Engineering, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Engineering program at Marshall University provides students with advanced knowledge and expertise in specialized engineering fields. The program offers maximum flexibility for students and faculty to address 21st-century engineering problems with the advancement of their field and for success in a range of careers in academia, research, government, industry leadership, or innovation.

Admission Requirements

The doctoral degree is a research degree granted on the basis of broad knowledge of engineering and in-depth study in a specific area leading to a dissertation reflecting original work by the doctoral candidate. When applying for admission, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Earned Master's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; or
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or computing discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale;
• Three (3) letters of recommendation that demonstrate strong evidence for a high potential for success in doctoral studies and research;
• A résumé/C.V.
• A statement of purpose (up to 2 pages long), including an applicant's personal motivation, desired field of study, research area, and career goals.
• All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must provide proof of English proficiency.
• No Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score is required, but one may be submitted to strengthen an application.

Fulfilling the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Factors such as appropriateness of the applicant's research objectives to the research interests of the program faculty, availability of faculty to supervise the applicant's research, availability of research funds to support the research, and prior research accomplishments of the applicant will also influence the admission decision.

Graduation Requirements

The Ph.D. in Engineering requires academic work, consisting of course work and dissertation work in a specialized area, beyond baccalaureate work. Qualifying and comprehensive examinations and dissertation are also required. All requirements, including the dissertation, must be completed within a period of eight consecutive years. Maintenance of a minimum quality point average of 3.0 and adherence to the general regulations of Graduate Studies is expected.

Qualifying Exam

All students must complete a qualifying examination based mostly on undergraduate materials in their chosen discipline through a formal process established by the department prior to the end of the first year of doctoral study. The process should include, at a minimum, an examination of the student's fundamental knowledge managed by the Graduate Committee of the department.

Dissertation Work Requirements

A minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of doctoral research and dissertation (ENGR 702 Dissertation Research) built upon the student's course of study and making a significant contribution to the state of knowledge or to the art of the engineering profession is required.

Dissertation Committee

Each doctoral student's dissertation committee must be formed after the successful completion of the student's qualifying examination or the second semester in the program. The committee consists of a minimum of four (4) voting members from two or more disciplines in the academic unit at Marshall University or another accredited university.

Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy

The comprehensive examination will consist of a written portion and an oral defense of the written research proposal. The written portion will consist of several parts as appropriate to the major discipline and the research area. This examination must be given after the student has completed at least eighty (80) percent of the coursework beyond the master's degree with a point average of 3.0 or above.

Course Requirements

The Ph.D. in Engineering requires academic work, consisting of course work and dissertation work in a specialized area, beyond baccalaureate work.

• Required Coursework (18 or 48 credit hours)
  • For Students Admitted with a master's degree (18 credit hours)
    • ENGR 701: Research Methods for Doc (3 credit hours)
    • EM 660: Project Management (3 credit hours)
    • EM 675: Engineering Economics (3 credit hours)
    • Additional hours of graduate coursework in the chosen discipline (9 credit hours)
  • For students Admitted with a bachelor's degree (48 credit hours)
    • ENGR 701: Research Methods for Doc (3 credit hours)
    • EM 660: Project Management (3 credit hours)
    • EM 675: Engineering Economics (3 credit hours)
    • Additional hours of graduate coursework in the chosen discipline (9 credit hours)
    • A minimum of fifteen (15) credit hours at the full graduate level (600 or above) (15 credit hours)
    • A minimum of fifteen (15) credit hours at the 500 or 600 level, acceptable to the student's advisory committee (15 credit hours)

Residency Requirement

A residence of four (4) regular semesters, with at least two (2) semesters in continuous residence, is required. For students who wish to complete the doctoral program in a part-time capacity due to employment in a local industry, accommodation on residency will be negotiated between the student and his/her dissertation committee.

Marshall University

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Overview:

Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and professional degrees. The university is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community outreach.

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Services Offered:

Admissions:

The university offers admissions services for first-year freshmen, transfer students, international undergraduate students, graduate students, international graduate students, and online students.

Financial Aid:

Marshall University provides financial aid options including tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants.

Student Resources:

Students have access to various resources such as residence halls, student affairs, student health services, and student policies.

Campus Resources:

The university offers libraries, online research tools, internship and career development services, and a campus bookstore.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Student Organizations:

Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, student government, Greek life, and athletics.

Student Activities:

The university offers opportunities for community service, leadership development, and campus recreation.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

Marshall University boasts a variety of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a lively campus environment with numerous student organizations, activities, and events.

Community Engagement:

Marshall University is deeply involved in the local community through outreach programs and initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various colleges and schools.

Graduate:

Marshall University provides graduate programs in various fields, including medicine and pharmacy.

Online:

The university offers online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

Professional:

Marshall University offers professional programs designed to enhance career skills and knowledge.