phd proposal exam

Thesis Proposal Exam

The Thesis Proposal Examination consists of the preparation of a written research proposal (15 pages maximum) and an oral presentation and defense of the same before a faculty committee. The purpose of the examination is to judge the student’s apparent ability to plan and conduct high-quality, PhD-level research in chemical engineering. The topic, magnitude and significance of the proposed research should be suitable for the ensuing doctoral program.

There are no restrictions on candidate/advisor consultations, but the extent of these interactions must be disclosed to the examining committee and the graduate office.

The examination will be taken no later than May 31 in the year after passing the Doctoral Candidacy Exam (DCE). For most students, this thesis proposal exam will be taken during their second year in the graduate program. Failure to take the thesis proposal exam in a timely fashion, absent approval of a petition to the faculty for special consideration, constitutes a lack of satisfactory progress toward the PhD degree and constitutes grounds for removal from the PhD program.

The examination date must be chosen in consultation with the candidate’s advisor and the other committee members at least three (3) weeks in advance of the proposed examination date. After scheduling the exam, the candidate informs the graduate program office by completing and submitting the  Request for Thesis Proposal Examination Form (PDF).

A one-page  Project Summary  (PDF)for the written research proposal must be submitted with the Written Proposal. The Written Proposal and Project Summary must be distributed to the Graduate Program Office and the committee members at least one week in advance of the scheduled examination date.

A reminder of the various due dates will be sent to the student and committee after the examination is scheduled.

Examining Committee

The Thesis Proposal Examination Committee consists of at least three faculty members from chemical engineering (including the proposed Dissertation Committee Chair(s)) and at least one cognate faculty member from outside the Chemical Engineering Department. Most students use the Thesis Proposal Exam Committee members as their Dissertation Committee members as well.

The examination consists of the preparation of a written research proposal and an oral presentation and defense of the same before the Thesis Proposal Examination Committee. At the oral examination, the candidate will present a 20-30 minute summary of the research proposal and subsequently be asked questions on the proposal and related matters. The total time for the examination is typically 60–90 minutes. The committee may be expected to pose any question relating to the substance and background of the proposed research and the applicant’s preparation for conducting the research.

Immediately before the oral examination, the advisor shall inform the other committee members of the extent of the collaboration with the candidate and also give an impression of the candidate’s performance in research already conducted.

In evaluating the thesis proposal examination, the primary criterion will be the applicant’s apparent ability to plan and conduct high-quality, PhD-level research in chemical engineering, as measured by the scholarly and technical breadth and depth displayed in the examination.

The examining committee will rate the written proposal and oral presentation as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor and provide a few comments to explain the basis for the rating. A rating of Good signifies a proposal and presentation that just meets minimum standards and is the lowest possible passing score. These ratings and comments will be shared with the student and given to the graduate office.

Success on the examination fulfills one of the requirements for the PhD degree. A student who does not pass the thesis proposal exam in their first attempt may take it a second time but no later than October 15. Failing twice to pass the thesis proposal examination is considered sufficient reason to terminate the applicant’s enrollment in the Department’s Doctoral Program.

Thesis Proposal Exam Results Report

Guidelines for Preparing for the Thesis Proposal Examination

• The applicant should read the  Proposal Writer’s Guide  (Office of Research and Sponsored Projects of The University of Michigan). The discussion of the Introduction, Background and Description of Proposed Research sections will likely be the most useful.
• The  written proposal (WP)  may be organized in any form that the applicant feels is most appropriate but should include the items listed below. Some suggestions for suitable preparation for the  oral examination (OE)  are also indicated.

Introduction  (including a statement of the problem, purpose and significance of the research).

Background  (including a literature survey and a description of research already performed by the applicant).

WP:  The literature review should be selective and critical.

OE:  The applicant is expected to be intimately familiar with the relevant literature, the opinions of previous workers in the subject, and to be critical of shortcomings in earlier work.

Description of Proposed Research  (including method or approach and expected difficulties). This must constitute about 50% of the text of the written proposal. The Project Description should provide a clear statement of the work to be undertaken and must include: objectives for the period of the proposed work and expected significance; relation to the present state of knowledge in the field and to work in progress at Michigan and elsewhere. The Project Description should outline the general plan of work, including the broad design of activities to be undertaken and, where appropriate, provide a clear description of experimental methods and procedures.

WP:  A specific research program should be put forth (e.g., identify variables to be studied and their levels); the expected research program sequence; decision points expected during the course of the research; the methods of data reduction, evaluation, interpretation and presentation, etc.

OE:  The applicant is expected to display a thorough grasp of the physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, etc., relevant to the conduct of the theoretical or experimental research program. The methods used by others or proposed to be used should be thoroughly understood.

A  timetable  for conducting and reporting the research: The timetable should be clearly based upon the scope of the work described in the description of the proposed research.

List of references . Each reference must include the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article and journal title, book title, volume number, page numbers and year of publication.

Curriculum Vitae .

The written research proposal must not be longer than 15 pages of text (including figures, excluding title page, list of references, and CV), of which about 50% must be the description of the proposed research.

Use one of the following typefaces: Arial, Times, Times New Roman, Palatino (if using a Mac), Courier New, Palatino Linotype, Computer Modern family of fonts at a font size of 11 points or larger. A font size of less than 11 points may be used for mathematical formulas or equations, figure, table or diagram captions and when using a Symbol font to insert Greek letters or special characters.

No more than six lines of text within a vertical space of one inch.

Margins, in all directions, must be at least an inch.

While line spacing (single-spaced, double-spaced, etc.) is at the discretion of the proposer, established page limits must be followed.

The  project summary  (pdf) is not more than one page, and it should be a self-contained description of the activity proposed. The summary should include a statement of objectives and methods to be employed. It must clearly address the intellectual merit of the proposed activity. It should be informative to other persons working in the same or related fields and, insofar as possible, understandable to a scientifically or technically literate lay reader. Potential hazards and safety precautions should be identified. The members of the proposed dissertation committee should be included on the Project Summary.

What is a PhD Test / PhD qualifying exam?

Embarking on a PhD journey is a significant milestone in an academic career, and the PhD qualifying exam plays a crucial role in determining a student’s ability to progress in their program.

This exam, which tests a candidate’s understanding of their chosen field and their capacity to conduct high-level research, typically includes both written and oral components.

Success in this exam depends on thorough preparation, consistent study, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

The PhD qualifying exam serves as an assessment of a doctoral student’s comprehension of their chosen field and their ability to conduct high-level research. Passing this exam is a prerequisite for advancing to the next stage of their graduate program and commencing their dissertation research.

Here’s everything you need to know about it!

What is a PhD Qualifying Exam?

A PhD qualifying exam, a critical milestone in a doctoral student’s journey, serves as an assessment of a student’s comprehension of their chosen field and their ability to conduct high-level research.

Passing this exam is a prerequisite for advancing to the next stage of their graduate program and commencing their dissertation research.

Usually taken after completing coursework and before starting dissertation research, the qualifying exam’s format can differ by field of study.

Generally, students are required to answer questions posed by a committee of professors who are experts in their research area.

Success in this exam depends on demonstrating a deep understanding and command of their field.

The process reveals various tips and strategies for preparing for and succeeding in a qualifying exam.

Early preparation is essential, and students should allocate consistent study time, create a study schedule, and break their materials into digestible sections. They should also practice answering questions, ideally by simulating the exam with mock calls or committees.

During the exam, students should remember that they are in control of the conversation and steer it in their preferred direction. Instead of apologizing for not knowing an answer, they should use logical reasoning to provide educated guesses.

Taking time to answer questions and limiting responses to precise, succinct answers can also lead to success.

Finally, showing excitement about their project and viewing the exam as an opportunity for an engaging conversation with experts can make a significant difference.

Key Takeaways:

• The PhD qualifying exam is a critical milestone that assesses a student’s understanding of their chosen field and their ability to conduct research. Passing this exam allows students to progress to the next stage of their graduate program and begin their dissertation research.
• Adequate preparation is crucial for success in the qualifying exam. This includes allocating consistent study time, creating a study schedule, breaking materials into digestible sections, and practicing answering questions through simulations or mock committees.
• During the exam, students should remain confident and in control of the conversation, providing logical reasoning for educated guesses when unsure of an answer. Embracing the exam as an opportunity for engaging discussion with experts and learning from any mistakes will ultimately aid in academic advancement.

Failure is not the end of the journey; many students fail and later succeed after regrouping and learning from their mistakes.

With determination and the right strategies, students can conquer the PhD qualifying exam and advance in their academic careers.

What is the Format of the PhD Qualifying Exam? Oral, Written?

The format typically includes both a written and an oral component. The written exam involves answering questions related to the student’s research area and the surrounding literature.

The oral exam usually comprises a discussion of the student’s research proposal and the interpretation of research data.

Conducted by a committee of faculty members who are experts in the student’s research area, the qualifying examination evaluates the student’s performance on the written and oral components to determine their eligibility for moving forward with their PhD research.

The exam is taken at the end of the student’s second year or after the completion of their coursework.

In the case of an unsuccessful first attempt, a retake or second attempt may be granted, although a unanimous decision is often required from the committee members.

The PhD qualifying exam is an integral part of the graduate program admission process, ensuring that only the most qualified students are granted the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree.

The PhD qualifying exam is a vital step in a student’s journey towards earning their doctorate, requiring dedication, preparation, and a deep understanding of their area of research to achieve success.

How Long Is the PhD Qualifying Exam?

Typically consisting of a written or oral examination, this comprehensive exam tests a student’s understanding of fundamental concepts in their chosen field.

Ranging from several hours to even days, the exam comprises multiple questions or tasks, assessing the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to complex problems.

The duration of the exam may differ across institutions, faculty expectations, and subject matter, but the importance of thorough preparation and mastering the subject matter remains constant.

With helpful tips and guidance from many schools and advisors, students can navigate this rigorous process, ultimately paving the way for their PhD candidacy and dissertation defence.

How Do You Prepare for the PhD / Doctoral Qualifying Exam? Tips to ace the test!

Preparing for the PhD qualifying exam can be an intimidating process, but with the right approach, it is manageable. As a crucial milestone in the PhD journey, this exam determines whether a student is qualified to continue their studies. To excel, consider the following steps and insider tips:

• Understand the exam format and requirements: Start by reviewing guidelines and past papers provided by your university to understand what to expect. Familiarizing yourself with the format helps to reduce anxiety and focus on the content.
• Create a study schedule : Allocate sufficient time to review course materials and research papers related to your field of study. A well-structured study schedule ensures that you cover all necessary material and stay on track.
• Form a study group: Collaborate with fellow PhD students to discuss and review material together. Sharing insights and learning from each other can strengthen your understanding and address any gaps in your knowledge.
• Practice with past exam papers: Working through past papers and taking self-assessment tests regularly will help you gauge your progress and identify areas that need improvement.
• Maintain physical and mental health: Don’t underestimate the importance of self-care during the preparation phase. Prioritize good sleep, healthy eating habits, and regular exercise to improve focus and concentration.
• Seek guidance: Consult your advisor or committee members for tips and insights on how to approach the exam. Their experience can provide invaluable guidance and help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Thorough preparation and discipline are crucial to succeeding in the PhD qualifying exam. By following these steps and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, you will be well-equipped to face this critical academic challenge.

What other entry tests and requirements are there for PhDs?

When pursuing a PhD, applicants must navigate a complex admission process that often goes beyond submitting academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. Various entry tests are required to assess a candidate’s suitability for doctoral study. One of the most common exams is the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), which measures a candidate’s aptitude for graduate-level work.

However, some universities and colleges may require subject-specific exams, such as the GRE Subject Tests, to evaluate an applicant’s knowledge in a particular discipline. These tests can be particularly important for PhD programs that demand a high level of specialization in a specific field.

In addition to these standardized tests, some PhD programs require applicants to have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field before being considered for admission.

This prerequisite ensures that candidates possess a solid foundation in their chosen discipline and are prepared for the rigorous demands of doctoral research.

Another important aspect of the PhD application process is the submission of a research proposal, personal statement, or other supporting documentation.

These materials demonstrate the applicant’s interest, expertise, and ability to specialize in a particular area of study.

Lastly, international students may need to take an English proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, to demonstrate their language skills if the program is conducted in English.

Entry tests and requirements for PhDs can vary significantly depending on the subject area and the institution. Prospective students should carefully research their options and ensure they meet all necessary criteria for the doctorate they wish to pursue.

Wrapping up – PhD/Doctoral Entrance examinations

The PhD qualifying exam plays a crucial role in a doctoral student’s academic journey, testing their understanding of their chosen field and their ability to conduct high-level research.

This comprehensive exam, which typically consists of both written and oral components, determines a student’s eligibility to progress in their PhD program.

To succeed in this exam, students must engage in thorough preparation, create a study schedule, form study groups, and maintain a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes physical and mental health.

In addition to the PhD qualifying exam, various entry tests and requirements, such as the GRE, subject-specific exams, and research proposals, may be necessary to assess a candidate’s suitability for doctoral study.

By understanding these requirements and dedicating the necessary time and effort to prepare, aspiring PhD students can navigate this challenging process and work toward achieving their academic goals.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Thesis proposal examination.

The Thesis Proposal Examination is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to plan, conduct and communicate independent research in both oral and written form.  The quality of the proposal document is an important part of this evaluation.

Each year the department holds a thesis proposal preparation guidance session.  Students who have completed the Comprehensive Examination are encouraged to attend.

Prior to the Examination

The  Committee Signature Form must be completed prior to the Thesis Proposal Exam by the student and presented by the student to the Committee Chair at the exam.  This sheet will be signed by the  Doctoral Committee  at the completion of the exam and returned to the Director of Graduate Programs by the Committee Chair.

The thesis proposal document should include the following elements:

The Thesis Proposal Examination is typically taken between twelve and twenty-four months following the successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination and more than nine months prior to the final PhD Dissertation Defense. The candidate must submit a written thesis proposal to the Doctoral Committee a minimum of two weeks prior to the oral examination date.

In some circumstances, your advisor(s) may recommend a different timeline for this examination. It is the responsibility of the advisor to communicate any modifications of the examination schedule to the Director of Graduate Programs.

The Doctoral (PhD) Committee

Each PhD candidate in the department will be directed and advised by a Doctoral Committee. The Committee will be responsible for:

The composition of the committee should be mutually agreed upon by the student and their advisor. It is important to note that the Comprehensive Examination committee members are not necessarily the same as members of the student’s Doctoral Committee. One member of the Doctoral Committee serves as Chair and typically this individual will serve as the candidate’s principal thesis advisor. The Doctoral Committee must consist of at least four members, including:

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PhD Proposal Exam Instructions

The research proposal should be prepared when the student has settled on a research topic; completed a preliminary exploration of the sources; and identified the problem and defined a research strategy. Ideally, the research proposal should take the form of a paper of about twenty to forty pages in length which includes a statement of the problem, research questions, a discussion and literature review of the research context in which it is set, research objectives or hypotheses, a brief outline of the data sources and methods, a draft survey or guiding questions for interviews (where appropriate) and a suggested timetable for completion. There should be a discussion of methods and methodology that makes reference to the literature on methodology. The proposal should provide a rationale for the choice of methods and discuss any ethical issues stemming from the research (if appropriate). The research proposal should be defended prior to extensive research. It should not constitute a draft of the final thesis.

Exam Request Form

To confirm exam details, students must submit the  Exam Request Form  and submit their proposal to the committee and graduate office a  minimum of 10 full working days  prior to the exam. For clarity, this timeline does not include the day of the exam, or any days which the university is closed. The thesis/MRP must be sent by 9am in order for that day to count as a full working day. If the proposal is not distributed by this deadline, the graduate office will cancel the exam.

The graduate office will prepare the examination file for the supervisor that can be collected just before the exam and returned immediately following the exam.

To book a room/AV for the exam, please contact [email protected] prior to submitting the exam request form. The exam should be booked for up to 2 hours.

To keep on track for time-to-completion the department recommends the research proposal be defended by June of year two and no later than September of year three. Normally, all required coursework will have been completed by the time of the research proposal exam but in some cases the research proposal can be presented earlier with the agreement of the supervisory committee.

Exam Results

A Research Proposal must be submitted and defended before the supervisory committee at the research proposal examination. The committee will advise the student on the acceptability of the proposal and will decide on any further steps to be taken in shaping the dissertation research project. The outcome of the proposal exam is one of the following:

• Conditional Pass.  Student must satisfy conditions specified by the supervisory committee (within three months) subject to final approval of the committee or a subset of the committee, which must include the supervisor(s). Failure to satisfy conditions by this date shall result in failure of the exam.
• Fail.  The student must repeat the exam within six months.

The conditions will be attached to the research proposal examination form and typically include requests for revisions to theory and methodology. Examples of requested revisions might include additional reading on theory, reconceptualization of the theoretical approach, or additional research into the feasibility or appropriateness of the methodology.

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Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal

The Ph.D. Thesis Proposal is an oral examination and an integral part of the Ph.D. approval process.

Students who successfully pass the Research Aptitude Examination are recommended to take the Ph.D. Proposal exam within 24 months of passing the Research Aptitude Examination. However, they must pass the Ph.D. Proposal exam within 48 months of passing the Research Aptitude Examination to remain in good standing (unless otherwise approved by the graduate studies committee). If the student successfully completes the requirements for an M.S. degree within 18 months of passing the Research Aptitude Examination, an additional 6 months is added to both limits.

The proposal committee must include at least three members of the faculty in ChBE. These faculty members are listed on the Faculty page of this website. All of these members will normally serve on the final dissertation committee.

An exemption from the above requirement can be granted under special cases. To request an exemption, the student’s advisor must petition the Graduate Director detailing specific reasons for the request and listing the modified committee. The Graduate Director will make a decision on the request after consulting with the Graduate Studies Committee.

The candidate must submit an electronic document to the committee at least 5 business days before the examination. If requested by a committee member, a hardcopy will be provided. The proposal must follow one of the two template options provided on-line with both requiring a maximum of 15 pages (description and graduation timeline) single spaced with font and margin definitions described in this template. Double spaced is allowed at the discretion of the faculty advisor and all single-spaced page limits will be doubled. Additional material to supplement the proposal may be included in the appendix but should be limited to supplementary figures, tables, detailed methods, or complex theoretical derivations. This document must be prepared with the consultation of the thesis advisor and be approved before sending out to the PhD proposal committee. 

For formatting requirements, download a template:

• Proposal Template (.doc)
• Proposal Template (.pdf)

Abstract/Summary Submission and Announcement

Please submit a completed abstract (or summary), proposal title, and the time, date and location of your proposal exam to Kathy Gardinier ( [email protected] ) one week in advance . This will be announced to the ChBE community. 

The following must be documented on the final page(s) of each student's written proposal:

A list of publications on which the student is either the first author or a co-author. Provide the full citation (title, all authors, DOI, etc.). Subdivide into:

Publications that have appeared in print: specify full citation

Publications that have been submitted and are under review: specify dates

Publications that will be submitted after the defense: specify tentative titles and dates

A list of conference presentations on which the student is either the first author or a co-author. Provide full details (title, authors, etc.). Specify speaker. Subdivide into:

Presentations that have been delivered

Presentations that have been scheduled (abstract accepted): specify dates

Presentations for which abstracts will be submitted: specify tentative titles and dates

The candidate must prepare an oral presentation, approximately 25-30 minutes in length. The seminar is open; however, the final deliberations are closed to all but the committee members.

The student must secure a majority of positive votes to pass. The student may apply for admission to candidacy to the Ph.D. program upon passing the Ph.D. Proposal exam.

PhD Program in Epidemiology

Guidelines for the qualifying examination (dissertation proposal).

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY PH.D. DISSERTATION PROPOSAL

I. Establishing the Dissertation Committee

1) Once a student has passed the comprehensive examination, they will formally select a dissertation advisory committee of not fewer than four members.

• The student may begin to identify likely candidates for the committee in advance of passing the comprehensive exam.
• The dissertation committee is intended to bring specialized expertise and resources to a student’s research and career development process. The dissertation chair is primarily responsible for overall guidance of the student’s research and training.
• The dissertation committee is responsible for administering the qualifying examination (proposal defense) and the final dissertation examination.
• The student should review the list of Graduate Faculty and talk with the Program Manager about the specific individuals under consideration, to make sure they are qualified by the Graduate School to serve on a PhD committee.

2) The committee will be chosen in consultation with the student’s research mentor.

3) The committee must include two members of the Epidemiology faculty other than the mentor and at least one faculty member from Biostatistics, unless a different quantitative person is more appropriate.

4) The committee must be appointed by the Graduate School no less than two weeks before the time of the qualifying examination.

II. Preparing the Dissertation Proposal

1) The dissertation proposal is a comprehensive proposal detailing the motivation, approach, and feasibility of the student’s proposed doctoral dissertation research.

2) The dissertation will comprise, at the minimum:

1. Critical review of the literature, including quantifying results from previous studies

2. Motivation for the study, and how it fulfills certain gaps in the field

3. Statement of specific aims, and hypotheses for each aim

4. Proposed approach and analytic plan, including:

a) Table 1 equivalent descriptors with overview of population (for each aim if population differs)

b) Detailed operational definitions of key exposure and outcome variables in text and potentially figures/tables, including the construction of variables and any decisions that need to be made (spline, percentiles, categorical from continuous)

c) Detailed operational definitions of other variables proposed and their construction (can be in table format)

d) Rationale for candidate confounders for each aim

e) Rationale for consideration of effect modification

f) Detailed analysis plan that includes statistical methods to be used for each aim, and an explanation as to the assumptions and/or caveats associated with such methods

g) Clear defense of superiority of the modeling approach over common alternatives

h) Power calculations for each aim

5. Description of papers to be written from the research

6. Potential limitations of the study

7. Appendices with key source documents.

3) There is no page limit; the length of the proposal will vary.

4) It is highly recommended that students attend each other’s qualifying exams (proposal defenses), in preparation for their own.

III. Working with Your Committee

1) The first, full draft of the dissertation proposal should be presented to the dissertation committee at least 2 months prior to the planned date of the qualifying exam.

• The final, completed draft of the proposal should be given to the committee 3 weeks before the date of the exam.

2) The student is in charge of this process:

• You are responsible for organizing committee meetings and making sure that things progress. At this point in your career, you should be in charge of moving things along, not your committee.
• Provide your materials/rewrites/proposal to your committee members with plenty of time to review (three to four weeks ahead for formal meetings). Do not expect to give material to your committee the night before and get something in the next day or two. Demonstrate that you value the committee members’ input and time by being courteous.
• Make sure you give your committee members quality work, work that you and potentially others have edited, checking for grammar and spelling errors. There is nothing worse than when a student wants quality feedback, but hasn’t bothered to provide quality material. Furthermore, if a committee member suggests changes, don’t give it back to them for review without those changes. If you disagree – discuss it, but just don’t ignore it.
• Provide a schedule for your committee so they know what to anticipate and potentially make time for. An example:

– Aug 1- will provide 1st draft to committee members

– Aug 28- request that committee feedback be given by this date

– Sept 21- makes changes return to committee (repeat cycle as needed until committee is satisfied with your proposal)

– Oct 10- final proposal will be given to committee members

– Oct 31 – Committee meeting/proposal defense

• Prior to scheduling the qualifying exam, you should have agreement from all committee members that your proposal is ready, by their standards and taking into account their concerns, to be defended.
• Practice the oral presentation!

IV. Qualifying Exam (aka oral proposal defense)

1) The qualifying examination is an oral defense of the dissertation proposal.

2) The Graduate School must be notified of the time and place of the qualifying examination at least 2 weeks in advance.

3) To qualify for candidacy, a student must complete all of the required first and second year courses, must be in good academic standing (GPA ≥3.0), must pass the comprehensive examination and must pass an oral qualifying examination.

4) The examining committee is the student’s dissertation committee.

5) The examining committee assesses the written proposal and oral defense by rating the success of the student in the following components:

1. Familiarity with research literature

2. Ability to organize scientific data

3. Critical thinking skills

4. Mastery of principles and methodology proposed

5. Oral presentation of proposal

6. Ability to interpret and answer questions appropriately

6) The three possible outcomes of the examination are: Pass; Conditional Pass; or Fail.

1. A Fail requires a complete Qualifying Exam take-over (if a second Fail occurs, the student is dismissed from the program).

2. A Conditional Pass requires a set of conditions to be set out by the committee, with a due date by which such conditions must be fulfilled. Upon satisfactory completion by the due date, the Conditional Pass will then become a Pass; otherwise it will become a Fail.

Feel free to contact  [email protected]  with any questions.

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Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam

Oral examination, thesis proposal document.

Students are required to pass an oral examination to qualify for the doctoral degree. This proposal consists of a document submitted to an approved Thesis Committee at least one week prior to an oral presentation of the proposal to the Committee.

The nature of the proposal may vary, depending on the project, but it should provide motivation as well as describe and justify the envisioned approach along with summarizing progress made to date. Preliminary results supporting the proposed research are beneficial, but not required, for the Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam.

Each committee is free to choose its own criteria by which to judge the quality of thesis proposal. These criteria tend to include:

• a proposal document that conforms to the BE Handbook’s guidelines,
• a feasible research plan proposed and defended by the student that will result in a body of work that will meet the committee’s criteria for graduation, and
• scholarship in the research field demonstrating that the student is capable of executing original, informed research in that field.

Thesis Committee

The Thesis Committee must be approved prior to the scheduling of the thesis proposal/oral exam presentation. See the Thesis Committee page for more information on assembling a committee.

The Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam must take place by December 1 of the 3rd year, with the specific date scheduled before the beginning of the Fall Semester of the third year.

If the student and advisor are convinced that a delay would serve the student’s interests better, they must petition the Graduate Committee by August 1st of the summer following the 2nd year with their reasoning along with their commitment for a target date; the Graduate Committee will approve or deny the petition request. Failure to complete the Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam according to this policy will constitute unsatisfactory progress with respect to subsequent enrollment and funding support. Under these circumstances the student will not be able to register for the spring semester of their 3rd year.

Registration

The student should be sure to register for  Thesis Proposal (20.951)  for 0-24-0 credit units during the term in which the Proposal is defended.

The formal presentation of the Thesis Proposal will serve as the Oral Examination. The purpose of the Oral Exam is to test the student’s ability to explain their thesis project, defend their scientific rationale, and propose alternate approaches, as necessary. BE’s oral examination is focused on subject matter in the proposal and related to the proposal. It is not intended as a general examination on biology.

Format of the exam

The student should prepare a 30-minute presentation based on the research plan outlined in the Thesis Proposal Document . The Thesis Committee members will have read and thought about the Thesis Proposal Document ahead of time. Given that the meeting lasts up to 2 hours, there will be ample time for questions/discussion during your presentation. If questions arise about the format or style of the presentation, the student should contact the Thesis Committee Chair.

The student is responsible for arranging the Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam meeting with the Thesis Committee Members. Students should plan for the meeting to take 2 hours. Generally, this meeting should be scheduled at least two months in advance because it may be difficult to find a mutually agreeable time for all involved. Students are also responsible for reserving the location; they may contact the BE Academic Office for help reserving a room. Once this meeting has been scheduled, the Thesis Committee members and the Academic Office must be notified by e-mail about the day, time, and location of the presentation.

The student should hand out printouts of their presentation slides to the Thesis Committee Members on the day of the meeting.

Evaluation Form

The day of the presentation, the student should provide the Committee Chair with an “ Oral Examination for the Doctoral Degree ” form. The Committee Chair must complete this form to confirm the outcome of a Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam Presentation. The completed form should be submitted along with any comments or recommendations made by the Thesis Committee to the Academic Office. From there, copies will be distributed to the student, the advisor, and the Committee Chair.

If the proposal as presented is acceptable, a Pass grade will be recorded for 20.951, the student changes status from a graduate student to a PhD candidate, and the student is expected to begin a schedule of regular meetings with their thesis committee.

If the proposal requires changes or improvements to be considered acceptable, a Pass grade will be recorded and the student will advance to PhD candidacy but the student will be expected to improve the proposal according to the committee’s specifications before their next meeting.

If the proposal is unacceptable, the student will not be admitted to PhD candidacy. The student may either leave the program or complete a Master’s thesis . A student that completes a Master’s may apply for reinstatement into the PhD program or graduate with a Master’s degree.

At least one week prior to the Thesis Proposal presentation, the student should deliver a copy of the Thesis Proposal Document to each of the Oral Exam Committee Members and to the BE Academic Office. A signature from the Academic Office is required to confirm that the proposal adheres to the format described below.

Students who would like assistance in improving their writing skills or in any stage of writing a thesis proposal should contact the BE Communication Lab or the MIT Writing and Communications Center .

Thesis Proposal Guidelines

Title Page (One page) Include the title, the date, your name and signature, the advisor’s name and signature, and the notation “Thesis Proposal”.

Abstract (Less than 300 words on One page)  State the significance of the proposed research. Include long-term objectives and specific aims. Describe concisely the research design and methods for achieving these objectives. Highlight the specific hypotheses to be tested, goals to be reached, or technology to be developed, which are intended to be your original contributions. Avoid summaries of past accomplishments.

Overall & Objective Specific Aims (One page Maximum)  Articulate the overall objective of your thesis project, and outline a set of specific aims by which your work is intended to accomplish this objective. Be sure to clearly state the hypotheses to be tested, goals to be reached, or technology to be developed.

Background & Significance (Three to Five pages)  Sketch the background leading to the present research, critically evaluate existing knowledge, and specifically identify the gaps that your research is intended to fill. State concisely the importance of the research described in this proposal by relating the specific aims to the broad, long-term objectives.

Research Design & Methods (Six to Eight pages)  Along with the Objective & Aims section, this is the most important part of the proposal. The majority of your time should be spent making this part of your proposal strong, direct, and completely clear. Describe the research design and the procedures to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project; it is generally most effective to do this according to the same outline as in the Objective & Aims section. Include how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Describe any new methodology and its advantage over existing methodologies. Discuss the potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed procedures and alternative approaches to achieve the aims. As part of this section, provide a tentative timetable for the project. Point out any procedures, situations or materials that may be hazardous and the precautions to be exercised.

Preliminary Studies (Three to Four pages)  This section may alternatively be located before the Research Design & Methods section) Use this section to provide an account of your preliminary studies that are pertinent to your research project and that support your specific aims. Note: it is not necessary to have obtained a substantial amount of preliminary data in order to submit or defend the proposal, although it will be expected that you have begun to undertake some of the key methods to assess their feasibility.

Literature Cited (No page limits)  List all references. Each reference must include the title, names of authors, book or journal, volume number, starting and ending page numbers, and year of publication. References should be limited to relevant literature. References are not included in the page limits. However, only references pertinent to the proposed research should be included.

Appendix (No page limits)  Copies of published or submitted articles pertinent to the proposed research for which you are an author may be included. Such publications are neither expected nor required at the time of Thesis Proposal presentation.

Format and Page Limitations 

Proposals must be single spaced using 12 pt font and 1 inch margins. Figures may be embedded into the text, but they must be readable. The font within figures must be at least 9 point and the figure captions must be at least 10 point.

• Devote one page each for the title page, abstract and specific aims.
• Use between 13–17 pages for the remaining sections (Background & Significance, Preliminary Results, and Research Design & Methods). Note that although the maximum recommended page limits for these sections add up to a total of 17 pages, you are expected to expand and contract these sections as you see fit so that the total is no more than 17 pages.
• Page limits include both text and figures. References are not included in the page limits.
• The total length of the document should not exceed 20 pages (including 3 pages for the title page, abstract and specific aims; not including references or appendices).

6 Effective Tips on How to Ace Your PhD Qualifying Exam

It’s probably not your first day at the university and you are still exploring the campus, determining which place would be your “nook”. Just as you do, you find a place to sit and it then feels surreal as you reminisce, “How did I get here?”—from determining your areas of interest for research to finding the university that offers a suitable program, from drafting personal statements to finally receiving the acceptance letter. And as you are looking into oblivion surrounded by these thoughts, you feel content and just as you breathe a sigh of relief, you hear muttering sounds from some students passing by. What do you hear? — “…something…something…Qualifying exam!”. And that’s when reality strikes you! Although you are in the program now, you must prove your candidacy for it by passing the PhD qualifying exam.

Table of Contents

What is a PhD Qualifying Exam?

In simpler words, a PhD qualifying exam is one of the requirements that determine whether or not the PhD student has successfully completed the first phase of the program and if they should be recommended for admission to candidacy for PhD. It is also referred to as the PhD candidacy exam and is probably one of the most arduous times for doctoral students. Furthermore, it is imperative for all doctoral students to prove their preparedness and capabilities to apply and synthesize the skills and knowledge during the graduate program by appearing for the qualifying exam. An integral part of the qualifying examination is a research proposal submitted to the examining committee at least two weeks before the examination.

What is the Purpose of a PhD Qualifying Exam?

A PhD student is someone who enrolls in a doctoral degree program. Typically, a PhD program requires students to complete a certain number of credits in coursework and successfully pass qualifying exams, which is followed by the dissertation writing and defense. The purpose of a PhD qualifying exam is to evaluate whether the student has adequate knowledge of the discipline and whether the student is eligible of conducting original research .

This qualifying exam is a bridge that transforms a PhD student into a PhD candidate. The difference between a PhD student and a PhD candidate is that the student is still working through the coursework and is yet to begin the dissertation process, and thus do not qualify to present and defend their dissertation to receive their doctorate. This period of transition means there is no more coursework to complete or classes to take; it is a self-defined structure of work from now with guidance from your supervisors at regular intervals.

What is the Format of the PhD Qualifying Exam?

Just as no two research projects can be alike, so cannot the qualifying exams for two different students. Thus, rather than asking your seniors about the questions that they were asked, a better approach is to understand the format and the process of the qualifying exam.

Typically, a PhD qualifying exam is conducted in two phases: a written exam and an oral exam.

1. Written Qualifying Exam

After completing your coursework, the written qualifying exam is the first one that you must take. The aim of this exam is to assess your ability to incorporate your learnings from all of the different classes you took in the program to formulate research questions and solve your research problems. Ideally, each of your committee members will test you separately on this.

2. Oral Qualifying Exam

The oral qualifying exam is undertaken after completion of the written part. Its purpose is to evaluate your thought process and ability to conduct the research required to complete a PhD . Additionally, some universities require you to present your research proposal and defend it during your oral qualifying exam.

During the oral exam, each professor from your committee will ask few questions related to your research proposal and your answers from the written exam. Sometimes, the committee members may also ask you to draw your answers on the board, especially if it’s an equation, a molecular structure, mechanism, or a diagram.

4 Possible Outcomes of the Qualifying Exam

“what if i fail my qualifying exam”- the petrifying thought.

Though this is the rarest situation that PhD students face,  its possibility cannot be neglected. While the final result is based on what your committee members decide, they often give you a chance to retake the exam and meet certain conditions. However, if you fail the exam by unanimous decision of all committee members who oppose you from taking the reexam, you may have to leave the program and opt for another field of study or university.

But why should you be worried? You’ve got these nifty tips to crack your PhD qualifying exam!

Tips to Ace the PhD Qualifying Exam

Don’t you want to excel at your qualifying exam? Here are some things you should know!

1. Know Your Qualifying Exam Committee

• Identify the area of expertise of each committee member.
• Consult your seniors and other grad students who have worked with them and are currently working with them or have taken classes from them, or best—have had them for their own qualifying exam.
• Try to anticipate the pattern of their questions they are likely to follow and prepare your answers accordingly. However, do not spend too much time on this. It is likely, that your research proposal may give rise to a different line of questioning.

2. Know Your Subject

• Hit the library and stay updated with recent research in your field.
• Acquaint yourself with knowledge of your subject matter, as that’s what you’ll be tested on the most.

3. Know What is Expected of You

• Schedule a meeting with your committee members in advance, at least twice before appearing for your qualifying exam.
• Initiate a conversation about what you are expected to cover for the exam.
• Be an attentive listener and make note of their points as they speak.
• Ask them relevant questions so that you don’t get back to your room with doubts.

4. Know Your Plan

• Start with managing your time
• Organize your data and start writing the research proposal .
• Do not overcommit. Allot yourself 1–2 months of intense studying prior to the exam to master all the background and general knowledge you may need.
• Make your notes including textual as well as graphical content for quick revision.
• Request your supervisor or seniors to quiz you and critique your presentation. Work optimistically on their constructive suggestions.

5. Know the Challenges

• Presenting your proposal may at times be quite daunting. Hence, practice giving mock presentations during lab meetings or even in front of your mirror.
• Be prepared for technical as well as analytical questions.

  6. Know the Do’s and Avoid the Don’ts

• While presenting, follow a narrative approach to keep the committee interested in your research.
• Explain your research briefly and add details as you are asked.
• Don’t overwhelm the examining committee with irrelevant details.
• Ensure that it’s a stimulating discussion among peers.
• Dress professionally and stay composed.
• More importantly, take a good night’s sleep before your exam day.

Final Thoughts

As my research advisor would say, “There’s only one step that keeps you away or brings you closer to your goal. It’s for you to choose the direction!” Similarly, the PhD qualifying exam is that one step you take to reach closer to the hallowed status of “Doctor”. So follow these nifty tips and share them with your friends and colleagues for we know what the future of research holds for us. Let us know the challenges you faced while preparing for your qualifying exam. How was it different from the experiences of your colleagues? You can also visit our  Q&A forum  for frequently asked questions related to different aspects of research writing and publishing answered by our team that comprises subject-matter experts, eminent researchers, and publication experts.

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College of Letters & Science Biological Sciences

Dissertation proposal/preliminary examination.

Doctoral students are expected to complete the Preliminary Examination by the end of their third year in the program. The Preliminary Exam is the defense of a written Dissertation Proposal. The exam will consist of two parts; Part I, approval of the written Dissertation Proposal, and Part II, an oral defense of the proposal before the student’s Ph.D. Advisory Committee.

After the proposal has been approved by the Advisory Committee, the student must submit the Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Hearing Form ( Milestones ) . The student should also request the Doctoral Preliminary Examination Warrant at least three (3) weeks prior to the oral exam date from the Department’s Graduate Program Assistant. The student must also file the Application for the Doctoral Preliminary Examination(s) available in the online doctoral Milestones system. From this application, the Graduate School determines the eligibility of the student to take the Preliminary Examination. The oral defense of the Dissertation Proposal/Preliminary Examination can proceed after approval of the Graduate School, as noted in the Milestones system.

Part I: The Written Dissertation Proposal

Doctoral students must prepare a formal, written Dissertation Proposal outlining the objectives and methodologic approach of his/her proposed research project. A typical proposal is 10-15 single-spaced pages in length exclusive of references. The length of individual Dissertation Proposals may vary depending on the extent of the preliminary results and of the details included in the experimental plan. The proposal must be thorough and of the highest quality. The advisor may assist in formulating the specific aims and research goals of the proposal, but it is expected that the student writes the proposal with subsequent editing assistance from the advisor. The Advisory Committee may provide reviews and literature to assess the student’s understanding of general concepts related to the area of research.

The proposal should include the following sections: 1) Abstract , 2) Background and Significance , 3) Specific Aims , 4) Preliminary Results and 5) Experimental Plan . An Abstract of approximately one page should briefly describe background information pertinent to the research being proposed and mention the unanswered questions the proposal will address. The Background and Significance section will provide background and justification for the questions to be addressed in the dissertation. It should include a discussion of relevant reviews and published literature demonstrating the student’s broad understanding of the central concepts described in the research proposal as well as specialized information pertinent to the specific area of research. The Specific Aims section should concisely summarize the critical questions that the research is intended to answer. In the Preliminary Results section, unpublished results related to the dissertation topic should be described. Research data that establish the importance, relevance, and feasibility of the questions being addressed in the proposal are included in this section. The Experimental Plan should state the hypothesis of each specific aim and describe how the questions raised will be addressed. It should include a description of the approaches and techniques that will be used to conduct the research. The approaches should be described in sufficient detail to illustrate the student’s understanding of the proposed approaches and techniques. The anticipated results should be presented and the significance of the results should be discussed. It is recommended that the proposal include alternative hypotheses/approaches to address unexpected results.

The Dissertation Proposal must be submitted to and approved by the student’s Ph.D. Advisory Committee two weeks before the Preliminary Examination is to be taken.

Part II: Oral Defense of The Dissertation Proposal

The student will give an oral presentation of the Dissertation Proposal to the Ph.D. Advisory Committee. Members of the committee will ask questions during and/or after the presentation. The questions during the exam will focus on the research proposal, but may include any questions or topics relevant to the area of research. The final decision concerning the outcome of the Preliminary Examination will be made by a majority of the Advisory Committee. Once the student has passed the exam he/she must file the signed departmental Doctoral Preliminary Examination Warrant with the Biological Sciences Graduate Program Director.

If a student fails the Preliminary Examination, the Ph.D. Advisory Committee will decide if the student can retake the exam for a second time. If the student fails a second time, a retake is not allowed. For students retaking the Preliminary Examination for the second time, failure of any part (or all) of the examination will result in dismissal from the Graduate Program. The student’s Ph.D. Advisory Committee may appeal to the departmental Graduate Committee to allow a student to retake the exam for the third time. Direct appeals from the student to the departmental Graduate Committee will not be considered.

The student may petition the Graduate School to take only one (1) credit during the semester that he/she intends to take the Preliminary Examination, even while receiving financial support as a TA, PA, RA, or Fellow. To request the one-credit exception, the student must have completed the Application for the Doctoral Preliminary Examination(s) available in the online doctoral Milestones system before the start of the semester. Such a petition will be granted only once during the student’s tenure in the Ph.D. program. The Examining Committee is usually the same as the Ph.D. Advisory committee, but may be any three appropriate UWM graduate faculty or Ph.D. committee members approved by the latter.

MIT Department of Biological Engineering

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The formal presentation of the Thesis Proposal will serve as the Oral Examination. The purpose of the Oral Exam is to test the student’s ability to explain their thesis project, defend their scientific rationale, and propose alternate approaches, as necessary. The nature of the proposal may vary, depending on the project, but it should provide motivation as well as describe and justify the envisioned approach along with summarizing progress made to date. Preliminary results supporting the proposed research are beneficial, but not required, for the Thesis Proposal or the Oral Exam.

The Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam must take place by December 1 of the 3rd year, with the specific date scheduled before the beginning of the Fall Semester of the third year. If the student and advisor are convinced that a delay would serve the student's interests better, they must petition the Graduate Committee by August 1st of the summer following the 2nd year with their reasoning along with their commitment for a target date; the Graduate Committee will approve or deny the petition request. Failure to complete the Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam according to this policy will constitute unsatisfactory progress with respect to subsequent enrollment and funding support. Under these circumstances the student will not be able to register for the spring semester of their 3rd year.

The student is responsible for arranging the Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam meeting with the Thesis Committee Members and for reserving the location (plan for the meeting to take two hours). Generally, this meeting should be arranged at least two months in advance because it may be difficult to find a mutually agreeable time for all involved. Once this meeting has been scheduled, the Thesis Committee members and the Academic Office must be notified by e-mail about the day, time, and location of the presentation. The Thesis Committee constituted for the Oral Exam may change over the course of the student’s research, as determined by the student and advisor with approval by the Graduate Program Chair. Beyond administration of the Oral Exam, the Thesis Committee is meant to provide guidance on the various aspects of the student’s project; Thesis Committee members should therefore be selected with this goal in mind.

The student should be sure to register for Thesis Proposal (20.951) for 0-24-0 credit units during the term in which the Proposal is defended.  At least one week prior to the Thesis Proposal presentation, the student should deliver a copy of the Thesis Proposal to each of the Oral Exam Committee Members and to the Academic Office.

The student should prepare a 30-minute presentation. The Oral Exam Committee members will have read and thought about the Proposal ahead of time. Given that the meeting lasts up to two hours, there will be ample time for questions/discussion during your presentation. If questions arise about the format or style of the presentation, the student should contact the Oral Exam Committee Chair. The student should expect to be examined in depth on subject matter directly and tangentially related to all aspects of the Proposal. The questioning need not be restricted to the Proposal itself, but may expand into areas impinging on the Thesis topic.

The day of the presentation, the student should give the thesis chair a “Report of Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam Meeting” form. The Committee Chair must complete this form to confirm the outcome of a Thesis Proposal/Oral Exam Presentation. The completed form should be submitted along with any comments or recommendations made by the Thesis Committee to the Academic Office. From there, copies will be distributed to the student, the advisor, and the Committee Chair. If the Proposal presentation is acceptable, a “Pass” grade will be recorded for 20.951.

Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

The Qualifying Examination is an important checkpoint meant to show that you are on a promising research track toward the Ph.D. degree. It is a University examination, administered by the Graduate Council, with the specific purpose of demonstrating that “the student is clearly an expert in those areas of the discipline that have been specified for the examination, and that they can, in all likelihood, design and produce an acceptable dissertation.” Despite such rigid criteria, faculty examiners recognize that the level of expertise expected is that appropriate for a 3rd year graduate student who may be only in the early stages of a research project.

See campus policies about the Qualifying Exam.

Professor Ana Arias and Professor John Wawrzynek have made available useful information for students planning to take the Qualifying Exam.  See slides  (Calnet authentication is required).

• For students entering Fall 2003 or later, the Qualifying Examination must be taken within 6 semesters of starting the program
• you need a total of at least four members on your committee
• at least three of the members must be regular UC Berkeley faculty that are member of the Academic Senate
• your advisor(s) cannot be the Chair
• One member must be from outside the EECS Department (As of spring 2020, the outside member can be a UCB faculty member with no more than 0% appointment in EECS, or a faculty member or distinguished researcher from another institution.  To request an off-campus person to be the outside member, students must request an exception by submitting a general petition , including the person’s CV, to their staff advisor for review with the Head Graduate Advisor. )
• Apply online through  Calcentral  under your “Dashboard”. On the right hand side for “Student Resources”, students will see an option to Submit a Form for Higher Degree committees. Choose the option for the Qualifying exam application.
• Department Qualifying Exam Application
• Completed and advisor approved White Card
• You must be registered the semester the exam is given. Summer quals are OK if you are registered the previous Spring or the following Fall semester.
• The prelim requirements (which include passing the oral exam and completing the prelim breadth course requirements) must be completed before a student is eligible to take the Qualifying exam. However, it is not required that all the coursework (e.g., the courses listed in the major and minors) be completed before taking the Qualifying exam.
• Students take quals, format A or B , within 6 semesters of starting the EECS graduate program. Format A : Research area survey, directions, evidence of research ability. Format B : Research area survey, directions, thesis proposal defense.
• Students passing only Format A for quals must also do a satisfactory thesis proposal defense within 10 semesters after matriculation.
• In the unfortunate case that a student does fail the qualifying exam twice, per the Graduate Division’s policy, a third attempt is not permissible. The student will not be eligible to continue in the doctoral program and may be dismissed.

In This Section

• Qual Eligibility
• Qual Deadlines
• Qual Committee
• Qual Format
• Applications for the Qualifying Exam
• Advancement to Candidacy
• Thesis Proposal Defense and Application

Ph.D. Student Guide

• Ph.D. Coursework
• Ph.D. Oral Exam
• Ph.D. Breadth Requirement
• Ph.D. Blue Card
• Ph.D. Applications for the Qualifying Exam
• Ph.D. White Card
• Ph.D. Advancement to Candidacy
• Ph.D. Thesis Proposal Defense and Application
• Ph.D. Qual Eligibility
• Ph.D. Qual Committee
• Ph.D. Qual Format
• Ph.D. Teaching Requirement
• Ph.D. Dissertation Filing Fee
• Giving the Ph.D. Dissertation Talk
• Ph.D. Dissertation Filing Procedure
• Ph.D. Technical Report Submission
• Ph.D. Graduate Division Surveys
• Ph.D. Commencement
• Ph.D. Diploma and Transcript
• Ph.D. Student Review Instructions
• Ph.D. Student Review Forms
• Ph.D. Student Review Frequently Asked Questions

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• Ph.D. Candidacy Examination

Ph.D. Candidacy Examination: Submission and Defense of the Dissertation Proposal

To be eligible for the Ph.D. Candidacy exam, a student must have passed the Qualifications Evaluation and be in good academic standing. All Ph.D. students should defend their dissertation by the end of the fall semester of their third year of graduate studies.

Step 1: Getting Started - Registration for Your Dissertation Proposal

Before the third year, each student and advisor should identify a dissertation research topic, select potential committee members, and develop a timeline for their Dissertation Proposal by the end of the fall semester of their third year of study. All students must formally register for the Dissertation Proposal Candidacy Exam (access registration form here) by the end of the fifth semester of graduate study. If the student took a leave of absence during their studies or believes he/she may have other extenuating circumstances, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator so that a timeline to defend the proposal can be determined based on individual circumstances.

Step 2: Registration Review - Committee Approval and Appointment of Chair

The Graduate Group Chair will review the topic, committee members, and timeline proposed on the registration form. After reviewing your registration and committee recommendations, the Graduate Group Chair will appoint your Dissertation Committee Chair. Changes or additions to the committee require the approval of the Graduate Group Chair.

Guidelines for Selecting your Committee

Dissertation Committee Composition:

• The committee shall be composed of 4 faculty members (including the advisor) and approved by the CBE Graduate Group Chair. In special circumstances, an additional member may be added, subject to the approval of the Graduate Group Chair. Appointment of committee members who are not part of Penn faculty requires details of their full title, affiliation, and a short biographical sketch.
• The dissertation advisor is an ex officio member of the committee.
• Three committee members must have full-time Standing or Research faculty appointments at Penn.
• Two committee members must be members of the CBE Graduate Group.
• One committee member must hold a doctorate in an Engineering discipline or a highly quantitative subject (e.g. math, physics), AND/OR is a Primary Faculty member in a School of Engineering and Applied Science Department.
• One member (who meets the criteria listed below) is recommended as Chair by the advisor and must be approved by the CBE Graduate Group Chair

Responsibilities of the Dissertation Committee Chair:

• At every stage, verify that the dissertation meets the CBE requirements for rigorous engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular science content. Discuss any concerns in this regard with the student and advisor, and contact the CBE Graduate Group Chair when concerns arise.
• Ensure that the content and tone of the proposal defense, annual committee meetings, and dissertation defense meeting are constructive for the student and advisor. If the student and advisor have difficulty in scheduling meetings in a timely manner, the Committee Chair will contact the CBE Graduate Group Chair to recommend the replacement of committee members with limited availability.
• At each meeting of the committee, review the student’s course planning guide and transcript (provided by the student) to ensure the student is meeting CBE course requirements in a timely manner. Inform the advisor and Graduate Group Chair of any concerns, and include committee recommendations for additional coursework in the official meeting report.
• At each meeting of the committee, ensure that proper forms are completed with comments to the student, signed by all members of the committee, and submitted to the Graduate Group Coordinator (Ken Lambert)

Qualifications of the Dissertation Committee Chair (must satisfy all criteria):

• Is a member of the CBE Graduate Group
• Is a member of the Standing Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania
• Has served as a member or advisor on the proposal defense of at least one University of Pennsylvania CBE dissertation committee previously (Preferred).

Step 3: Write your proposal - and have your advisor read, edit and approve it.

The advisor must approve the dissertation proposal before it can be distributed to the committee. The dissertation proposal is based on the NIH application format and should have the following sections:

• Cover page including title, student and advisor name and contact information,
• Table of Contents, Abstract (<1 page),
• The Specific Aims section states the specific objectives of the research proposed (e.g., to test a stated hypothesis, create a novel design, solve a specific problem, challenge an existing paradigm or clinical practice, address a critical barrier to progress in the field, or develop new technology).
•  The Research Strategy section includes subsections: Significance (e.g. importance of the problem and how the project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability), Innovation (e.g. methods, instrumentation, theories, etc.), and Approach (overall strategy, methods and analyses, as well as preliminary data, potential problems and alternative strategies).  This format emphasizes the scientific and technical merit of the proposed studies, with less emphasis on preliminary data.
• There is a 13-page limit, single-spaced with a minimum font size of 11, excluding the Cover Page, Table of Contents, Abstract, and References.

Step 4: Schedule the Dissertation Proposal Date & Location

Concurrent with the final stages of writing, the student should schedule a date for the examination, allowing a minimum of two weeks for the proposal to be reviewed by the committee. The student should copy his/her advisor on all correspondence with committee members. To facilitate rapid convergence on convenient meeting time and dates, students should find 5-7 dates/times that work for the student and advisor, and use meeting planner websites (e.g. www.doodle.com, www.surveymonkey.com, when2meet) to help schedule the exam. If the student has continued difficulty scheduling an exam due to an unresponsive committee member, he/she should inform the advisor for help. If the member is non-responsive for more than a week, do not hesitate to contact the Graduate Program Coordinator or Graduate Group Chair to expedite the scheduling of the oral exam.

When the student has finalized a date, they must inform the Graduate Program Coordinator. Meeting rooms can be reserved through the SEAS Room Reservation Request Form . If a student needs assistance reserving a room he/she should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

• The student should send an email to all committee members with confirmation of the date and meeting place.
• The student will send a reminder to all committee members of the time and place of the examination one week before the meeting.
• The Graduate Group Chair and Graduate Program Coordinator should be copied on the reminder, which can be distributed by e-mail.
• The student must also prepare and bring the proper paperwork for the proposal meeting. This includes a CPG, updated transcripts, and the Acceptance of Dissertation Proposal Form found online.

If there is a need to change the meeting time of the presentation the student must confirm these changes with committee members and make sure that everyone is agreeable to the change. The student must also inform the Graduate Program Coordinator and the Graduate Group Chair of any changes that are made.

Step 5: The Oral Dissertation Proposal

The Oral Presentation period of the dissertation proposal should last approximately 45 minutes and will be followed by a question-answer period of similar length. Adjustments may be made concerning the length of the presentation and subsequent discussion based on committee discretion, but the student should tailor the presentation roughly to these guidelines. The exam room should be reserved for two and a half hours to also allow the committee time for evaluation and discussion. The committee chair will report the recommendations to the Graduate Group Chair on the form provided by the student. The Acceptance of Dissertation Proposal form can be found online.

All committee members must be present at the oral presentation. If a member of the committee is unable to attend, the student must obtain approval from the committee chair and Graduate Group Chair to proceed with the proposal. In this case, the absent member will be required to send comments to the Committee Chair two days before the presentation. At the Committee Chair’s discretion, these comments or questions may be used during the exam to test the candidate’s knowledge of the subject area.

The dissertation advisor is an ex-officio member of the committee and should always be present at the examination and all meetings of the committee. However, the advisor must allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge and command of the subject on their own and will be recognized by the committee chair only to clarify issues when requested by a committee member.

Step 6: Feedback from the Dissertation Proposal

The student may be informed orally on the outcome of the dissertation proposal following the examination. Written confirmation of the outcome will follow after the Committee Chair returns the examination approval form to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The committee may request revisions to the proposal, accept it as is, or fail the student. The dissertation committee must accept the proposal before the student advances to Candidacy.

NOTE:  Students who have not defended their dissertation proposal and passed their Candidacy Exam by the end of the Fall semester of their 3rd year of graduate studies must petition to the Graduate Group Chair for an extension. The petition should explain why a proposal was not submitted and provide a schedule for submission. The University regulations state that the maximum time limit for a student to “Advance to Candidacy” is five years, after which time the student will be dropped from the rolls. Dissertation proposals must be defended and approved at least 12 months before the Doctoral Dissertation is submitted. The Graduate Group Chair will not accept a Doctoral Dissertation before this period has passed.

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Steps to Fulfill PhD Preliminary Exam and Proposal Requirements

If you have any questions, please arrange for a meeting with the graduate academic advisor or your faculty chair. Deadlines occur earlier than students often expect!

Review your eligibility for the preliminary examination

To be eligible to hold a preliminary exam, the student:

• must have a current/accurate, approved degree plan on file with the Graduate and Professional School no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary exam (submitted via DPSS)
• must have a graduate GPR of at least 3.0
• must have a graduate degree plan GPR of at least 3.0
• must be registered in the university (in the term the preliminary exam occurs)
• must be within six hours of completing all formal (graded) coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework except 681, 684, 690, and 691)
• must have successfully completed the BME Qualifying Examination

Action items

Once the student has reviewed the above eligibility, the student should:

• establish the time, date and location for the preliminary exam with the student’s committee.
• establish the format and organization of the preliminary exam with the student’s committee. The preliminary exam typically consists of an oral and written component.
• submit the Preliminary Examination Checklist and Report two weeks  before  the exam date.
• submit the proposal to the student’s committee at least two weeks  before  the exam date.
• reserve a conference room, if needed, via the BME front office.

Submit preliminary examination checklist and report

Must be  initially  submitted at least two weeks prior to the preliminary exam date (see below for more details about the preliminary exam and proposal)

• Form to be completed via ARCS. Must be approved by the graduate academic advisor, all members of the student’s committee, the director of Graduate Programs and the Graduate and Professional School.
• Form is due, in fully approved format, to the Graduate and Professional School within ten business days of the preliminary exam. 

Ph.D. students entering prior to fall 2022: are required to complete the preliminary exam and proposal by the end of the 8 th   semester in the biomedical engineering program (summers are included). Failure to meet the required deadlines will result in the student being placed on probation.

Ph.D. students entering fall 2022 and after: are required to complete the preliminary exam and proposal by the end of the 7 th  semester in the biomedical engineering program (summers are included). Failure to meet the required deadlines will result in the student being placed on probation.

Ph.D. Deadlines

Expected Timeline:  Graduate and Professional School preliminary exam approvals, once received in that office, can take several weeks for full approval.

Submit research proposal approval form

Submitted after the successful completion of the preliminary exam

• Form to be completed via ARCS.
• Must attach full .pdf of the proposal. 
• Must include a timeline  for all aims, publishing, defending and graduating. The department requires that the student use NSF/NIH guidelines for formatting. Information on these formatting requirements can be found at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/format-and-write/format-attachments.htm .
• For more details, the student should speak to their faculty advisor before writing the proposal. Must be approved by the graduate academic advisor, all members of the student’s committee, the director of Graduate Programs and the Graduate and Professional School. 

Ph.D. students are required to complete the proposal by the end of the 7 th or 8 th  semester, depending on the term that the student entered the biomedical engineering program (summers are included). Failure to meet the required deadlines will result in the student being placed on probation.

Expected Timeline:  Graduate and Professional School research proposal approvals, once received in that office, can take several weeks for full approval.

Additional information

Preliminary Examination and Proposal submission must be completed before the end of the student’s 7 th or 8 th semester, depending on the term that the student entered the biomedical engineering program (summers are included, please see note above).

The preliminary exam is the oral defense of the proposal.

The requirements listed above are for BME and in some cases, are stricter than the university minimum guidelines. Failure to meet any of the above requirements could result in being placed on probation or dismissal from the program.

After completion of the preliminary exam, students must be continuously registered every fall and spring semester until all degree requirements have been met. 

All documents (e.g. proposal, dissertation) must be submitted to your advisory committee at least two weeks prior to milestone completion. 

The results of the Preliminary Exam must be received by the Graduate and Professional School within ten days of the oral examination date.

All degree requirements must be completed within a four-year time period following the preliminary exam or the preliminary exam is voided and must be repeated.

Common pitfalls

Below are a list of common pitfalls for students.  All students are encouraged to meet with the graduate academic advisor prior to scheduling the preliminary examination:

• Having an inaccurate degree plan on file that makes you ineligible to take the preliminary exam.  All students are encouraged to maintain an accurate and updated degree plan with the university, including the most updated courses and committee membership.  Changes can be made by using  DPSS  and submitting a long form petition.
• Failing to submit the preliminary exam checklist via ARCS at least two weeks before the student’s exam date.
• Not arranging a meeting with the graduate academic advisor to discuss options.
• Applying to take the preliminary exam too soon in a student’s program.
• Failing to include a timeline in the student’s research proposal.
• Failing to calculate summers in the 8-semester calculation to determine when to take the preliminary exam and submit the research proposal to avoid departmental probation.

School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

College of engineering, ph.d. degree.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires concentration in a particular area of electrical or computer engineering as well as demonstrated mastery over the fundamentals of electrical and computer engineering. It is awarded in recognition of demonstrated proficiency and high achievement in the student’s major field within electrical or computer engineering. A significant contribution to the knowledge in electrical and computer engineering is made through successful dissertation research. The Ph.D. degree requirements include: 

• 43 credit hours of coursework
• Responsible Conduct of Research training
• Ph.D. Residency requirement
• Passing the Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam, including the Proposal Exam
• Conducting research, writing, and successfully defending a Ph.D. dissertation

Ph.D. Timeline

The following table summarizes the coursework requirements for the Ph.D. degree in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Groups I and II – Selection of ECE 6000 Level or Higher Classes  

6000-level or higher ECE courses offered by specific TIAs can be used to satisfy these requirements, including Special Topics courses.

• Technical Interest Areas (TIAs) are groups of related courses within electrical and computer engineering and include Bioengineering, Computer Systems & Software, VLSI Systems & Digital Design, Digital Signal Processing, Electrical Energy, Electromagnetics, Electronic Design & Applications, Nanotechnology, Optics & Photonics, Systems & Controls, and Telecommunications.
• In Group II, all nine hours of coursework must be completed outside the TIA(s) of Group I. These courses can be cross listed with the TIA(s) chosen for Group I. Group II classes may be selected from one, two or three TIAs, provided degree requirements are met. Courses that do not belong to any TIA cannot be used to satisfy Group I or Group II requirements.
•  Pass/Fail, audit, and Special Problems courses cannot be used to satisfy Group I and Group II requirements.
• To determine the TIA of a course, students may examine the Projected Course Schedule available on the Graduate Website.

Group III (Minor): 9 Hours outside ECE as a Minor Field of Study 

• A minor consists of nine credit hours of courses in a single discipline (e.g., Math, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, etc.). 4000 level or higher classes may be taken subject to the following guidelines:
• Minors are expected to be in subject areas that enhance and relate to Ph.D. students’ research. Students may choose Math, CS, any non-ECE engineering or science discipline. Other fields would need to be approved by the ECE Graduate Committee. Minor courses in non-technical areas (for example, Management) need special approval. Classes that are part of the TI:GER program in the Scheller College of Business can be used toward the Ph.D. minor.
• Minor courses can be cross listed with ECE classes.
• All minor courses must be taken for letter grades.
• 6000 level minor courses are preferred, 4000 level or a combination of 4000 and 6000 level courses will be considered for approval, provided the overall degree requirements are met.
• Math and CS are the most popular Ph.D. minors for ECE students. A list of recommended CS and undergraduate Math courses are listed on the ECE website at https://ece.gatech.edu/graduate-coursework-planning .
• The PhD minor courses must have a minimum grade average of 3.0/4.0.
• Approval of the minor courses is secured from the ECE Graduate Affairs Office via the web-based Ph.D. coursework completion plan at https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms . When the coursework is marked complete, the student is finalizing the minor approval process by submitting the PhD minor form via DocuSign. The form can be found on the office of Graduate Education website: https://grad.gatech.edu/theses-dissertations/forms .

Group IV General Elective Courses 

• General electives are meant to enhance the technical background of students. Non-technical classes should be pre-approved by the ECE Graduate Office.
• Up to 6 credit hours of Special Problems (ECE 8901, 8902, 8903 and CS 8903) may be used as general elective courses, subject to approval by the ECE Graduate Office. F aculty supervisors must certify that the work done for these courses is at Ph.D. level and is not simultaneously being done for pay (as in a GRA) or for other credit (as for ECE 9000, ECE 8900, or ECE 7000). To receive approval for these courses to be counted towards the Ph.D. degree, students need to complete the validation form found on the ECE website at https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms . It is expected that these courses are rigorous, and the level of work is commensurate with the equivalent credit of a graduate level course.
• The number of total research hours in Group IV should not be higher than 12. That means that special problem courses (ECE 8901, 8902, 8903 and CS 8903) cannot be used in Group IV along with 12 hours of MS Thesis but can be used if the MS Thesis from another institution was evaluated at less than 12 equivalent credit hours.
• Non-ECE Special Topics courses can be used for general electives.
• Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) courses do not satisfy the Ph.D. degree coursework requirements.
• Pass/fail courses cannot be used in any other Group except for Group IV General Electives. The only pass/fail hours that can be used are ECE seminars (ECE 8001, 8002, 8022, 7721, and 6792), CS/CSE seminars (CS/CSE 800x), and the RCR requirement (PHIL 6000). No more than four pass/fail hours can be used for the Group IV General Electives.
• Only 4000 level or higher courses can be used for degree requirements but note that there is a TOTAL limit of 9 hours of 4000 level courses that can be used for the Ph.D. degree (between groups III and IV).
• Students are welcome and encouraged to take additional elective courses to enhance their background. These courses would be for the student’s benefit and would not count towards degree requirements.

The Professional Communications Requirement 

• All ECE Ph.D. students must complete ECE 8022, a one-hour professional communications seminar, to fulfill the Ph.D. coursework requirement.
• Permits are required for ECE 8022. Only students classified as “Ph.D.” and who have passed the Coursework Qualifier will be allowed to take ECE 8022.
• All the Ph.D. students are expected to take ECE 8022 the first fall or spring semester after they passed the Ph.D. Coursework Qualifier, and no later than the end of the 3rd year.
• Besides ECE 8022, students are encouraged and may be required by their research advisor or their proposal review committee to take additional communications courses offered by Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Requirement 

Georgia Tech requires all Ph.D. students to complete an RCR requirement that consists of on-line training and in-person training. M.S. students who transition to Ph.D. must also meet this requirement.

Additional graduate students may need to complete this requirement, depending on their source of funding. Students may refer to the applicability criteria listed in the Georgia Tech RCR Compliance Policy to determine if their source of funding requires RCR training ( https://rcr.gatech.edu/compliance-policy ).

The On-line CITI Requirement: The online portion of the requirement, a CITI RCR course, must be successfully completed within 90 days of when students begin the first full semester in their doctoral program. The CITI RCR course can be found here: https://www.citiprogram.org . If a student goes past the 90-day time limit, a hold may be placed on course registration until the student completes the online training.

The In-Person Requirement: Students covered by this policy are required to successfully complete PHIL 6000 OR an academic program’s in-house RCR training approach. Students are strongly encouraged to complete in-person training within the first 12 months of their doctoral program. In general, applicable students will be expected to take PHIL 6000 during the first summer session after they begin their doctoral program at Georgia Tech . Additional sections will be available during the fall and spring semesters for those students who would not otherwise be enrolled during the summer session.

ECE does not have its own in-house RCR course but would accept any of the courses approved for other schools. A current list of those courses can be found at http://rcr.gatech.edu/doctoral-courses .

These courses or PHIL 6000 can be counted in the Group IV General Elective category. More information as well as an FAQ can be found at http://www.rcr.gatech.edu/resources .

Ph.D. Residency Requirement 

All Ph.D. students, with no exception, must be enrolled full time for at least one semester while classified as graduate students. The residency requirement is verified before the Ph.D. coursework is approved and certified.

Additional Restrictions and Conditions on Coursework 

• Students with prior graduate work, including an M.S. degree from another institution may have up to 30 hours of courses applied towards the ECE Ph.D. degree requirements, subject to approval.
• No more than three senior (4000) level courses (9 semester hours) are permitted to be used toward the Ph.D. coursework requirement. 4000 level classes can only be used toward the elective (Group IV) or minor (Group III) areas of the Ph.D. coursework requirements.
• No more than a total of four pass/fail hours can be used toward the Ph.D. coursework requirement—this includes 8022 and PHIL 6000.
• Georgia Institute of Technology requires that Ph.D. students maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0 to remain in good standing and must have at least a 3.0/4.0 to graduate.
• The minor courses (Group III) must have a minimum grade average of 3.0/4.0.
• All classes used to fulfill the Ph.D. coursework requirement must have grades of “C” or above.
• Ph.D. students must complete at least one full-time term on campus. ECE expects that most if not all of one’s Ph.D. coursework and research will be completed on campus, under the supervision of an ECE faculty member.

Filing a Coursework Plan 

• All ECE Ph.D. students must file a coursework plan no later than the Ph.D. proposal submission.
• Coursework plans are filed through the ECE website. The link can be found at https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms .

Applying M.S. Coursework Completed at other Schools toward the Ph.D. Coursework 

There is no formal transfer of credit for the Ph.D. degree, that is, classes taken elsewhere would not appear on the Georgia Tech transcript. However, M.S. coursework completed at other schools can be used toward the ECE Ph.D. coursework requirement. An approved Ph.D. coursework plan serves as an agreement between the student and ECE (on behalf of Georgia Tech) to permit the student to count courses from another school toward the Ph.D. coursework requirement.

• The course transfer can only be started after the student completed the Coursework Qualifier requirement.
• To request approval of these courses, students should submit a transcript and a syllabus and other descriptive materials to the ECE Graduate Office.
• The credit hours for classes completed elsewhere should be reported in semester hours. If the M.S. classes were recorded in quarter hours, those hours are to be converted to semester hours by multiplying the number of quarter hours by 2/3, making a three-hour quarter class equivalent to two semester hours.
• English version of the M.S. thesis
• Documentation on the official transcript of completion of the M.S. with a thesis
• Completion of M.S. thesis research hours on the M.S. school’s transcript
• Six hours of the previously completed coursework that was transferred toward a Georgia Tech ECE M.S. degree may be applied toward the Ph.D. coursework requirement.

Coursework Qualifier

The Coursework Qualifier consists of four courses selected by each student from lists prepared by the ECE Technical Interest Groups (TIGs). The lists are included below. A student may select four courses from a single TIG’s list: or three courses from one TIG’s list and a single course from another TIG’s list. A student’s advisor may ask that they select courses from a particular TIG’s list; however, the School of ECE will not enforce this. To successfully complete the Coursework Qualifier requirement, a student must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 in the four courses they have selected. Once this requirement has been completed, the student must complete the Coursework Qualifier form and turn it in to the ECE Graduate Office for verification. This requirement must be completed by the end of the second year after the student matriculated into an ECE Graduate program.

The Coursework Qualifier requirement will apply to all students starting in Fall 2018. For ECE PhD students matriculating into an ECE graduate program in Fall 2018 or after, the Coursework Qualifier requirement must be completed by the end of their second year. Any ECE PhD student who has already passed the ECE Preliminary Exam is exempted from the Coursework Qualifier requirement.

An MS student who wishes to become a PhD student must complete the Coursework Qualifier requirement, secure funding, and identify a willing ECE faculty advisor before being considered for transfer to the PhD program. 

All the Coursework Qualifier Courses must be taken at Georgia Tech. Classes taken at other institutions cannot be used towards the Coursework Qualifier requirements.

The courses that satisfy the Coursework Qualifier requirements are as follows: 

Bioengineering:  

• ECE 6200 - Biomedical Applications of MEMS  
• ECE 6229 - Introduction to MEMS (Cross-listed with CHBE/ME 6229)  
• ECE 6250 - Advanced Digital Signal Processing  
• ECE 6780 – Medical Image Processing (cross-listed with BMED/CS 6780)  
• ECE 6781 - Biomedical Sensing Systems   
• ECE 6786 – Medical Imaging Systems (cross-listed with BMED 6786)  
• ECE 6790 - Information Processing Models in Neural Systems (cross-listed with BME 6790)  
• ECE 88x3 - Implantable Microelectronic Devices  
• ECE 88x3 - Medical Ultrasound: From Diagnostic Imaging to Image-Guided Therapy (cross-listed with BMED 8813 MU)  
• ECE 8843 - Advanced Medical Imaging Systems: CT/PET/SPECT Physics, Engineering and Applications (cross-listed with BMED 8813 AMI)  
• BMED 6210 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging  
• BMED 8813 - Optical Microscopy 

Computer Systems & Software:

• ECE 6100/CS 6290 - Advanced Computer Architecture   
• ECE 6101 - Parallel and Distributed Computer Architecture   
• ECE 6102 - Dependable Distributed Systems 
• ECE 6115 - Interconnection Networks for High Performance Systems 
• ECE 6122 - Advanced Programming Techniques   
• ECE 6130 - Advanced VLSI Systems 
• ECE 6156 - Hardware Oriented Security and Trust 
• ECE 6276 - DSP Hardware System Design 
• ECE 6280 - Cryptography and Security   
• ECE 6612/CS6262 - Computer Network Security   
• ECE 6747 - Advanced Topics in Malware Analysis   
• ECE 8803 - Empirical Computer Security 
• ECE 8893 - Parallel Programming for FPGAs 
• ECE 8803/CS8803 - Intro to Quantum Computing
• ECE 8803/CS 8803 – Cybersecurity of Drones 
• ECE 88x3 - Introduction to Cyber-Physical Systems Security 
• CS 6210 - Advanced Operating Systems   
• CS 6238 - Secure Computer Systems 
• CS 6241 - Design and Implementation of Compilers 
• CS 8803 - SMR: Systems for ML

Digital Signal Processing:  

• ECE 6250 - Advanced Digital Signal Processing or ECE 7750 - Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning 
• ECE 6254 - Statistical Machine Learning (Core course in the PhD ML degree) 
• ECE 6255 - Digital Processing of Speech Signals 
• ECE 6258 - Digital Image Processing 
• ECE 6260 - Data compression and modeling 
• ECE 6270 - Convex Optimization for SP 
• ECE 6271 – Adaptive Filtering 
• ECE 6272 - Fund of Radar Signal Processing 
• ECE 6282 - Radar Imaging  
• ECE 6605 - Information Theory 
• ECE 7251 - Signal Detection and Estimation 
• ECE 7751 - Probabilistic Graphical Models in Machine Learning (cross-listed ECE/ISYE/CS)

Electromagnetics:  

• ECE 6272 - Radar Signal Processing  
• ECE 6350 - Applied Electromagnetics  
• ECE 6360 - Microwave Design  
• ECE 6370 - Electromagnetic Radiation and Antennas  
• ECE 6380 - Intro to Computational Electromagnetics  
• ECE 6390 - Satellite Comm and Navigation Systems  
• ECE 6420 - Wireless IC Design  
• ECE 6520 - Integrated Optics  
• ECE 7350 - Topics in Analytical EM  
• ECE 7380 - Topics in Computational EM  
• ECE 6375 - Radio Wave Propagation in the Earth and Space Environment 
• EAS 6145 - Remote Sensing of the Atmospheres and Ocean  
• EAS 6360 - Space Physics and Instrumentation  
• EAS 8803 – Space Plasma Physics

Electronic Design and Applications:  

• ECE 6412 - Analog Integrated Circuit Design  
• ECE 6414 - Analog Integrated System Design  
• ECE 6422 - Interface IC Design  
• ECE 6430 - Digital MOS Integrated Circuits 
• ECE 6435 - Neuro Analog VLSI Circuits  
• ECE 6444 - Si-based Hetero Devices and Circuits 
• ECE 6445 - Power IC Design  

Energy:  

• ECE 6320 - Control and Operation of Power Systems 
• ECE 6323 - Power System Protection 
• ECE 6331 - Power Electronic Circuits 
• ECE 6332 - Power Electronics CAD Laboratory 
• ECE 6335 - Electric Machinery Analysis (jointly taught with ECE 4335) 
• ECE 6336 - Dynamics & Ctrl Electric Machine Drive 
• ECE 6337 - Electricity Markets 
• ECE 6374 - Cyber-Physical Security in Electric Energy Systems 
• ECE 6445 - Power IC Design 
• ECE 6456 - Solar Cells
• ECE 88x3 - Smart Grids 
• ECE 88x3 - High Voltage Engineering 

Nanotechnology:  

• ECE 6444 - Silicon-Based Heterostructure Devices and Ckts 
• ECE 6450 - Intro to Microelectronics Technology  
• ECE 6451 - Intro to the Theory of Microelectronics  
• ECE 6453 - Theory of Electronic Devices  
• ECE 6455 - Semiconductor Process Control  
• ECE 6456 - Solar Cells  
• ECE 6458 - Gigascale Integration  
• ECE 6460 - Microelectromechanical Devices (Cross-listed with CHBE/ME 6460)  
• ECE 6465 - Memory Device Technologies and Applications 
• ECE 6542 - Optoelectronics: Dev, Integr, Pkg, Sys 
• ECE 6771 - Optoelectronics: Matls, Processes, Dev (Cross-listed with PHYS 6771)  
• ECE 6776 - Microelectronic Systems Packaging Technologies (Cross-listed with ME/MSE 6776)  
• ECE 6779 - Thermal Engineering for Packaging of Micro and Nano Systems (Cross-listed with ME 6779) ECE 88x3 – Failure Mechanisms in Microelectronics 
• ECE 88x3 – III Nitride Semiconductor Technology 

Optics and Photonics:  

• ECE 6500 - Fourier Tech System & Analysis  
• ECE 6510 - Electro-Optics  
• ECE 6515 - Nanophotonics  
• ECE 6522 - Nonlinear Optics  
• ECE 6530 - Modulation, Diffractive & Crystal Optics 
• ECE 6540 - Organic Optoelectronics  
• ECE 6542 - Optoelectronics: Dev, Intgr, Pkg, Sys  
• ECE 6543 - Fiber Optic Networks  
• ECE 6771 - Optoelectronics: Matls, Processes, Dev

Systems and Controls:  

• ECE 6500 - Fourier Tech System & Analysis 
• ECE 6550 - Linear Systems and Controls  
• ECE 6551 – Digital Control 
• ECE 6552 - Nonlinear Systems  
• ECE 6553 - Optimal Control  
• ECE 6554 - Adaptive Control  
• ECE 6555 - Optimal Estimation  
• ECE 6562 - Control Robotic Systems  
• ECE 6563 – Networked Control 

Telecommunications: 

• ECE 6601 - Random Processes  
• ECE 6602 - Digital Communications  
• ECE 6604 - Personal and Mobile Communication 
• ECE 6605 - Information Theory  
• ECE 6606 - Coding Theory & Applications  
• ECE 6607 - Computer Communication Networks  
• ECE 6610 - Wireless Networks  
• ECE 6612 - Computer Network Security  
• ECE 6613 - Broadband Access Networks  
• ECE 6615 - Sensor Networks  
• ECE 88x3 – Advanced Wireless Networks 

VLSI Systems and Digital Design:  

• ECE 6130 - Advanced VLSI Systems  
• ECE 6132 - Computer-Aided System Design 
• ECE 6133 - Physical Design Automation  
• ECE 6135 - Digital Systems at Nanometer Nodes
• ECE 6140 - Digital Systems Test 
• ECE 6250 - Advanced Digital Signal Processing 
• ECE 6254 - Statistical Machine Learning  
• ECE 6331 - Power Electronic Circuits  
• ECE 6412 - Analog Integrated Circuit Design 
• ECE 6420 - Wireless IC Design 
• ECE 6451 - Introduction to the Theory of Microelectronics 
• ECE 6465 - Memory Device Technologies and Applications
• ECE 88x3 - Hardware Oriented Security and Trust 
• ECE 88x3 - Foundations of VLSI Design and Implementation 
• ECE 88x3 – Advanced Logic Transistor  
• ECE 88x3 - Quantum Computing Devices and Hardware
• CS 6550 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms 
• CS 7641 - Machine Learning 

Advisor Selection

• Students who are looking for advisors and/or research topics should register for ECE8999.
• While completing the Ph.D. Coursework Qualifier, a student is expected to identify a research advisor and report that advisor’s name to the ECE Office for Graduate Affairs.
• It may be necessary and appropriate for a student to change advisors while identifying a suitable dissertation topic. Any change should be coordinated through the ECE Graduate Affairs Office.

Dissertation Proposal

The Dissertation Proposal Exam in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering serves two functions:

• Test whether the student has sufficient background to enter the Ph.D. Program.
• Allow the committee to judge the student’s ability to execute a research task and to communicate the results.
• Evaluate the proposed topic to ensure that, if completed as posed, it constitutes an original contribution to knowledge.
• Evaluate the proposed research plan to ensure that it is well-conceived and feasible to complete within a reasonable time.

Timing of the Proposal Exam 

• The proposal exam must happen in a semester in which the student is enrolled in at least 3 research credit hours (ECE 9000 under the advisor). The proposal cannot be completed while doing a full-time internship or during an off semester.
• The Proposal Exam must be successfully completed by the end of the 7th semester (not including summer) after the student matriculated into an ECE Graduate program.
• The student is not expected to have completed a large body of the original research that is necessary for their PhD Thesis to complete the PhD Proposal. The student must demonstrate background knowledge of their dissertation topic and a fundamental understanding of the discipline. The Proposal must contain a detailed and sound plan for the completion of PhD-level research on the dissertation topic, and preferably some results. However, it is understood that any results will be early and inconclusive; and the dissertation topic, methods, and results may evolve in between the Proposal and the PhD defense.
• The Ph.D. coursework plan should be completed by the time of the Ph.D. Proposal. If the coursework is not completed, the Academic Office must approve the coursework form indicating when the remaining classes will be completed. The proposal examination cannot be held if the student has not completed the professional communication seminar, ECE 8022, and did not meet the institute PhD residency requirement (full time enrollment for at least one semester while classified as PhD student).
• The Proposal Exam must occur at least 6 months before the Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Examination.
• Under no circumstances will the student take the Proposal and Defense Exams during the same term.

Proposal Process 

• Ph.D. Proposal Committee is comprised of 3-4 faculty members: the advisor (and a co-advisor, if one exists), and two Georgia Tech faculty members selected by the student. At least one member must be in ECE. Additional members can be added upon request.
• The format for the Proposal Examination involves a written report and an oral presentation.
• The written proposal is no more than 35 pages including references and appendices.
• The proposal must contain a chapter or sub-chapter entitled “Literature Survey,” appearing anywhere in the document that the student finds appropriate. The “Literature Survey” section is a minimum of five pages and must be written by the student with no outside help .
• The rest of the proposal document contains at minimum a concise statement of the Ph.D. dissertation topic, summary of the research completed, outline of the research to be completed and clearly summarizes the contributions of the research. The student can get help in preparing the rest of the proposal document. The documents are submitted to the Academic Office, which oversees assigning the Ph.D. Proposal chair and sending the Ph.D. proposal documents to the members of the committee. The committee needs to be given at least two weeks to read the Ph.D. Proposal before scheduling the oral portion of the exam. 

If the Ph.D. Committee is satisfied with the written report, the oral presentation is scheduled. The presentation usually lasts about 40 minutes. There is a general audience question and answer period followed by a closed-door examination period with the committee. 

The following is the summary of the Ph.D. Proposal process.   For more details, consult the Proposal  Guidelines document at https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms .

• Fill out the coursework plan   https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms , showing all grades earned for the classes already completed and the planned remaining classes. The form needs to be approved by the ECE Graduate Affairs Office.
• Visit the Academic Office to express the intent of submitting the proposal, to verify the coursework and the committee, and to clarify all details of the process.
• Electronic committee form submission
• Electronic (pdf) copy of the proposal document with the DocuSign disclaimer forminserted before the Table of Contents page (the disclaimer form can be found at https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms ).
• The body of the email must contain a short abstract. The abstract must beginwith “The objective of the proposed research is….”
• The Academic Office assigns the chair and distributes the proposal materials to the committee members.
• The Committee Chair coordinates proposal committee activities and seeks input on the proposal.
• When the committee determines that the proposal is ready for examination, the chair schedules the exam through the ECE Graduate Affairs Office. The date, time and location of the proposal exam must be announced at least five working days in advance.
• Admission to PhD Candidacy DocuSign form (student’s responsibility). The form needs to be submitted the day before the oral exam. The form is DocuSigned by the committee members, the student, the school chair, and the graduate coordinator. Use the name of a Graduate Coordinator (Daniela Staiculescu or the person designated in her absence) for the “School Chair” and “Graduate Coordinator” fields.
• PhD Proposal Committee Chair Report  (Committee chair’s responsibility)
• PhD Proposal Individual Evaluation Form (All committee members’ responsibility).
• The student is strongly encouraged to send a reminder to the committee right before the exam with the links to the evaluation forms (committee chair form and individual evaluation form).
• The process could take as short as 3 weeks, but it can take up to 8 weeks or longer especially at busy times of the term or at times when faculty are traveling away from campus.

After Passing the Proposal 

• The Ph.D. Proposal Committee members chosen by the student, including the advisor, become the Dissertation Reading Committee Members.
• Because the proposal examination may occur early in the process of defining the dissertation topic, it may be necessary to modify the topic as the research progresses.
• The proposal should not be construed as a “binding contract” between the committee and the student, but as a flexible agreement that is expected to evolve as the research progresses.

Degree Progress Report

As of Fall 2020, all ECE Ph.D. students will submit a progress report to the proposal committee on June 1st of every year, starting two years after the proposal exam (Example: if a student proposes in 2020, their first report would be due on June 1, 2022). The proposal committee evaluates the degree progress and makes a recommendation of satisfactory or non-satisfactory degree progress.

• The student should initiate the PhD progress report form on DocuSign, found at https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms .
• After the student has completed their part of the form, it is automatically forwarded to the advisor, who rates the student's progress on a 1-5 scale
• After the advisor, the form is automatically forwarded to the Proposal Committee Chair, who will give a 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' rating on behalf of the committee. The Proposal Committee can optionally provide additional feedback to the student and advisor.
• In extraordinary cases, the Proposal Committee can mandate that the dissertation defense must be completed within the next year.
• Appeals of the Proposal Committee's determination are sent to the ECE Graduate Committee.
• One 'unsatisfactory' places the student on Warning. A second 'unsatisfactory' places the student on Probation. The third 'unsatisfactory' results in dismissal from the ECE PhD program. A 'satisfactory' restores the student to good standing.

Dissertation and the Final Defense

• The Ph.D. student's primary requirement is to do original and substantial research reported in the Ph.D. Dissertation and Final Defense. The dissertation's quality depends on the conscientious work of the student and the Reading Committee. The School entrusts the standards of the School in this area to this committee.
• One member must be Academic Faculty outside the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This person can be from another university, with the restriction that they are not within one year of having earned the Ph.D. degree. If the person is not a Georgia Tech faculty member, then that person must provide a current CV to be approved by the Institute Graduate Office. Outside ECE academic faculty who have an adjunct position in ECE are approved, but not faculty with double appointments in ECE and another department.
• The last committee member can be ECE faculty. At minimum, they must hold a Ph.D. and be active in research. If the extra person is not a Georgia Tech faculty member, then a CV must be provided to the ECE Graduate Office for approval.
• The student must clear the dissertation with their thesis advisor before disseminating the document to the committee. The thesis advisor is responsible for reviewing the document's content before distributing it to the Reading Committee.
• The student should submit the dissertation to the Reading Committee with sufficient time to examine, typically at least two weeks but preferably a month. Once the Reading Committee is satisfied with the dissertation, the student must obtain their signatures on the Reading Committee Memo.
• The Advisor must coordinate the scheduling of the dissertation exam with the committee members and submit the Schedule Defense Memo to the ECE Graduate Affairs Office. This can be delegated to the student by the Advisor.
• The two memos (Reading Committee and Schedule Defense) need to be submitted to the Graduate office at least two weeks before the dissertation defense date. The memos can be found online in the “Dissertation and Final Defense” section at https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms .
• The additional committee members should receive a copy of the dissertation no later than two weeks prior to the defense date.
• The Certificate of Thesis Approval which is available through the Graduate Education website at http://www.grad.gatech.edu/theses-dissertations-forms should be signed via DocuSign by the final examination committee at the dissertation defense. Each committee member must fill out an electronic individual evaluation form right after the dissertation defense. The evaluation form can be found at https://www.ece.gatech.edu/current-students/graduate/forms . The student is responsible for submitting the Certificate of Thesis Approval via DocuSign right before the dissertation defense. The School Chair/Graduate Coordinator field has to be filled out with Dr. Daniela Staiculescu’s name (or someone else that she will indicate if not available at the time of the defense). The student is also responsible for disseminating the link to the individual evaluation form to the committee members right before the defense.
• After all signatures are collected, the student is responsible for submitting the Certificate of Thesis Approval, and the rest of the documents on the checklist found at http://www.grad.gatech.edu/theses-dissertations-forms
• The student is responsible for uploading the thesis after all the defense forms have been signed. The Graduate Education office controls the format of the thesis and other related reporting. The student must stay connected with that office to ensure all degree requirements are met. Guidelines for preparing and submitting the dissertation are available at the Graduate Education website: http://www.grad.gatech.edu/theses-dissertations .
• If, at any time, there is uncertainty about what to do next or what is expected of the student, check with an advisor in the Academic Office.Do not rely on secondhand information!

The following is the summary of the Ph.D. Defense process: 

• Apply for graduation by the end of Phase II registration of the graduating semester.
• Attend the Defense Info session that the Academic Office holds on the second week of classes.
• Plan on a time to defend , preferably at least one week before the gradation deadline.
• Be prepared to have your dissertation completed and reviewed by your advisor about a month before the planned defense date .
• Identify the last two committee members and contact the Academic Office if in doubt about their eligibility.
• Send the dissertation to the reading committee. Give them two weeks to read, then initiate the Reading Committee Memo on DocuSign.
• Prepare the Schedule Defense Memo . It can be submitted to the Academic Office by the student or the advisor.
• The two memos need to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the defense date . The Academic Office will post the exam online at https://ece.gatech.edu/events/grad .
• The day before the defense initiate the Certificate of Thesis approval ( https://grad.gatech.edu/theses-dissertations/forms ) and remind the committee members to fill out the evaluation form (found here, please include the link to the form:  https://ece.gatech.edu/academics/graduate/student-forms-and-guidelines .
• After completion of the Certificate the Academic Office will contact you with the final steps. The graduation checklist and all the required forms can be found at: https://grad.gatech.edu/theses-dissertations/forms .

Reasonable Degree Progress

• A “Ph.D. student” is defined as one who has accepted an admission offer that indicated "Ph.D." rather than "M.S." degree. M.S. students who wish to be reclassified as Ph.D. students should contact an Academic Advisor for additional information.
• Students seeking a Ph.D. degree are required to pass the Coursework Qualifier in the first four semesters (not including summer).
• Ph.D. Students are encouraged to complete all required coursework, including the Professional Communications requirement and the minor, by the end of the third year in the program (if entering from a B.S. degree program) or the end of their second year in the program (if entering with an M.S.).
• Students are encouraged to identify a Ph.D. research advisor as early as possible in the program and are urged to do so by the end of the term in which they pass the Coursework Qualifier and no later than the term following the one in which they pass the Coursework Qualifier.
• ECE PhD students are required to complete their Proposal Exam by the end of their 7th term, not including summer.
• If a student has not met the above Coursework Qualifier or Proposal Exam requirements by the end of the terms specified above, they will be dismissed from the PhD program. A student may petition the graduate committee for a one-semester extension. Petitions for Proposal Exam extensions must include a statement detailing the student’s progress. Exceptions may be made by the Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs after reviewing the circumstances involved as presented by the student and the research advisor.
• As of Fall 2020, all ECE Ph.D. students will submit a yearly progress report to the proposal committee after the successful completion of the Ph.D. proposal to insure proper degree progress. The progress report is first submitted the second summer
• after the proposal completion, and every year after that.
• It is recommended that the Proposal Examination is successfully completed at least one year prior to the Final Defense examination, and that it must be completed at least 6 months in advance of the Defense Examination.
• The Institute requires that Ph.D. students (full-time or part-time) complete all degree requirements within 7 years of passing the Comprehensive Examination, that is, the Ph.D. Proposal Exam in ECE.
• Students supported as GRA are expected to coordinate internships with their advisor.
• Only one non-summer term may be used for internships or other employment without the prior permission of the ECE Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs.

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Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy (M.D./Ph.D.) Program

The Doctor of Medicine / Master of Science (M.D./Ph.D.) Program is a dual degree program offered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Students applying to the M.D./Ph.D. Program must first apply to and be admitted to the M.D. program at the School of Medicine, and should indicate their interest in the dual-degree program when applying to the Medical School. The program is organized in the following fashion: 2 years M.D. studies + 4 years Ph.D. studies + 2 years M.D. studies.

The Ph.D. program consists of the following requirements:

• Course Requirement
• Laboratory Rotation Requirement
• Research Advisor Match
• Research Aptitude Examination
• Teaching Assistant Requirement
• PhD Proposal Examination
• Dissertation of Original Research
• Dissertation Defense

The requirements for the M.D./Ph.D. program are essentially the same as those for the Ph.D. (see Doctor of Philosophy Program sections  of the Graduate Handbook). The only variance is in the course requirement, where two Unrestricted Elective courses would be satisfied by courses taken in the M.D. portion of the curriculum.

Sample Timeline:

Years 1 and 2 of m.d. curriculum.

• M.D. coursework completed towards Unrestricted Elective requirement (3 credits) (x2)

Year 1 Ph.D. Program

• BIOE 898 Pre-candidacy Research (optional)

Fall Semester

• BIOE 601 (3 credits)
• BIOE 604 (3 credits)
• BIOE 605 (1 credit)
• Restricted Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester

• BIOE 612 (3 credits)
• BIOE 606 (1 credit)
• Unrestricted Elective (3 credits)

Years 2-4 Ph.D. Program

• TA requirement (1 semester)
• BIOE 608 (1 credit) (x3)
• BIOE 898 (1 credit) (when needed)
• BIOE 899 (6 credits) (x3, post-candidacy)
• PhD Dissertation Defense

Years 3 and 4 of M.D. Curriculum