Applying to EE PhD programs without research background

[Omar S.]

Hey everyone, first post here! I tried searching for an answer, but haven't had much luck. Sorry if the topic's been beaten to death somewhere. So, I'd like to apply to some EE PhD programs next year, and want to get a realistic idea of what schools I should be aiming for. Here's some information about me:

• Georgia Tech BSEE - 2.9 GPA
• Johns Hopkins MSEE - 3.8 GPA - focus on digital design & DSP
• Lockheed Martin - 3.5 years experience

I don't have any research experience at the places listed above. No (serious) lab experience, papers, etc. I have experience working on independent projects, but that does not extend beyond a hobby of designing circuits and building (random) things at home. Does my low undergraduate GPA, combined with my lack of research experience bar me from the top 20 or so schools? I have a few areas I'm currently interested in, but I could use this information to look further into realistic school options. The reason I ask is because I've been reading the forums, and it looks like a lot of people applying to these schools have papers published already :-O.

Thanks!

Omar

[akraz]

Omar, Seems like you are in a very similar boat as mine. I have a BS and MS in EE from one of the top 50 schools with average GPAs and no significant research experience. I have been with Honeywell Aerospace for 5.5 years and now considering PhD in EE/Aero E.

Unless you have had some specific projects at work which would relate with the faculty research, I think, without research, it is very difficult to get faculty attention from top schools. Doesn’t hurt to try but I would definitely keep the options open? Given your high MS GPA I think it is easy to overlook your undergrad GPA so you should be fine there.

DSP is a good area as there are quite a few EE professors in every school increasing your chances of getting picked. I am into Control Systems and it is only a handful profs at any uni…L

Good luck

Ali

[decoder]

This sounds familiar, and I posted a very similar question not long ago (). Based on what I've read and discussions I've had with friends with Ph.D.s, work experience in engineering is certainly an asset when applying. However, it's not a substitute for academic research. My plan, and maybe a suggestion for you, is to study as much as possible about my research interest, getting to know the big names in the field and corresponding with them to make contacts. I am taking some classes to brush up and get to know professors. And of course I hope to do well on the GRE.

I would certainly not get discouraged. People always talk so pessimistically about the grad school admissions process. You've already got a masters, and your several years of experience in industry will give you confidence and savvy that most incoming graduate students lack. The key for people like us is to use the skills we've learned in industry to seek out potential advisors and important contacts, and get involved in academic research that will lead to publications and some degree of notoriety. While it can seem like a daunting task (and it's a lot of work), I'm optimistic about it.

Good luck!