cybersecurity) For 2023

Students in the computer engineering Ph.D. program are prepared to be creative leaders in academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial environments.

With a minimal number of necessary courses, the program is structured with a research emphasis in mind. This permits pupils to concentrate on their studies.

A Ph.D. in computer science builds on earlier education, experience, and understanding in the discipline. The degree takes around 4-5 years to complete and includes independent study and research in a specific field.

Coursework and research are combined in doctoral programs, culminating in a dissertation.

MS degrees typically take three semesters of full-time study or two to three years of part-time study to accomplish.

A completely online master’s degree in computer science-oriented working professionals will be available in 2022.

For students who start with a BS degree, obtaining a Ph.D. requires four to five years of full-time study, and for students who begin with an MS degree, it takes roughly three years. In each of the three fields, the department also offers an MS-MBA curriculum.

Eligibility / Educational requirements at The University of Tennessee For a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

Qualified individuals may pursue a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering at the Tickle College of Engineering (The University of Tennessee). A Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering or a related discipline is required for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Students in the Ph.D. program will be expected to complete a rigorous test to show overall proficiency in Computer Engineering, as indicated below.

Without initially getting a master’s degree, exceptional individuals with a bachelor’s degree may be accepted to the Ph.D. program.

Applicants must provide results from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the previous three years, which must be forwarded to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Non-native English speakers, including those with degrees from U.S. institutions, must have a TOEFL score of 550 on the written exam or 80 on the Internet-based examination.

The score must be less than two years old as of the entry date requested.

Applicants who have earned a degree from a recognized US university within the last two years are excluded from taking the TOEFL.

In consultation with their advisor, students may select one of the following concentrations. Concentrations reflect the research focus area and do not include specific course requirements:

  • Computer Architecture
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Vision
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Embedded Systems
  • Image Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Signal Processing
  • VLSI System Design

The qualifying examination consists of the following components:

  1. A critical examination of recent literature on a study subject that has been authorized by the administering faculty in writing.
  2. An oral examination covering the subject and associated core knowledge, as well as a presentation on the permitted topic.
  3. Within twelve months of beginning the Ph.D. program, a student must take the qualifying test. Within 24 months after beginning the Ph.D. program, a second and final try is permitted. The examination is only open to the student and the professor who is delivering it.
  4. A satisfactory result on a thorough examination was given by the student’s committee.

The findings of the test are presented to the graduate committee for approval, and the exam is then filed in the department.

When a student is ready to file for candidacy, he or she takes the comprehensive test.

The written and oral portions of the comprehensive test are both required.

Required Classes

Coursework is delivered in both the classroom and the computer lab, which is often utilized to learn new software and execute simulations of cyber security crisis scenarios. Here are a few courses that may be included in the program’s curriculum:

Computer Architecture, Computer Networks, Computer Vision, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Embedded Systems, Energy Science and Engineering (Ph.D. only), Image Processing, Information Systems, and VLSI System Design.

They also offer;

  • Hardware Systems
  • Distributed Computing
  • Robotics and Cybernetics
  • Embedded Systems
  • Computer Graphics and Visualisation
  • Medical Image Computing
  • Computer and Network Security

To know what you’ll actually study, check out the curriculum before choosing an academic program and don’t rely only on the title of the program. If you have other questions, contact the university or college where you want to apply. They’ll be more than happy to help you.

Career Options for Computer Engineering Graduates

To produce new computer hardware and software, computer engineering integrates the sciences of electrical engineering and computer science. They work as software and hardware engineers and are engaged in the creation of computer architecture.

This area is concerned with the actual components of computer systems rather than the virtual world we experience.

Microchips, powerful processors carried in our hands (hello, iPad), and the race to artificial intelligence robots and nano-processors is all because of computer engineering.

Advanced degrees in computer programming, information technology, digital systems, or related fields will be required for Computer Engineering.

Electronic engineers need hands-on expertise in developing safe and effective physical systems, whereas software developers require a diverse set of abilities.

Because software development and computer hardware are on the cutting edge of history, honing your talents will give you an advantage in breaking into this profitable sector.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the position is predicted to develop gradually and pay well over six figures in the future.

As software systems get more complicated, it’s up to electrical and computer engineers to iron out flaws and come up with new ways to handle real-world issues.

Build your abilities and get expertise in computer engineering, whether you’re a current engineering student or a self-taught software engineer.

This list is not complete, but it gives you a good indication of what your peers have done with their degrees and what occupations a Computer Engineering degree may lead to.

Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Computer Engineering than others. These include;

  • Author
  • AI designer/developer
  • Blogger
  • Business Systems Analyst
  • Client Support Representative
  • Computer Engineer
  • Computer Security Analyst
  • Database Developer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Hardware Systems Designer
  • Industry Consultant
  • Information Technologist
  • Interface Designer
  • Inventory Control Manager
  • Journalist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Logistics Specialist
  • National Security Consultant
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Media Correspondent
  • Network Security Specialist
  • Operations Manager
  • Patent/Computer Lawyer
  • Product Developer
  • Professor/Teacher
  • Project Manager
  • Researcher
  • Reporter
  • Robotics Specialist
  • Satellite Communications Specialist
  • Smart Phone Designer
  • Software Engineer
  • Software Security Engineer
  • Systems Designer
  • Technical Support Representative
  • Technical Writer
  • Telecommunications Engineer
  • Video Game Programmer
  • Web Designer

Some of these professions may need extra education or training, such as graduate studies, experiential education, or professional formative courses and tests.

Continuing your study after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering can improve your job chances even further.

Candidates with advanced degrees in their industry often get a higher wage scale from most firms and organizations. Furthermore, there is always the possibility of pursuing a career in academics or research.

Kevin James

Kevin James

I'm Kevin James, and I'm passionate about writing on Security and cybersecurity topics. Here, I'd like to share a bit more about myself. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Utica College, New York, which has been the foundation of my career in cybersecurity. As a writer, I have the privilege of sharing my insights and knowledge on a wide range of cybersecurity topics. You'll find my articles here at Cybersecurityforme.com, covering the latest trends, threats, and solutions in the field.