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CME PhD Degree Requirments

Requirements are subject to change; for official requirements see the graduate bulletin.

A. Plan of Work  
Before completion of one year of full-time residence, the student must have selected a research advisor who agrees to serve in that capacity. The student will then prepare a plan of further coursework. This must receive the approval of the student’s advisor and of the Graduate Program Committee.

B. Coursework

  • An average grade of B or higher is required for all courses. 
  • A minimum of 24 graduate course credits is required to graduate (excluding CME 599, 697, 698, and 699). 
  • The 24 course credits must include the following four core courses: CME 501,502,503 and 504. If the student does not receive a minimum of a B in a core course, he or she may repeat that course one other time. 
  • All students must complete ESM 501- Teaching and Mentoring Techniques. 
  • The student must pass at least three credits of CME 698 Practicum in Teaching and six credits of CME 699 Dissertation Research on Campus. 
  • All courses taken outside the Department require permission from the Graduate Program Director.
  • All PhD students must act as teaching assistants for five semesters (regardless of support), and they must register for CME 698 Practicum in Teaching - 0 credits for four semesters, 3 credits for one semester.

C. Preliminary Examination 
The preliminary examination must be taken before the beginning of the student’s fifth semester. This is an oral examination designed to test the student’s ability to utilize his or her chemical engineering background to carry out research in a chosen field of study, and to make clear written and oral presentations of research. At least ten days prior to the examination, the candidate should submit a research proposal (10-15 pages) to the examiners that places the research in context of other work in the area, demonstrates original thought , clearly outlines its broader impact,  and  provides a sustainable  timeline  for its completion.

The examination committee will consist of three Chemical and Molecular Engineering faculty members, and one member from another department or institution. If a second examination is required, it must be completed by the tenth week of the fifth semester.

Once the student has advanced to candidacy, the student must report to the committee at least once a year before the end of the spring semester on progress towards his/her dissertation.

D. Advancement to Candidacy 
After the student has successfully completed all requirements for the degree, other than the dissertation, he or she is eligible to be recommended for advancement to candidacy. This status is conferred by the Dean of the Graduate School upon recommendation of the Chairperson and the Graduate Program Director.

Advancement to Doctoral Candidacy 

E. Dissertation 
The most important requirement of the Ph.D. degree is the completion of a dissertation, which must be an original scholarly investigation. The dissertation shall represent a significant contribution to the scientific literature, and its quality shall be compatible with the publication standards of appropriate and reputable scholarly journals. At least two semesters should elapse between the preliminary exam and submission of the dissertation.

Guidelines for Dissertation

F. Defense 
The candidate shall defend the dissertation before the examining committee. 

Request for Defense Committee Appointment

Doctoral Defense Announcement Form

Original Signature Page-PhD

*Thesis must be uploaded to  ProQuest, information regarding guidelines are located on Graduate School Website or by clicking on the link above Guidelines for Dissertation.

G. Time Limit 
All requirements for the Ph.D. degree must be completed within seven years after completing 24 credit hours of graduate courses in the program.