Doctor of Philosophy Program

Besides satisfying the general regulations of the Graduate School for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the student must comply with the requirements briefly outlined below. For complete details about these requirements see section IV of the Graduate Handbook.

1. Pass four Qualifying Examinations. The exams are based on material that is covered in the courses listed and on material from undergraduate prerequisites. Credit for passing a similar examination at another university cannot be transferred. See sections IV and VI of the Graduate Handbook for more information.

2. Advanced Topics Examinations. A student becomes eligible to take the Advanced Topics Examination after passing the Qualifying Examinations.

3. Plan of Study. The plan of study should be submitted electronically to the Graduate School through myPurdue by each student preparing to hold their Advanced Topics. 

4. Preliminary Examination. The preliminary examination for most students will only require the completion of a form for the Graduate School. An oral or written examination may be required by the student's advisory committee for admission to candidacy. Graduate School regulations require that at least two sessions (including summer sessions) must elapse between the preliminary examination and the thesis defense.

5. Admission to Candidacy. To be admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, the student must have fulfilled the requirements above which are detailed in section IV of the Graduate Handbook.

6. Dissertation. A thesis must be submitted in final form presenting new results of sufficient importance to merit publication.

7. Recommendation for the Ph.D. Degree. If the requirements are met within the time limits detailed in section IV of the Graduate Handbook, the candidate will be recommended to the faculty to receive the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

For information about financial support and research in absentia see section IV of the Graduate Handbook.