Pursue advanced doctoral research in computing systems and intelligent technologies.
Florida Tech’s Ph.D. in computer engineering emphasizes independent, faculty-mentored research in the design and integration of complex computing systems. Students work closely with advisors to develop expertise in embedded platforms, computer architecture, hardware-enabled AI, cyber-physical systems and secure computing.
The program combines rigorous coursework with dissertation research, focusing on strong technical foundations and systematic investigation. Students design, analyze and experiment with systems to advance scalable, reliable and secure computing and networked technologies.
Graduates are prepared for research-focused careers in academia, industry and government laboratories worldwide, as well as technical leadership roles requiring deep expertise in computer engineering.
Florida Tech offers a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment with extensive laboratory resources and a strong record of research excellence. Students develop the technical expertise and research perspective needed to address complex computing challenges, advance innovative research and prepare for leadership roles in academia, research or global industry.
Ph.D. students in computer engineering work closely with faculty on research in hardware/software systems, embedded platforms, hardware-enabled AI, high-performance computing, wireless networks and secure, scalable computing infrastructure.
Faculty provide guidance on dissertation planning, research methods and emerging research directions, supporting students as they build the expertise and independence needed to make original contributions to the field.
Florida Tech provides a research environment where students work closely with faculty across computer engineering, computer science and related fields.
Research groups use rigorous, methodical approaches that support inquiry and lead to publishable results.
Students collaborate on problems in computing systems, embedded platforms, hardware-enabled AI, wireless networks and secure, scalable infrastructure, gaining experience with both theoretical frameworks and advanced laboratory capabilities.
Advanced tools and laboratories at Florida Tech support interdisciplinary research across computing and engineering.
Doctoral students collaborate with faculty in specialized labs for embedded and autonomous platforms, computing systems, hardware-enabled AI, cybersecurity and wireless/networked systems.
Students leverage these facilities and faculty expertise to design, simulate and evaluate computing and communication systems, gaining hands-on experience with both hardware and software environments.
Florida Tech’s 130-acre campus on the Space Coast situates Ph.D. students near NASA-Kennedy Space Center and a large high-tech workforce. This proximity provides opportunities for research collaborations and applied projects in computing, embedded systems, aerospace electronics, communications and defense systems.
Students engage with industry and government research initiatives, gaining experience that informs their doctoral research and prepares them for leadership roles in academia or industry.
Academic units may offer graduate student assistantships to full-time, degree-seeking graduate students on a competitive basis.
Teaching Assistants (TAs) support faculty in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, including tasks such as grading, tutoring and conducting office hours. First-time TAs attend a teaching assistant seminar to prepare for their responsibilities.
Research Assistants (RAs) collaborate with faculty on projects funded by government agencies, private sponsors and university research funds.
For current information about assistantships, contact the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Florida Tech offers a safe and welcoming campus environment that supports advanced research alongside personal well-being. The campus includes extensive green spaces, such as the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, along with facilities like the Holzer Health Center and Clemente Center for health, fitness and stress management.
Located minutes from the Indian River Lagoon and 72 miles of Atlantic beaches, the university combines access to outdoor recreation with proximity to industry and government organizations that contribute to research collaboration and career development.
Graduate students from around the world come together at Florida Tech in a campus community that fosters international collaboration and innovation. This environment encourages students to work across cultures and perspectives, preparing them for research and professional settings around the globe.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance on immigration matters, serving as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments, and sharing information about campus and community resources.
Computer engineering doctoral graduates are prepared for research-intensive and advanced technical careers in computing systems, networks, embedded platforms, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Research- and development-focused roles include:
Leadership and research career paths include:
Note: Employment data reflect positions commonly associated with this field. Many Ph.D. graduates go on to academic, leadership and advanced research, technical and analytical roles not captured here.
Florida Tech Career Services helps students, alumni and employers connect through career planning, job search support and recruitment resources.
For information on job outlook, pay and working conditions in this field and related fields in the United States, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Your research and dissertation form the core of the doctoral experience, shaping both academic growth and professional expertise.
Ph.D. research in computer engineering focuses on the design, analysis and integration of computing systems, including embedded platforms, hardware-enabled AI, high-performance architectures, wireless networks, cybersecurity frameworks and autonomous systems. Students advance algorithms and architectures for scalable, reliable and secure computing infrastructure.
Browse recent dissertations in the Florida Tech Scholarship Repository.
The Ph.D. in computer engineering is awarded in recognition of creative accomplishment and the demonstrated ability to investigate complex engineering problems independently.
Advanced coursework supports specialized research conducted under faculty guidance in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
Students complete a substantial program of original research that contributes to the field of computer engineering. Doctoral work commonly leads to publications in refereed journals or conference proceedings and presentations at seminars and professional conferences.
Graduates are prepared for research-intensive and technical leadership roles in aerospace, automotive, communications, medical technology and other high-tech sectors worldwide.
The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 48 credit hours beyond a master’s degree.
Check the catalog for a description of all courses. Check the catalog for detailed degree requirements.
Florida Tech’s computer engineering research focuses on the design, analysis and integration of advanced computing and networked systems.
Doctoral students apply data-driven, system integration, formal and model-based methods to advance high-performance, secure and reliable computing systems.
Working with faculty and leveraging specialized laboratories, students engage with initiatives at the L3Harris Institute for Assured Information (L3HIAI) and the Wireless Center of Excellence (WiCE), to pursue research in secure computing, embedded platforms, autonomous systems, and wireless and networked systems.
Learn more about Computer Engineering at Florida Tech on the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science website.