Masters+

Ph.D.+

Why Study Computer Engineering?

We live in a digital age, our world increasingly reliant on our computing devices. Push the frontiers of knowledge in areas that could underpin the next big thing in the digital revolution.

UMBC’s electrical and computer engineering faculty are at the forefront of efforts to improve medical imaging and remote sensing, upgrade the energy grid, enable next-gen wireless technologies, and drive innovations in computing. These experts will be your guide as you train to be an independent researcher and produce a dissertation that demonstrates a significant contribution to the state-of-the-art in the topic you select.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Computer Engineering?

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering Requirements

GRE General Test required (waiver option available)

Written Statement of Purpose: review criteria and guidelines on the department website.

Ph.D. applicants strongly encouraged to already have an M.S. degree in computer science; strong background in computer engineering, computer science, and mathematics courses.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply (For Financial Consideration) by January 7
Apply (Final Deadline) by June 1

International Students:
Apply (Final Deadline) by January 7

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply (For Financial Consideration) by June 1
Apply (Final Deadline) by November 1

International Students:
Apply (Final Deadline) by June 1

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Contact Information

Computer Engineering Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-3000

Program Director

Dr. Nagmeh Karimi

Program Coordinator

Keara Fliggins
410-455-3000
fliggins@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering