The engineering PhD student collaborates with a faculty advisor on a topic that may have a lasting influence on theoretical understanding or on professional practice. Although courses on advanced topics in one of the four areas of emphasis are taken, the PhD is primarily a research experience that requires an ability to identify, investigate, formulate, and solve new problems of interest. The results of this exercise are reported in a dissertation and in the research literature. Careers for PhD graduates are characterized by the expectation to act with considerable independence and to assume major responsibilities. The PhD graduate is prepared for a wide range of career choices in industry, government agencies, and academia.
 

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours (56)
• Required courses: 36 credit hours of graduate course work as specified by the advisory committee; 2 hours of Professional Writing EC En 692, 18 hours of dissertation EC En 799R.
• Study list: submitted during the first semester of graduate study.
• Competency exam: completed in the second semester if entering with an MS degree, or in the third semester if entering with a BS degree
• Qualifying exam: completed by end of third year.
• Advancement to candidacy.
• Dissertation.
• Final oral examination consisting of public presentation of original research described in dissertation.