Why Pursue a PhD in Computer Engineering
This program offers doctoral students advanced training in areas considered to form the foundation of Computer Engineering, such as Computer Architecture, VLSI Design, and Engineering Programming. Program curriculum provides a balance of theoretical and research-based courses, which will prepare graduates for advanced careers in engineering, technology, and research.
Daytime and evening courses are offered to provide working professionals with the flexibility to customize their educational experience through full-time or part-time enrollment.
Research Labs and Facilities
Utilizing UTSA’s state-of-the-art labs and equipment, Computer Engineering graduate students are conducting innovative research and refining their technical skills.
Some of the research labs include:
- Autonomous Control Engineering
- Cloud Computing, Quantum Computing
- Control, Computation, and Cybernetic Lab
- Low Power VLSI
- Matrix: AI Consortium for Human Well-Being
- Neuromorphic Artificial Intelligence Lab
- Robotics Lab
- Unmanned Systems Laboratory
Learn From Expert Faculty
From artificial intelligence and machine learning to robotics and automation, UTSA program faculty are conducting innovative research and making meaningful contributions to the field. Our experienced faculty members are dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences that prepare graduate students for successful careers in academia, industry research, or leadership roles. Learn more about our program faculty!
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline.
| Computer Engineering (PhD) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Coursework | 18 credit hours in an area related to this graduate degree and at least 12 hours must be at the upper-division level. | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) directly from the graduate admission application platform | |
| English Language Proficiency | 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 | |
| Purpose Statement | Required | |
| Resume | Required | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 3 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time). UTSA Electrical and Computer Engineering master's and bachelor's program alumni are exempt from this requirement. | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| Computer Engineering (PhD) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Spring 2025 | Not Available | October 1 | October 1 |
| Summer 2025 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Fall 2025 | February 1 | June 1 | August 1 |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | October 1 | October 1 |
| Summer 2026 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
Funding Opportunities
PhD students may qualify for research or teaching positions, for which the Klesse College offers funding related to tuition, medical insurance, and an annual salary of $24,000.
Learn MoreCareer Options
UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
