Students pursuing the PhD in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering have the option of entering the program with a B.S. or MS degree. If entering with a B.S., students may earn their MS degree during the program or not at all. For additional information regarding our PhD programs and process, see PhD Degree Information.
For the most up to date degree requirements, please visit the University of Illinois Academic Catalog.
Entering with approved MS/MA degree
64 Total Hours
Thesis credit (SE 599) -- 32 hours A maximum of 32 credit hours of SE 599 (or other approved thesis) may be counted toward the degree.
Graduate Seminar -- 0 hours Registration is required for every term as an active student.
400/500-level SE Courses -- 20 hours
STEM courses from outside of major -- 12 hours STEM course must be approved and be from a College of Engineering department, including ABE and CHBE (or other approved department). Excludes TE and ENG courses.
Other Requirements and Conditions (may overlap)
A minimum of 16 credit hours of 500-level hours overall
Independent study/project design courses do not count toward 500-level requirement.
A maximum of 8 credit hours of SE 594 (or other approved project design) may be counted toward the degree.
Minimum GPA: 3.25
PhD exam and dissertation requirements
Qualifying exams (written & oral)
Preliminary exam
Final exam or dissertation defense
Dissertation deposit
Entering with approved BS/BA degree
96 Total Hours
Thesis credit (SE 599) -- 40 hours A maximum of 32 credit hours of SE 599 (or other approved thesis) may be counted toward the degree.
Graduate Seminar -- 0 hours Registration is required for every term as an active student.
400/500-level SE Courses -- 32 hours
STEM courses from outside of major -- 12 hours STEM course must be approved and be from a College of Engineering department, including ABE and CHBE (or other approved department). Excludes TE and ENG courses.
Elective courses chosen in consultation with advisor -- 12 hours
Other Requirements and Conditions (may overlap)
A minimum of 28 credit hours of 500-level hours overall
Independent study/project design courses do not count toward 500-level requirement.
A maximum of 8 credit hours of SE 594 (or other approved project design) may be counted toward the degree.