Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Electronics and Photonics

Electronics & Photonics research at UC Santa Barbara spans a wide spectrum of topics: material growth, compound semiconductors, high performance transistors, quantum devices, photonics, integrated circuits, low power design, optics, and systemsdevices.

We design and build new semiconductors, transistors that are faster, communication channels with higher bandwidths, devices with lower power requirements, metamaterials with new capabilities, integrated photonics devices with unprecedented performance, and more. The results of our research form the building blocks for new systems and devices for sensing, communication, and computing.

Faculty in Electronics & Photonics are multidisciplinary and enthusiastically collaborative. There is a risk-tolerant spirit of bold exploration to cooperatively push the frontiers. This culture, combined with unique state-of-the-art facilities for characterization, growth, and micro fabrication, allows students and researchers to engage in cutting edge research activities. There is also an intense focus on transferring today's research activities into commercial enterprises, as evidenced by the rich portfolio of start-up activities and industry partnerships from this group.

Applicants who have conducted their post-secondary education outside of the United States must have completed an undergraduate degree program equivalent to a University of California bachelor's degree by the beginning of their graduate program at UCSB. Equivalent undergraduate degrees usually include a minimum four years of university work and above-average scholarship. The degree must be awarded by an accredited institution. Applicants holding only professional diplomas, higher certificates in accounting, business, physical education, or health education from universities or technical and vocational schools may not apply. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) – 550, TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) and TOEFL iBT Home Edition – 80, IELTS Academic and IELTS Indicator - Overall Band Score of 7.