PhD in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering

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.

Entering with approved MS/MA degree

  • SE 599 Thesis Research (min-max applied toward the degree)—32 hours
  • SE 590 Seminar (registration for 0 hours every term while in residence)—0 hours
  • Approved SE and IE courses—16 hours
  • Elective courses – chosen in consultation with advisor—16 hours
    (subject to Other Requirements and Conditions below)

  • Total Hours—64

Other Requirements and Conditions (may overlap)

  • Minimum 500-level credit hours applied toward the degree, all of which must come from a College of Engineering department, including ABE and CHBE.—16 hours
  • The Elective courses must be at the 500- level and from a College of Engineering department including ABE and CHBE.
  • A maximum of 8 hours of SE 597 (or other approved independent study) may be applied toward the elective course work requirement. This course does not count toward the 500-level requirement.
  • At least 64 hours of credit, which may include SE 599, must be earned in residence.

PhD exam and dissertation requirements

  • Qualifying exam: should be taken no later than the third semester
  • Preliminary exam
  • Final exam or dissertation defense
  • Dissertation deposit

Minimum GPA: 3.25

Entering with approved BS/BA degree

  • Master's degree equivalent—32 hours
  • SE 599 Thesis Research (min-max applied toward the degree)—32 hours
  • SE 590 Seminar (registration for 0 hours every term while in residence)—0 hours
  • Approved SE and IE courses—16 hours
  • Elective courses – chosen in consultation with advisor—16 hours
    (subject to Other Requirements and Conditions below)
  • Total Hours—96

Other Requirements and Conditions (may overlap)

  • Minimum 500-level credit hours applied toward the degree, all of which must come from a College of Engineering department, including ABE and CHBE.—28 hours
  • The Elective courses must be at the 500- level and from a College of Engineering department including ABE and CHBE.
  • A maximum of 8 hours of SE 597 (or other approved independent study) may be applied toward the elective course work requirement. This course does not count toward the 500-level requirement.
  • At least 64 hours of credit, which may include SE 599, must be earned in residence.

PhD exam and dissertation requirements

  • Qualifying exam: should be taken no later than the fifth semester for those entering with approved BS or BA degree
  • Preliminary exam
  • Final exam or dissertation defense
  • Dissertation deposit

Minimum GPA: 3.25