A doctoral engineering candidate must have a solid understanding of the concepts and processes of general engineering, typically taught in undergraduate courses. Many institutions require candidates to demonstrate competency in the engineering field by completing appropriate undergraduate courses or passing an examination in a specific engineering area. Those who fail to show adequate preparation for the engineering PhD may be required to complete remedial courses in addition to the normal requirements for the degree.
All potential doctoral candidates must show competency in mathematics and physics at the undergraduate level. Reviewing the scores candidates receive on diagnostic examinations typically assesses proficiency in these subjects. These examinations must be taken on admission to the PhD program. If a candidate does not receive a satisfactory score on the mathematics and physics portions, he may be required to complete certain undergraduate courses.
Many programs require a doctoral engineering student to take a qualification exam, sometimes called the "General Examination." Some schools require students to take the exam by the end of the second year of graduate study. The exam assesses the student's knowledge in basic engineering and science subjects, and her ability to conduct original and scholarly research. The examination is generally divided into written and oral parts, and administered by members of a doctoral committee. Once a student receives a satisfactory score on the exam, she is officially a candidate for the doctoral degree, and a dissertation committee is formed to provide guidance.
Most institutions require candidates for a PhD in engineering to complete at least 60 credit hours of approved graduate courses with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Generally, a candidate must receive a "C" grade or better in a course to earn graduate credit. Specific undergraduate prerequisites and graduate course requirements vary by program and institution.
Engineering doctoral candidates must conduct extensive research and write a thesis that demonstrates an expertise in a specific area. A thesis committee directly supervises candidates throughout the composition process. Candidates must regularly provide progress updates to all members of the committee.
After a candidate completes the thesis and other requirements, he must pass a final oral examination that focuses on his specific field of study and the topic of his PhD thesis. The exam is administered to determine whether the committee is satisfied with the thesis and that the candidate has met the institution's requirements for awarding the degree. Faculty members are typically invited to participate in the final oral examination, but only members of the thesis committee may vote. Unanimous approval is required before the student may print the finalized thesis.