Curricular Components for PhD Degree

The minimum course requirement for the Ph.D. degree is enrollment in 18 credits of MIE 899 (Doctoral Dissertation). Ph.D. students must also formulate a complete and coherent program of coursework approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee and the GPD.

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Approved programs must include at least 9 course credits beyond the requirements of M.S. Degree. All of the required courses must be at the 600 level. Students who do not hold a Masters degree will take a total of 30 credits which include the 9 PhD course credits. Students must also enroll in the 1-credit 689 Graduate Seminar. Independent studies do not count towards 600-level course requirements for doctoral students.

Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

Approved programs must include courses which have covered the material equivalent to that covered in the seven required courses for the M.S. degree in I.E.O.R. Normally, students receiving a master’s degree in IE will have completed all required courses. To get program approval, all PhD students must draft a program proposal in consultation with the faculty advisor, who will get approval by the IE graduate program director. Syllabi and grades received for the courses taken must be provided. Independent studies do not count towards 600-level course requirements for doctoral students.

PhD Dissertation and Timeline in MIE >>

Other Requirements and Procedures applicable to all PhD students

• New Ph.D. students without a GRA or research advisor will be assigned the GPD as a Temporary Advisor until a Dissertation Committee Chairperson has been determined. Students are urged to immediately explore dissertation research topics with the faculty.
• All ME doctoral students must register for the Graduate Seminar Course (689) and attend the Departmental Seminar Series and M.S./Ph.D. defenses regularly.
• Fellowship and Assistantship holders are expected to commit to their studies full-time and not hold other part-time jobs or be enrolled in another degree program. Students not supported by the Department are required to notify the Department of any part-time employment. 
• A final copy of the dissertation must be given to the Department for the internal records.
• Students must send defense date details to Mr. Nauman Tazeem with at least 7 days notice so a public announcement is sent to the Department community. Any delays in this announcement will postpone the defense, as a strict 7 days notice is required.