The number of course credits required for the doctor of philosophy degree, above those for the master of science, is not specified precisely. For planning purposes, the student should consider a total of 21 to 30 course credits. The remainder of the work will be in research and independent study. The total combination of research and coursework required will not be less than 60 credits beyond the master of science degree or not less than 90 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree.
Admission to candidacy will be granted only after the student has satisfactorily passed the Materials Engineering Doctoral Qualifying/ Comprehensive Examination (MEDQE). The purpose of this exam is to determine if the student’s breadth and depth of understanding of the fundamental areas of materials engineering is adequate to conduct independent research and successfully complete a Ph.D. dissertation.
The MEDQE consists of both written and oral components. The written exam must be successfully completed before the oral exam can be taken. The oral exam is usually given within two months of the completion of the written exam. The MEDQE is offered at least one time each year.
A member of the materials science and engineering faculty will be appointed to be the chairperson of the MEDQE Committee. This person should not be the student’s Ph.D. thesis advisor; but that advisor may be a member of the MEDQE Committee. Others on the committee should be the writers of the four sections of the examinations and any other faculty selected by the chairperson. Faculty from other departments at WPI or other colleges/universities, as well as experts from industry, may be asked to participate in this examination if the materials engineering faculty deems that it is appropriate.
At least one year prior to completion of the Ph.D. dissertation, the student must present a formal seminar to the public describing the proposed dissertation research project. This Ph.D. research proposal will be presented after admission to candidacy.