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. 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.
