Doctor of Philosophy
A dynamic, hands-on and research-focused doctoral degree program.
Program Overview at a Glance
| Program Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 72 credits minimum beyond the Bachelor’s degree |
| Transfer Credits | Up to 18 credit hours transferable from a prior M.S. degree |
| Residency Requirement | 1 Year minimum |
| Avg. Starting Salary | $126,250 for MSE Ph.D. graduates |
Plan of Work (POW) and Advisory Committee
All Ph.D. candidates must submit an official Plan of Work (POW) no later than the end of their second semester. The POW outlines coursework and defines the student’s faculty advisory committee.
- Ph.D. and Thesis M.S. Students: Must assemble a full committee of faculty members and designate a primary advisor (Committee Chair).
- Non-Thesis MMSE Students: Require only a faculty advisor/chairman (no committee members).
- Support and Approval: Consult the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) for assistance with developing the POW, transferring credits, and verifying progress toward degree completion.
Coursework Requirements by Entry Path
1. Entering with a B.S. Degree
27 Credit Hours of graded coursework:
- 18 credit hours in MSE 700-level courses
- 9 credit hours in approved 500- or 700-level courses (MSE or other technical disciplines)
2. Entering with an MSE M.S. Degree
(Transferring in 18 course credit hours)
12 Credit Hours of graded coursework:
- 9 credit hours in MSE 700-level courses
- 3 credit hours in approved 500- or 700-level technical electives
3. Entering with a Non-MSE M.S. Degree
(Transferring in 18 course credit hours)
18 Credit Hours of graded coursework:
- 12 credit hours in MSE 700-level courses
- 3 credit hours in MSE 500- or 700-level courses
- 3 credit hours in approved 500- or 700-level technical electives
Required Examinations
- Qualifying Examination (QE)
- Scope: Required for all Ph.D. candidates. Tests fundamental MSE knowledge via a general oral exam and includes a written research review.
- Preliminary Oral Examination
- Scope: Assesses readiness for dissertation research. Must be taken within three semesters after passing the QE (refer to the NC State Graduate Student Handbook and MSE guidelines).
- Final Doctoral Oral Examination
- Scope: The formal oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. Guidelines are maintained on the Graduate School website.
Ready to Apply?
International Applicants: Review all Visa and Immigration Information and English Proficiency Requirements before submitting your materials.
Next Steps: Review departmental admission requirements and submit your application via the official admissions portal.
Graduate Program Team
DI
JW
