The doctoral program requires successful completion of a minimum of 53 credit hours, including Directed Study - Doctoral Qualification (ENGR 991); a written comprehensive examination; an approved dissertation in a selected area; and passing of an oral examination of the dissertation. Doctoral programs are arranged in close consultation with a faculty advisor. 

Coursework

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 53 credit hours (typically 18 courses):

  • For students with a Master of Science degree from another institution, 24 credits may transfer towards to doctoral degree, leaving a minimum of 29 credit hours (i.e., 10 courses-one of which must be ENGR 991) to be completed at Catholic University.
  • For students with a Master of Science from Catholic University, 30 credits transfer towards doctoral study, leaving 23 addition credits (i.e., 8 courses - one of which must be ENGR 991) for the doctorate.

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in course work taken in the School of Engineering is required for maintaining a good academic status in all graduate programs. Graduate students are subject to academic probation or dismissal if their cumulative GPAs are less than 3.0, or their semester GPAs are less than 2.5, or they receive Failing grades in two or more graduate level courses. In addition, students must have a minimum cumulative average of 3.0 to graduate. Please refer to the  probation and dismissal policy of graduate students of the School of Engineering for details. 

Comprehensive Exam

Doctoral students must take Comprehensive Examination.

Proposal 

Doctoral students should prepare and present a dissertation proposal.

Dissertation Defense

Doctoral students should schedule and successfully pass the dissertation defense in an oral exam.
The students should visit the Graduate Studies website for the University's policies and forms.

 

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

GRADUATE ADMISSION

 

Student working on a microscope

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