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Ph.D. in Engineering
The Ph.D. in Engineering is an interdisciplinary degree with a strong research emphasis. The program prepares candidates for both academic and industry careers. Interdisciplinary graduate degrees have been advocated in recent reports by the National Academy of Engineering and the National Research Council, among others. This degree focuses on the technical strengths and research focal areas of the Institute for Micromanufacturing and the Trenchless Technology Center and the Center for Applied Physics study. Students must choose research projects for their dissertation in thematic areas closely aligned with these Centers.
The following curricula are offered in the PhD Engineering program at this time:
Students in this program are expected to complete 66 graduate hours (including dissertation) beyond the baccalaureate degree. These hours will be approved as part of a comprehensive plan of study by the student’s Ph.D. Advisory Committee. General and disciplinary core courses, listed in the curricula above are required of all students in the program. These courses are intended to provide a strong fundamental set of research capabilities and to help individual students bridge the gap to other disciplines preparatory not only to dissertation work but also to their future career. The remaining courses are chosen in relation to the thematic areas (see curricula above).
A student must register for a minimum of 18 credit hours in Research & Dissertation (Engr 651). The topic will be selected in consultation with the research advisor and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies.
All students are required to pass comprehensive examinations covering the general and disciplinary core courses (at or near the completion of the applicable coursework) to qualify for candidacy and defend the dissertation at the end of the program to earn the degree. The comprehensive examinations will be organized by the Ph.D. in Engineering Steering Committee. At least 60% of those faculty serving on the Advisory Committee must recommend that the student has satisfactorily passed any of the examinations. None of the examinations may be taken more than three times.
The minimum residence requirement for the doctoral degree is 8 quarters beyond the bachelor’s degree. The student is required to spend at least 3 quarters beyond the first year of graduate study in continuous residence. The transfer of course work from a recognized graduate school carries with it the transfer of residence credit, but a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the first year of graduate study must be earned in residence at Louisiana Tech University. Ph.D. students are required to complete the doctoral program in its entirety within 3 years after successful completion of the comprehensive examination.
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