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Group of around 30 ECE PhD students standing on steps in front of building
September 11, 2026

Your guide to the electrical and computer engineering PhD program at UW–Madison

Written By: Allyson Crowley

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Choosing to pursue a PhD is a big decision. Beyond earning an advanced degree, it is an opportunity to become an expert in an area you’re passionate about, work alongside leading researchers, and contribute to discoveries that can shape the future. In the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, PhD students become part of a collaborative community where they explore challenging problems, develop new technologies, and prepare for careers as leaders in academia, industry and research. This guide shares more about what the ECE PhD experience is like and what opportunities available to our graduate students.

What’s the culture like for our electrical and computer engineering PhD students?

One thing that sets the UW–Madison ECE PhD program apart is the close collaboration between our students and faculty. Our award-winning, internationally recognized professors are more than instructors—they’re advisors, mentors and research partners who work alongside students throughout their doctoral journey. Together, they tackle complex engineering challenges, publish new discoveries, present at leading conferences and help advance technologies that shape the future. ECE boasts a supportive research community where students receive the guidance they need while developing the independence and confidence to become leaders in their field.

Paridhi Gupta
Paridhi Gupta

“What sets ECE at UW–Madison apart for me is the freedom to explore ambitious research ideas while knowing my advisor and peers are always there with genuine guidance and support.“
Paridhi Gupta
ECE PhD student

Finding your research home

Finding the right research area, and ultimately the right faculty advisor, is one of the most important parts of choosing a PhD program. UW–Madison is an R1 research university, giving graduate students access to state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and research facilities across campus. ECE PhD students engage with research groups early in their studies, working closely with faculty mentors and fellow researchers. They also have opportunities to collaborate on interdisciplinary research beyond the College of Engineering, including with the Department of Physics, the College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, and the School of Medicine and Public Health.

ECE has eight research areas spanning the breadth of the field. Whether you’re interested in developing AI hardware, designing next-generation wireless networks, advancing quantum technologies, improving renewable energy systems, or creating faster semiconductor devices, you’ll find opportunities to pursue cutting-edge research at UW–Madison. Explore the areas below to learn more about each discipline and the faculty members whose work aligns with your interests.

Grad student life beyond the lab

While performing research is an exciting part of your PhD experience, there is much more to graduate student life at UW–Madison. ECE PhD students have presented their work at national and international conferences, completed internships with globally recognized organizations such as NASA, NVIDIA and AMD, and worked at national laboratories. Others have gained valuable teaching and mentoring experience and even launched startups based on their research. You’ll build community through the ECE Graduate Student Association, which organizes social events, mentorship and networking opportunities, and professional development activities throughout the year. Whether you’re exploring Madison with classmates, connecting with alumni and industry leaders, or developing leadership skills, you’ll find opportunities to grow both personally and professionally while building friendships and professional relationships that last well beyond graduate school.

ECE graduate student sit at a table by a lake
Students gather at outdoor terrace
ECE has a vibrant Graduate Student Association that builds community while providing social, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
Graduate students gather on grass after dark

Funding your PhD

The ECE department is committed to five years of funding support for your education, with guaranteed funding the first year. Most ECE PhD students receive funding through research assistantships, teaching assistantships or fellowships, which typically include a stipend, tuition remission and access to health insurance benefits.

How to apply to the UW–Madison electrical and computer engineering PhD program

Applications for the ECE PhD program are due by noon (CST) Dec. 1, 2026, for Fall 2027 admission. We also encourage you to contact your prospective faculty advisor if you need to start in spring or summer. These are special cases.

Take the next steps

  • Learn more about our research areas and faculty members
    Identifying potential faculty advisors whose research aligns with your interests will help you better understand the opportunities available within ECE and determine whether our program is the right fit for you.
  • Prepare your application materials.
    A complete application includes unofficial transcripts of the coursework you’ve completed to date, your statement of purpose, your resume/CV, three letters of recommendation (see No. 3) and English proficiency scores, if required.
  • Request letters of recommendation
    For this important step, choose people who know your academic abilities or professional work well.
  • Submit your application
    Be sure to review all UW–Madison requirements and deadlines, including additional requirements for international applicants.
Apply Now

Whether you’re still exploring your options or preparing your application, we hope this guide helps you envision what it’s like to pursue a PhD in electrical and computer engineering at UW–Madison. For complete information about the application process, tuition and funding, research, curricular requirements or required courses, please visit our program page.

Still have questions? Reach out to us at ecegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu. We look forward to hearing from you and hope you’ll consider joining the UW–Madison ECE community.

Hongyan Mei talks about her experience in the ECE PhD program at UW–Madison