American University of Beirut

Graduate Programs

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the degree of Master of Engineering (ME) in Electrical and Computer Engineering and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The ME program degree has two options: A non-thesis and a thesis option. The ME degree develops future engineering professionals who drive innovations, conduct research, and advance technology for a successful career in industry and academia.

• ECE Thesis Program
• ECE Non-Thesis Program

All programs must satisfy either the thesis program requirements or the non-thesis program requirements. The program is indicated on the student’s transcript. Accepted students normally are eligible for Graduate Fellowship and Assistantship Program (GFAP) and Graduate Research Assistant (GRA). Refer to the General University Academic Information section.

Requirements

All relevant requirements and regulations of the university and the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture for the master’s degree apply to the ME in ECE programs.

In order to be eligible for admission, a student must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Students whose undergraduate degree is in an area other than engineering and students whose undergraduate degree is a three-year degree are considered prospective graduate students. The supplementary courses must be completed within four consecutive regular terms.

Master’s Thesis Program Requirements (30 cr.)

• 24 course credit hours of which
  • a minimum of 21 credits of graduate level courses
  • a minimum of 18 credits of ECE courses
  • a minimum of 9 credits of graduate level in the major area
• 6 credits for master’s thesis
• the seminar course (should be registered for a minimum​​ of 2 terms)
• Students have to declare their major area by the end of the registration period of their last term.

Note: A student may declare a minor area after registering for at least two courses in the area.

Master’s Non-Thesis Program Requirements (33 cr.)

• 33 credit hours in graduate courses
  • a minimum of 24 credits of ECE courses
  • a minimum of 12 graduate credits in the major area
• the seminar course (should be registered a minimum of 2 terms)
• Students have to declare their major area by the end of the registration period of their last term.

Note: A student may declare a minor area after registering for at least two courses in the area.

Major and Minor Areas

The major and minor areas for the ME and PhD in ECE programs are shown below with their corresponding courses.

• Applied Electromagnetics and RF Systems: EECE 680, EECE 681, EECE 682, EECE 683, EECE 684, EECE 685, EECE 686, EECE 687, EECE 688
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: EECE 633, EECE 634, EECE 639, EECE 664, EECE 667, EECE 668, EECE 690, EECE 693, EECE 699
• Biomedical Engineering: EECE 601, EECE 603, EECE 605
• Communications and Signal Processing: EECE 640, EECE 641, EECE 644, EECE 645, EECE 646, EECE 691, EECE 692, EECE 694, EECE 695
• Computer Hardware Systems: EECE 612, EECE 616, EECE 617, EECE 621, EECE 622, EECE 623, EECE 624, EECE 625, EECE 626
• Computer Software Systems: EECE 631, EECE 636, EECE 637, EECE 638, EECE 642, EECE 652, EECE 696, EECE 731, EEE 732
• Control Systems: EECE 660, EECE 661, EECE 662, EECE 663, EECE 665, EEE 669, EECE 697, EECE 698
• Energy and Power Systems: EECE 670, EECE 671, EECE 672, EECE 673, EECE 674, EECE 675, EECE 676, EECE 677, EECE 678, EECE 679
• Networks and Security: EECE 632, EECE 635, EECE 647, EECE 651, EECE 653, EECE 655, EECE 656, EECE 657

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Mission

The PhD program in ECE creates knowledge through advanced coursework and original research with expert faculty to shape the next generation of leaders for careers in academia and industry. It provides students with research-intensive studies in the different areas of ECE to develop competencies and proficiency in emerging technologies, and the latest advancements in science and engineering

Objectives

The objectives of the program are to:

• provide students with research opportunities to acquire an in-depth of knowledge in one specialization area of electrical and computer engineering and familiarity with allied areas,
• provide opportunities for doctoral students to develop competence in performing independent research, communicating effectively and learning independently,
• advance the state of electrical and computer engineering research at AUB, in Lebanon and in the region,
• and advance state of the art in electrical and computer engineering.

Program Out​​comes

Graduates of the program are expected to have:

• breadth of knowledge in electrical and computer engineering and depth of knowledge in their specific area of research,
• an ability to identify and define research problems,
• experience in performing research and communicating the results effectively,
• experience in doing independent academic work,
• and a published contribution to the existing literature in electrical and computer engineering.

Applicants who have an excellent record of academic achievement and potential for creative and independent work may be admitted into one of the following categories:

• Students Holding a Master’s Degree
• Students Holding a Bachelor’s Degree
• The minimum admission requirements for the two categories are described below.

Admission​ Requirements for Students Holdin​​g a Master’s Degree

Applicants to the PhD program must hold a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or a related discipline from AUB or another recognized institution of higher education, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 or its equivalent. Admission is determined by evaluating the following:

• Academic transcripts from the institution(s) of higher education attended by the applicant
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores
• A written statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• A portfolio that includes a resume and samples of work
• An interview conducted with the ECE Graduate Committee (EGC) in person, by phone or over the Internet
• Satisfaction of the university requirements for admission to PhD programs

Program Requirements for Students Hol​​​ding a Master’s Degree

Completion of at least 48 credits of graduate study consisting of combined course work and research beyond the master’s degree is required for the PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. A minimum of 18 credits of course work and a minimum of 24 credits of research and thesis work are required.

The basic program of study for the PhD degree is built around one major area and at least one minor area. Students take courses to satisfy the major and minor area requirements and acquire the knowledge needed for the written and oral examinations.

• The major area has to be in one of the ECE areas.
• Students must take at least 4 graduate courses, including courses prior to admission to the PhD program, in their PhD major area.
• Students must also take at least 2 graduate courses in their PhD minor area, including courses taken prior to admission to the PhD program.
• The minor courses have to be from one of the ECE areas.

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.7 in order to remain in good standing. The cumulative average is calculated for courses taken beyond the master’s degree. Students will be placed on probation if they fail a course (below C+ ) or have a cumulative average that falls below (3.7). In such cases, students have one term to raise their cumulative average to a minimum grade of (A-) and have to repeat failed courses as soon as the concerned courses are offered. Failure to do so will result in academic dismissal. Students cannot earn a PhD with a cumulative average below (3.7).

PhD Qualifying Exam for Students Holding a Mast​er’s Degree

Refer to the General University Academic Information section.

Qualifying Exam Part I: Com​​​prehensive Exam for Students Holding a Master’s Degree

After taking at least 15 credits of coursework and mastering the knowledge delineated in the PhD major area, students take the Qualifying Exam Part I: Comprehensive Exam. The exam is given twice a year at the end of the fall and spring terms. Students are informed beforehand of the subjects that will be covered in the examination. Students who do not pass may repeat the exam only once during the following term. If students do not pass the exam after their second attempt, they will be asked to discontinue their PhD studies.

Students sit for two exams that together constitute the comprehensive examination with one in the major area and one in the minor area. These two exams are taken separately at different times during the same examination period. The major area exam consists of eight questions, out of which five questions should be answered in four hours. The minor area exam consists of six questions, out of which three questions should be answered in two and a half hours. The area exams are prepared by the corresponding area faculty committee and are designed to evaluate the student’s understanding of the fundamentals in the area. Passing the comprehensive exam requires an average of no less than 3.3, with no less than 3.3 in the major area and no less than 2.3 in the minor area. Refer to the General University Academic Information section.

Admission to Candidacy for Students ​​Holding a Master’s Degree

Students must be admitted to candidacy at least two terms before obtaining the PhD degree.

For admission to candidacy, students are expected to have:

• submitted a program approved by the thesis committee, ECE Graduate Committee (EGC), MSFEA Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) and Graduate Council (GC),
• passed the Qualifying Exam Part I and II,
• completed at least 12 credits of graduate courses beyond the master’s degree,
• attained a cumulative GPA of 3.7 in all courses taken beyond the master’s degree,
• and maintained good academic standing.

Residency Requirements for Students Hol​​ding a Master’s Degree

A student must register for at least four terms beyond the completion of the master’s degree. Requirements for the PhD degree must be completed within a period of ten regular terms years after starting graduate work beyond the master’s degree. Extension beyond the five-year limit requires the approval of the EGC, MSFEA GSC and GC.

Admission Requirements for Students Holding a Bachelor’s Degree (Accelerated PhD Track)

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum major and cumulative GPA of 3.7 or its equivalent in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores
• Three letters of recommendation (one from the FYP supervisor)
• An applicant’s written statement of purpose that shows the research potential in the proposed area of study
• A two-three page research proposal
• Performance of the candidate in the EECE 499 research-based course if taken or a proven research record through published articles
• An interview conducted with the ECE Graduate Committee (EGC) in person, by phone or over the Internet

Course Requirements for Students H​olding a Bachelor’s Degree

The completion of at least 78 credits of graduate study consisting of combined coursework and research beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for the accelerated PhD track in Electrical and Computer Engineering. A minimum of 36 credit hours must be in approved graduate level course work and a minimum of 30 credit hours in thesis work. In addition, normally a maximum of 6 credit hours out of the 36 credits of coursework may be in tutorial courses.

The basic program of study for the accelerated PhD track is built around one major area and a minimum of one minor area. Students take courses to satisfy the major and minor area requirements and to acquire the knowledge needed for the Qualifying Exam Part I and II.

• The major area has to be in one of the ECE areas.
• Students must take at least six graduate level courses in their PhD major area.
• Students must take at least three graduate level courses in their PhD minor area.
• The minor courses have to be from one of the ECE areas.

PhD Qualifying Exam for Students Holdi​​ng a Bachelor’s Degree

Refer to the General University Academic Information section.

Qualifying Exam Part I: Comprehensive Exam for Students Holding a Bachelor’s Degree

Comprehensive examinations are written exams taken after completing a minimum of 30 credits of course requirements for the accelerated track. Timing of the examination is set by the department/program no later than the sixth regular term of the PhD student’s enrollment. Refer to the General University Academic Information section.

Residency Requirements for Students ​​​Holding a Bachelor’s Degree

The student must register for at least eight terms beyond the completion of the bachelor’s degree. Requirements for the PhD degree in the accelerated track must be completed within a period of twelve regular terms after starting graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree. Extension beyond the twelve regular terms limit requires the approval of the EGC, MSFEA GSC and GC.

Students deemed by the department, within one to two years after admission into the accelerated track, as not qualified to complete a PhD degree may be granted a master’s degree in the area after completing the equivalence of a non-thesis master’s. Every effort will be made to screen students carefully to assure their potential and aptitude as researchers prior to acceptance. This may be accomplished by having selected students participate in ongoing research projects while they are registered undergraduates.

Admission to Candidacy for Students ​​​Holding a Bachelor’s Degree

Students must be admitted to candidacy at least two terms before obtaining the PhD degree.

For admission to candidacy, students are expected to have:

• submitted a program approved by the thesis committee, EGC, MSFEA GSC and GC
• passed the oral qualifying examination
• completed at least 30 credits of graduate level courses beyond the bachelor’s degree
• attained a cumulative GPA of 3.7 in all courses taken beyond the bachelor’s degree
• maintained good academic standing

PhD Thesis Com​​mittee

In accordance to the Lebanese Ministry of Higher Education, the thesis committee should be composed of at least five faculty members:

• Chair of the committee, advisor and at least one member from the student’s department/program
• Two members must be from outside the university
• At least four committee members must be from the student’s major area
• All members must hold doctoral degrees
• The advisor and at least three of the members must be of professorial rank
• The chair of the thesis committee must be a full professor and cannot be the advisor

Members of the committee are recommended by the student’s thesis advisor and approved by the Graduate Committee of the ECE department, MSFEA Graduate Studies Committee and Graduate Council.

The committee approves the thesis topic and research plan, administers the oral Qualifying Exam (Part II) and conducts the thesis defense. The thesis proposal and selection of the committee should be approved at least two terms before the thesis defense.

Any changes in the committee, including the thesis advisor, must receive the approval of the EGC, MSFEA GSC and GC.

PhD Thesis Pr​​oposal

Refer to PhD Thesis Proposal under General University Academic Information section.

Qualifying Exam Part II: Defense​ of Thesis Proposal

Within two terms of passing the comprehensive examination, the student must take an oral qualifying examination, administered by her/his thesis committee. The defense of the PhD thesis proposal is considered part of the oral qualifying examination. In addition to reviewing the prospectus of the thesis, the nature and content of the examination are related to the student’s field of research. Refer to Qualifying Exam Part II: Defense of Thesis Proposal under General University Academic Information section.

PhD The​​sis

The student must submit a thesis based on the results of original and independent research. The PhD thesis is expected to make a significant contribution to the field of electrical and computer engineering. Upon its completion and after its approval by the thesis advisor, the thesis must be defended orally. Refer to PhD Thesis Format under General University Academic Information section.

PhD Thes​​is Defense

Refer to PhD Thesis Defense under General University Academic Information section.

Seminar Requirem​​ent

The student must register for the EECE 797 Seminar as long as s/he is enrolled in the program.

Program Completi​​​on Requirements

To earn the PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, the student must complete the following requirements:

• Have at least one journal article, based on the PhD thesis, accepted in a leading international journal in the field of specialty subjected to at least two reviews. Additionally, at least two refereed conference papers based on the thesis must have appeared in conference proceedings.
• Have a cumulative average, beyond the master’s degree, of (3.7) or above and be in good academic standing.
• Satisfy the course and research credit requirements.
• Pass the comprehensive and oral qualifying examinations.
• Successfully completed the Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (C-THE) program.
• Complete and successfully defend a PhD thesis.
• Satisfy the residency requirement and all other pertinent AUB regulations.

PhD Majo​​r or Minor Areas

The PhD major or minor areas of study with their corresponding courses are the same as those listed for the master’s degree (page 402​).

Course Descriptions

• Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Courses​​