Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Ph.D. in Engineering) degree is awarded to candidates who successfully complete the taught courses and research components of the program. The students are required to complete a program of advanced courses in engineering. They are also required to carry out an independent investigation of a specialized area in engineering. Candidates for this degree are supervised by experienced researchers and are expected to demonstrate initiative in their approach and innovation in their work. The Ph.D. Candidates prepare and present a thesis on their chosen area. Research may be undertaken in a variety of topics corresponding to the areas of focus identified by the University.

A candidate applying to the program may opt to apply for a Ph.D. in Engineering with concentration/specializations in one of the engineering areas listed below or for an interdisciplinary/ multidisciplinary Ph.D. in Engineering (i.e., with no one specialization):

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering Systems and Management
• Material Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Robotics

The title of the degree and the selected concentration will be specified on the diploma (certificate) and academic record (transcript) of the students who opt for a particular specialization. However, for students who prefer to pursue interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary form of research, which is highly encouraged as it allows them to expand the boundaries of their research across multiple fields, only the title of the degree will be stated on the diploma and transcript of the student.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that graduates are expected to attain within few years of graduation. The PhD in engineering program aims to produce graduates with the disciplinary preparation and ability to:

• Synthesize scientific and technical engineering knowledge to identify, formulate and solve research challenges, and effectively disseminate the results to a variety of audiences.
• Work across multiple disciplines and develop their individual academic, professional and career focus.
• Keep abreast of the latest advances in science and engineering that contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of society.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are comprehensive, broad statements pertinent to the knowledge, skills and aspects of competence that a learner is expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. Students graduating with a PhD in Engineering will have the ability to:

• Demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge that is at the frontier of their disciplines and areas of specialization.
• Conduct and defend original independent research that results in significant contributions to knowledge in the field and leads to publishable quality scholarly articles.
• Understand and value diverse methodologies and techniques for solving critical problems in research.
• Verify, justify and evaluate the various aspects of the solution to a complex engineering problem.
• Communicate effectively and professionally, in written and oral forms, the major tenets of their field and their work to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ethical behavior in research and professional activities.
• Contribute effectively in multidisciplinary collaborative environments.