The program requires at least 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, with up to 18 credits transferable from a prior M.S. degree. Remaining coursework is chosen in consultation with faculty to support the student’s research focus.
All Ph.D. students must submit a formal Plan of Work (POW) by the end of their second semester. The POW outlines coursework and lists the faculty advisory committee, which includes a primary advisor (committee chair) and additional faculty members. Students in the thesis-based M.S. and Ph.D. programs must form a full advisory committee; students in the non-thesis MMSE program require only a faculty advisor.
The Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) is available to assist students with developing their POW and ensuring progress toward degree completion.
Minimum Degree Requirements
| Students entering with a B.S. degree: | 27 credit hours of graded coursework | At least 18 credit hours must be MSE 700-level courses | 9 credit hours in approved 500- or 700-level electives | |
| Students entering with an M.S. in MSE (transferring 18 credits): | 12 credit hours of graded coursework | At least 9 credit hours must be MSE 700-level courses | 3 credit hours in approved 500- or 700-level electives | |
| Students entering with a non-MSE M.S. (transferring 18 credits): | 18 credit hours of graded coursework | At least 12 credit hours must be MSE 700-level courses | 3 credit hours must be 500- or 700-level courses in MSE | 3 credit hours in approved 500- or 700-level electives |
Parallax Image here with some quote or somethign
Exams
| Qualifying Exam (QE): | General oral exam testing fundamental MSE knowledge | Includes a written research review |
| Preliminary Oral Exam: | Must be taken within three semesters after passing the QE | Assesses readiness for dissertation research |
| Final Doctoral Oral Exam: | Required for all Ph.D. candidates | Focuses on the defense of the dissertation |