Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering, Ph.D.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is given upon demonstration by the student of comprehensive knowledge and scholarly work at the highest level. A series of written and oral examinations is required, as well as a written dissertation based upon results of original investigation. Students pursuing this degree are given first priority for assistantship awards. The degree requires a minimum of 72 hours of graduate credit beyond the bachelor's degree, including coursework in major and minor areas of concentration together with credit for doctoral research and dissertation preparation. For students who have completed a Master of Science degree, typically 39 to 42 hours of additional graduate credit are required.
As part of a breadth requirement, all doctoral students are required to take one course from each of the four areas of concentration in the department. Continuing M.S. students may have already satisfied this requirement in full or in part. Students entering the program from another institution may be exempt from some courses if an equivalent course has already been taken. Undergraduate students with superior credentials, and clearly defined career and research goals, may apply directly to the doctoral program, thus by-passing the M.S. degree in a "direct track" route to the Ph.D.
