Santa Clara University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, qualifying examinations and a sustained independent research project leading to a doctoral dissertation. Core areas of study centre on communication theory and systems, digital signal processing, information theory and stochastic processes, while elective and research topics cover wireless and mobile communications, RF and microwave systems, antenna and propagation, coding and error-control, network protocols, optical communications, and machine learning for communications.

• Core technical topics: advanced communication theory, information theory, statistical signal processing, stochastic processes for communications.
• Systems and hardware: wireless systems, RF/microwave circuits, antennas and propagation, mixed-signal design for communications.
• Software and algorithms: coding theory, digital signal processing, network algorithms, software-defined radio and protocols.
• Emerging areas: 5G/6G and beyond, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning for physical-layer and network-layer problems, integrated photonics for communications.

Typical programme structure includes an initial period of advanced coursework, a qualifying or candidacy examination to assess research readiness, formation of a dissertation committee, and a multi-year research and publication phase culminating in a defended thesis. Students are expected to engage in seminar programmes, present research at conferences, and often take on teaching or research assistant roles.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant master’s degree (or strong bachelor’s degree) in electrical engineering, electronics, communications engineering, computer engineering or a closely related field, with a strong record of academic achievement. Successful candidates typically demonstrate prior coursework in signals and systems, probability and random processes, digital communications and circuit or systems design.

• Academic transcripts: evidence of strong performance in undergraduate and any postgraduate studies.
• Research experience: prior research, project work or publications are strongly desirable; applicants should identify potential faculty supervisors and areas of research alignment.
• References: at least two or three academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential and technical skills.
• Supporting materials: a statement of purpose outlining research interests, a CV or résumé, and where relevant proof of English language proficiency for non-native speakers.

Admissions committees assess fit with faculty expertise and research capacity; prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty members whose research aligns with their interests before applying. Specific documentation requirements and any standardised test policy are published by the university and should be checked on the department’s admissions page.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers in academic research and teaching, industrial research laboratories, and technical leadership roles in telecommunications, wireless infrastructure, semiconductor and RF industries, satellite and optical communications, and digital signal processing companies. Because the university is located in Silicon Valley, many alumni also move into product development and engineering leadership positions at major technology firms, fast-growing startups, and venture-funded companies focused on connectivity, IoT, autonomous systems and networking.

• Academic roles: postdoctoral fellowships, tenure-track faculty positions, and research scientist posts.
• Industry R&D: senior engineer, principal researcher, systems architect in telecoms, semiconductor and communications equipment companies.
• Product and systems roles: technical lead or manager for wireless systems, embedded communications, and network engineering teams.
• Entrepreneurship and startups: founding or technical leadership in companies commercialising communications technologies.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University’s engineering school is embedded in the innovation ecosystem of Silicon Valley, offering unique proximity to leading technology companies, startups and research labs. The department emphasises close faculty-student mentorship, small cohort sizes and opportunities for hands-on, applied research that often involves industry collaboration.

• Faculty expertise: faculty active in communications, signal processing, RF and systems research with industry and academic partnerships.
• Industry connections: access to internships, collaborative projects and guest seminars from local technology firms and telecommunications companies.
• Research facilities: laboratory space and equipment for RF, RFIC, antenna test ranges, software-defined radio platforms and advanced signal processing toolchains.
• Professional environment: a campus culture that combines rigorous technical training with an emphasis on ethical leadership and community engagement, preparing graduates for both technical and managerial roles.

Prospective students benefit from the combination of rigorous academic training, practical research opportunities, and the career pathways available in the surrounding technology cluster.