Graduate Student Handbook: Direct Entry to the Ph.D. Program

For suitably qualified, high-caliber students, direct entry to the doctoral program from the baccalaureate is a possibility. Transfer from the M. S. degree to the Ph.D. program is also permitted.

1. Direct Entry from the Bachelor's Degree
   
   The minimum entry requirements for consideration are a GPR of 3.5 and GRE score of 1820. Actual entry qualifications are at the discretion of the focus areas and may exceed these requirements. The appropriate focus area reviews all application material and makes a recommendation to the Graduate Coordinator.
   
   
2. Transfer from the Master's Program
   
   Students who wish to transfer from the Master's program prior to obtaining the degree may do so at any time during the course of their Master's program provided two out of the following three minimal criteria are met:
   
   
   • Undergraduate GPA = 3.5.
   • GRE = 1820.
   • Graduate GPA is 3.70 or above on 15 hours of 800-level coursework approved by the focus area committee.
     
     
3. Entry and Probationary Periods
   
   In consultation with the student, the Graduate Coordinator appoints a mentor. The mentor may be the focus area chairperson or an appointed representative and acts as temporary advisor to the student during the early part of the program. Students who are on an assistantship will be paid at the M. S. rate during this probationary period prior to successfully completing the Ph.D. qualifying examination.
   
   
4. Ph.D. Qualifying Examination
   
   The requirements are as listed under the section on the Ph.D. qualifying examination. After successful completion of the Ph.D. qualifying examination, the student is reclassified as a "Ph.D. student" and should promptly complete a GS-2 form naming an advisor and advisory committee. The advisor may or may not be the mentor. If the student is on a departmentally-offered assistantship, the stipend will be raised to the Ph.D. level at this time.
   
   
5. Coursework
   
   The course work requirements are 48 hours beyond the B. S. degree and 18 hours of dissertation work. At least 12 of these course work hours must be taken outside the ECE Department and no more than 12 hours can be at the 600-level.
   
   
6. Dissertation
   
   The dissertation requirements are the same as those for the standard Ph.D. program.