Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements

Below is a brief overview of the doctor of philosophy degree requirements within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. For a full explanation of requirements, please visit the Graduate School’s Doctor of Philosophy requirements page.

Coursework

• A minimum of 60 credits of approved coursework and research (30 credits beyond a Master’s Degree) is required.
• If you already have an MS:
  • 18 classroom (non EE 6990) credits are required with a minimum of 9 credits in EE 5000-6000, and a minimum of 3 credits being 4000-level or higher from the College of Engineering (non EE), Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. Note: that in general credits counted for the MS can NOT also be counted towards the 30 credits required beyond the MS.
• If you do not have an MS:
  • A minimum of 21 credits in EE 5000-6000 (non EE 6990), and a minimum of 6 credits being 4000-level courses or higher from the College of Engineering (non EE), Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science, is required.
• You must earn a grade of BC or better in all EE courses; C or better for non EE courses. (BC/C grades may only be used up to six (6) credits.)
• You must have your advisor's approval. See Recommended course sequences for various research options.
• Audit - Use this audit worksheet to calculate if your credits meet the requirements for a PhD with a prior Master's Degree and also without a prior Master's Degree.

Examination

• Pass the PhD qualifying exam
  • You must have an advisor before taking this exam.
  • Your first attempt must be made by the third semester.
  • Submit the Report on Qualifying Exam
• Dissertation Research Proposal Defense:
  • This is an oral presentation of the dissertation proposal and an oral examination on the proposed research by the advisory committee.
  • The proposal defense must be passed within one year of passing the PhD qualifying exam
  • Submit the Report on Research Proposal Exam
• Dissertation Defense:
  • Make your public presentation and defense of the dissertation research.
  • Submit the Verification of Final Degree Requirements

Additional Requirements

• Official final transcripts showing proof of your previous degrees, if not from Michigan Tech.
• Fill out and complete a Patent, Research and Proprietary Rights form.