Academics
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is a research oriented degree requiring a minimum of 64 credit hours of approved courses and research beyond the Master of Science degree (96 semester credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree). At least half of the 64 credit hours should be course work (a minimum of 24 credit hours if the student already has taken at least another 24 credit hours of graduate course work for the Master). The actual number of courses to be taken, that may exceed this minimum, and the courses themselves, are to be decided by the Advisory Committee of the student in preparing a meaningful degree plan. The degree also requires that the student complete and submit a dissertation to the University. The student usually holds a research assistantship and the efforts related to the research project are used for the dissertation. There are department-specific and area-specific requirements for the completion of this degree in addition to the university requirements.
- Step 1 - Take Qualifying Exam
Each student in this degree program must pass a Qualifying Examination that is administered by the student's specialty area. The examination must be taken immediately after the student's first full semester of study in the program. All international graduate students whose native language is not English must fulfill an English proficiency requirement before taking the qualifying exam.
- Step 2 - Form and Advisory Committee
Students are required to form an Advisory Committee once they pass the qualifying examination. The committee consists of 4 or more graduate faculty members. The chair of the committee must be from the Zachry Department of Civil Engineering. At least one member of the committee must be from outside the Department of Civil Engineering.
- Step 3 - Submit Degree Plan
A degree plan is required to be filed with the Office of Graduate Studies by the end of the student's fourth semester. The degree plan formally declares your degree objectives, the membership of your advisory committee, and the specific courses you will be required to complete as part of your degree program.
- Step 4 - Preliminary Exam
Upon completion of the degree plan coursework, a Preliminary Examination is administered by the student's advisory committee. The examination involves both a written and oral examination. With the successful completion of the Preliminary Examination, the student officially becomes a candidate for the Doctor of
Philosophy degree and remaining efforts are focused toward the dissertation.
- Step 5 - Submit Research Proposal
The research proposal outlines the research that you will conduct in pursuit of a degree. This proposal outlines the strategies and methods that will be used.
- Step 6 - Dissertation
A draft of the dissertation must be approved by the advisory committee. Consult the Thesis Clerk or review the Thesis Manual for the formatting guidelines.
- Step 7 - Apply for Degree
See Office of Graduate Studies Calendar for specific dates.
- Step 8 - Final Defense
A final oral examination is required. The student presents and defends his or her research efforts, as given by the dissertation. The examination should emphasize the methodology and results of the thesis. The exam should also afford students an opportunity to make a logical, effective oral presentation, complete with visuals, and demonstrate their ability to respond to questions by the advisory committee. With the passing of the final examination and acceptance of the dissertation by the Advisory Committee, the thesis, with approval from the Departmental Graduate Advisor, is submitted to the University as a formal document.
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