The PhD program in engineering is research training for those who plan a career in higher education or research. In recent years, industry has shown increased interest in specialists with a PhD degree in the engineering.
In scientific disciplines, research often implies experimentation, but research is more than mere experiments -- it means interpretation and deep understanding. For engineers, research means searching to uncover the principles that underlie the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes and systems. Researchers look for new abstractions, new approaches, new algorithms, new principles, or new mechanisms.
PhD work in engineering is therefore quite challenging and in most cases those achieving a PhD in engineering will spend anywhere from one to three years studying advanced coursework in their chosen subject field. Generally, time spent on coursework tends to be less if one has earned a relevant Master's degree first. These advanced studies may eliminate the need to take certain courses. However, some engineering doctoral programs tend not to accept students who have not already completed a Master's degree. Others are more likely to accept students with a Bachelor's degree. The decision on who to accept into a PhD program is highly variable.
Selected majors/areas of research for a PhD in Engineering include
Aerospace Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical and Molecular Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Environmental Science
Food, Agriculture and Biological Engineering
Geodetic Science and Surveying
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Management of Technology
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Welding Engineering
Students in an engineering doctoral program must pass a written and oral qualifying exam and then complete and formally defend a doctoral dissertation based on original research. In general, all engineering PhD programs require that successful candidates for the degree demonstrate:
The ability to conduct independent research at a high level, leading to completion of a dissertation which is defended before a committee of scholars. Because examinations given as part of a PhD curriculum assess expert knowledge, they are created and evaluated by a committee of experts, each of whom holds a PhD degree.
Proficiency in the tools necessary to carry out this research, including but not limited to computer skills, bibliographic competence, and reading of one or more foreign languages
Mastery of general and specific subject matter in the field of study before a committee of scholars.
Part- and full-time study options, along with various delivery modes - residential programs, distance education programs and online programs - are also available. North American PhD programs in engineering welcome foreign students. However, fluency in spoken and written English is critically important.
