Doctor of Philosophy Program Overview
Introduction
The Ph.D. program builds upon the foundation of knowledge developed in the course of prior studies at the B.S. and M.S. levels. The Ph.D. degree requires the five (5) core courses that form part of the M.S. degree plus twelve additional courses that are decided between the Ph.D. candidate and the faculty thesis advisor. Many of these courses are special topics and independent study courses. Students must pass a qualifying examination for the doctorate degree and perform novel and innovative research that leads to a written thesis. The thesis is defended in a final oral examination by the Doctoral committee that is chaired by the thesis advisor. It takes approximately five years post−B.S. degree to complete the Ph.D. degree plan.