Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Program Outline
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are designed to advance knowledge through original research and to foster innovation in engineering, science, and technology. They prepare graduates to address complex scientific and engineering challenges through independent inquiry, critical thinking, and the development of innovative solutions.
The PhD curriculum combines a rigorous research component with a structured program of core and elective graduate courses that provide the advanced theoretical knowledge and research skills necessary for successful completion of the doctoral degree. KU offers the following PhD programs:
College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
- PhD in Computer and Information Engineering
- PhD in Computer Science
- PhD in Mathematics
- PhD in Robotics
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- PhD in Aerospace Engineering
- PhD in Chemical Engineering
- PhD in Chemistry
- PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- PhD in Earth Sciences
- PhD in Electrical Engineering
- PhD in Engineering Systems and Management
- PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- PhD in Nuclear Engineering
- PhD in Petroleum Engineering
- PhD in Physics
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
- PhD in Biomedical Engineering
- PhD in Biomedical Sciences
- PhD in Molecular Life Sciences
- PhD in Public Health
Program Components
The PhD program typically consists of 60 credit hours for the regular PhD (With M.Sc.) and 72 credit hours for the Direct PhD (Without M.Sc.).
- Taught Courses: In this component the student is required to complete a program of advanced study in a given area. The taught courses component is equivalent to a minimum of 24 credit hours and typically consists of eight courses comprising one core course and seven electives for the Regular PhD (With M.Sc.) programs, and 36 credit hours comprising four core courses and eight electives for the Direct PhD (Without M.Sc.).
- Dissertation: In this component the student is required to carry out an independent investigation in the area of study. The research component typically amounts to a minimum of 36 credit hours. The student must successfully defend the dissertation in an oral examination.
For the award of the PhD degree, the student must satisfy the following requirements:
- Courses: The student must satisfy all taught course requirements of the program.
- Written Qualifying Examination (WQE): The student must successfully pass a written qualifying examination on a set of topical areas.
- Research Proposal Examination (RPE): The student must prepare a research proposal and pass an oral research proposal examination before being allowed to progress further in the program.
- Dissertation Examination: The student must complete a dissertation on original research and defend it successfully in a dissertation oral examination (Dissertation Defense).