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Graduate Program Overview

The Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Clemson University offers seven different graduate programs in the fields of electrical engineering, computer engineering, and photonic science. We offer a variety of graduate degrees to fit every student’s career goals, including graduate certificates, Master of Science (M.S.), and doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Since 1982, more than 2,000 alumni have earned a graduate degree from our department in route to careers in industry and academia. We offer graduate programs on our main campus in Clemson, SC, at the Zucker Center for Graduate Education in Charleston, SC, and online. 

Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Degrees

Our M.S. thesis and Ph.D. programs in electrical and computer engineering are supported by the department's robust research enterprise and prepare graduates to pursue careers in academia or industry research. With $1.2+ million in research funding secured in 2021 and multiple NSF CAREER faculty members – graduate students in our M.S. and Ph.D. programs in electrical and computer engineering study alongside accomplished and emerging scholars in the fields of communications, electromagnetics, mechatronics, electronics, photonic science, computer architecture, power systems, and software-enabled systems.

Photonics Graduate Degrees 

The Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Clemson University offers interdisciplinary graduate degree programs in optical engineering, photonics science, and laser technologies in collaboration with the Clemson University Graduate School and Center of Optical Material Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET). These degree programs combine courses in optical engineering, engineering, physics, and material science to explore the fundamentals of light science and engineering. Our world-class faculty members and instructors are at the forefront of research in the areas of optical fiber, bio-photonics, meta-optics, high-powered lasers, semiconductor fabrication, optoelectronics, quantum materials and devices, and sensors and instrumentation.

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Graduate Program Highlights

Engineering Education Certificate: The Department of Engineering and Science Education offers graduate students in the Department of  Electrical and Computer Engineering the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Engineering Education.  This educational experience is designed for graduate students who seek experience in preparation for an academic career and wish to further their understanding of the education process in engineering.  This certificate program includes a range of courses that may be chosen to address specific research questions or interests.  

Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate: The Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate is available to graduate students in engineering and science disciplines across campus. The certificate is intended to serve those students who envision an entrepreneurial career as their long-range career goal, want to be involved in new products and new business activities within a corporate setting or seek a better understanding of the process of commercializing inventions.

Direct Entry Ph.D. Program: The Ph.D. program includes a direct-entry option for suitably qualified students who have completed a baccalaureate degree. Students in the direct-entry Ph.D. program are required to i) take a minimum of 42 credit hours of approved coursework and ii) pass the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination, iii) pass the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination, and iv) write a dissertation that must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate School. For more information on this option, see the ECE Graduate Handbook.

ECE GAANN Fellowships for Doctoral Students: The Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has received federal grants from the US Department of Education through the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship Program. This program supports exceptional doctoral students in electrical and computer engineering who demonstrate financial need.