DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE

The PhD degree is a research degree and is awarded in recognition of the following:

• Demonstrated mastery of the subject matter in the chosen field of study, and

• Demonstrated competence in the conduct of individual research
  investigations that represent a significant contribution to the
  cumulative knowledge in the field.

The program of study and research is planned and supervised by a Research Advisory Committee, which is chaired by the principal advisor. Each individual's course work and research topic are separately identified to meet the individual student's interest. Specific course requirements for the PhD degree are listed below.  There is no foreign language requirement for the PhD program. The PhD degree can be obtained within approximately 3-4 years of enrollment. Attendance at departmental seminars is mandatory for all graduate students. All PhD students receiving financial support are required to take a minimum 9 credits, which should include 3 credits of research (CM6990) each term.

The PhD degree is open to students who have demonstrated outstanding ability in their undergraduate or previous graduate studies. Students must pass Part I (written exam covering advanced undergraduate material and first year graduate material in transport phenomena, kinetics and reactor design, and thermodynamics) of the qualifying examinations. Part II of the qualifying procedure is the defense of a written dissertation prospectus before your Research Advisory Committee. Finally, all PhD students are required to present an oral data evaluation seminar and defend their research dissertation in a public oral defense. Please see graduate school website for any policy changes.

Required Graduate Courses for PhD Degree