Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering at Princeton University offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum dedicated to the study and application of electricity, electronics, electromagnetism, and computer systems. This program is designed to provide students with a strong foundational understanding of the principles of electrical engineering, combined with opportunities for specialization in areas such as power systems, signals and systems, computer engineering, and microelectronics. Students in the program engage in coursework that emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, preparing them for careers in industry, research, or graduate study. The program encourages innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, incorporating emerging fields like renewable energy, integrated circuits, and embedded systems. Access to cutting-edge laboratories and research centers allows undergraduates to participate in pioneering projects and work alongside leading faculty members who are at the forefront of technological advances. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical expertise, equipping graduates to address complex challenges in modern electrical engineering. With a strong emphasis on both hardware and software aspects, students learn to design, analyze, and optimize electrical systems that impact virtually every facet of daily life. The program also offers various opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and interdisciplinary initiatives, ensuring students gain real-world experience. Graduates of the electrical engineering program at Princeton are well-prepared to pursue successful careers in industry, academia, or entrepreneurship, contributing innovative solutions to global technological needs. The department’s vibrant academic community, combined with Princeton’s resources and collaborative environment, makes this program an ideal choice for aspiring electrical engineers committed to advancing technology and solving pressing societal problems.

Courses:

In the first year of the program the main emphasis is on coursework. Students take courses both for proficiency within their specialty as well as for breadth. The program has no specific required courses, but there is a required minimum course count and a required minimum GPA. During the first year, students must complete a minimum of six courses in their area(s) of interest in preparation for research and the general examination. Each student is assigned a first-year academic adviser who assists the student in determining the appropriate courses.  Students must complete a minor area of study. This can be completed by achieving a GPA of at least 3.3 in two or more coherent courses approved by his or her adviser.  The courses must be in an area distinct from the student's research.

Pre-Generals Requirements(s):

Research Adviser

Each incoming student to the Department of Electrical Engineering is assigned an academic adviser to help with course selection and other concerns the student may have.  Mid-way through the fall semester, each student gives a rank ordered list of preferred research advisers. This information is combined with the faculty’s preference ranking of students and available funding to arrive at the faculty-student pairing. This is usually done by the end of the fall semester in the student’s first year. The student should consult with his or her academic adviser and the faculty coordinator for guidance during the adviser selection process.   Once the advisee-adviser pairing has been agreed upon by the adviser and the student, the chosen adviser takes over academic and research advising. 

Choosing a research adviser is one of the most important steps in the Ph.D. program; it should be done with care.  Students should prepare for adviser selection by reviewing research materials for all faculty members in their area of interest and speak with potential advisers to determine intellectual fit and capability.

General Exam:

Students are expected to successfully complete the general during the fourth term of their Ph.D. studies. Students are not normally readmitted to a third year (fifth term) of graduate study unless they have successfully completed the general examination. The general examination consists of a research seminar and an oral exam. The seminar is a 45-minute presentation of research accomplished at Princeton. It is intended to indicate that a student is capable of independent research and has started a research topic that has the potential to lead to a doctoral dissertation. The oral exam is administered by the examination committee and is held not more than one month after the research seminar, and within the periods set by the Graduate School for the general exam. The examination committee is selected by the research adviser in consultation with the student. 

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts can be earned by Ph.D. students en route to their Ph.D., after the student has: (a) presented a research seminar approved by the student’s general examination committee and (b) passed the oral general examination. It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met.

Teaching:

Teaching experience is considered to be a significant part of the graduate education. Prior to completion of the program, doctoral students must complete at least one assignment as a teaching assistant (TA). To be a teaching assistant, a student must first demonstrate proficiency in English by passing, or being exempted from, the Princeton Oral Proficiency Test (POPT). Students are encouraged to satisfy the POPT requirement as early as possible.

Dissertation and FPO:

The final public oral examination is taken after the candidate’s dissertation has been examined for technical mastery by a committee and approved by the Graduate School; it is primarily a defense of the dissertation.

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained.

Please note, students admitted to the Ph.D. program who do not wish to complete the program, may be considered for a M.S.E. degree with approval from the department and the Graduate School.

• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• Application Fee: $90
• GRE : General test

Additional Departmental Requirements: 

• Ph.D. applicants are required to select a research area of interest when applying.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses 

Electrical Engineering at Princeton University is a rigorous program designed to prepare students for advanced careers in technology, research, and academia. The curriculum emphasizes foundational principles such as circuit analysis, electromagnetics, signal processing, and control systems, paired with opportunities for specialization in areas like power systems, microelectronics, communications, and computer engineering. Students engage in both theoretical coursework and practical laboratory experience, fostering skills in design, analysis, and problem-solving. The program encourages interdisciplinary integration, allowing students to collaborate across fields such as computer science, applied physics, and materials science. Research is a core aspect of the undergraduate experience, with numerous laboratories, research centers, and faculty projects available for student participation. The department’s faculty are leaders in fields including nanotechnology, photonics, and integrated circuits, providing mentorship and cutting-edge insights. Undergraduate students can also participate in the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials and other research initiatives. The program promotes a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer programming as essential tools for engineering innovation. Graduates of the Electrical Engineering program at Princeton are well-equipped for careers in industry, government, and academia, often pursuing graduate studies or entering the workforce directly in areas such as semiconductor design, telecommunications, energy systems, and software development. The department offers various resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and career counseling services, to support student success and professional development. Overall, Princeton’s Electrical Engineering program combines rigorous academics, innovative research, and collaborative community engagement to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving field of electrical engineering.