Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Complete information on the Ph.D. degree is here: http://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/academics/graduation-requirements/doctoral-graduation-information

  • Preliminary Examination
    • The preliminary exam will normally be given in the summer of the student’s second year.  If the first attempt is failed, a second attempt will be scheduled in the following months.  The second prelim attempt should be completed before the beginning of the third academic year.  Students who have a Master’s degree should complete the preliminary exam in the third semester of study.
    • A committee of three faculty, at least two of which must be MSE Fellows or Affiliates, is assembled for each student.  The student’s faculty advisor is not on the committee but will write a summary and recommendation letter to the committee.  The committee will examine the student’s entire academic record including grades, performance in any TA or RA positions, etc.
    • Students should submit a one-page research abstract and list of proposed committee members to the program coordinator at least three weeks before the exam date.
    • The exam itself consists of a short presentation from the student focused on their research plans and preliminary results, followed by oral questioning from the committee on the presentation and the academic background materials.
    • If a student fails his/her first attempt, then he/she must re-take the exam at latest in the following semester.  Two successive failures result in a terminal M.S. as the highest possible degree.
    • Student checklist for preliminary exam requirements:
      • Submit a one-page research abstract, list of proposed committee members, and dates of availability to program coordinator at least three weeks before intended exam date.
      • Practice oral presentation in front of research advisor and peers.
      • Successfully pass preliminary exam.
  • Degree Plan
    • A satisfactory program will be determined in consultation with the academic advisor.   The program will be tailored to the MSE track, the research being pursued and any additional interests of the student.  The course program should represent a coordinated approach to the attainment of the student’s ultimate goals including classwork, professional preparation and research.
  • Annual Progress Meeting
    • Students must meet annually with their research committee with a majority of the committee present.  The student should make a 30-minute presentation, followed by 30 minutes of discussion and feedback from the committee members.
  • Admission to Candidacy and Comprehensive Examination
    • The comprehensive exam will normally take place nine months to one year before the final thesis defense.
    • In addition to the graduate school requirements here (http://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/academics/graduation-requirements/doctoral-graduation-information) the comprehensive exam requirements are:
      • At least three out of five members of the Comprehensive Examination Committee shall be Fellows or Affiliates of the MSE program.
      • A written proposal, not to exceed 15 pages (1.5-spaced), must be distributed to the student’s faculty committee two weeks before the exam. Either a PDF file or a paper version should be submitted, depending on which format each committee member prefers. The proposal should include:
        • a discussion of the state of the art;
        • details of the proposed study;
        • progress to date;
        • a budget estimate for the time remaining;
        • a time estimate for completion of the research and dissertation; and
        • a complete consideration of safety aspects of experiments.
      • The student is expected to deliver a 20-30 minute summary of the research proposal, after which the student will be questioned by the Examination Committee. The student must be able to demonstrate thorough knowledge of the fundamentals and application of the research field, define an original research problem and show the scientific and engineering basis for a creative, intelligent solution to the proposed research problem.
    • Student checklist for comprehensive exam requirements: