Courses Programs - Thayer School of Engineering - Dartmouth ...

graduate studies
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ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REVIEW
At the end of the first 3 terms, the student undergoes a review of their grades in
research and formal coursework, and before the middle of the 5th term, the advisor
provides the Registrar with a letter of support, describing the student’s research
performance. Satisfactory progress is required for the student to schedule the oral
qualifying examination, which is normally taken before or during the 5th term in
residence. Students who are not progressing are transferred to the M.S. program with
the understanding that they may later request to be considered as Ph.D. candidates.
PH.D. CANDIDACY YEARS
Once advanced to Ph.D. candidacy, the student works with a special advisory committee
to make sure that all degree requirements are met. In broad terms, the requirements
include:
REQUIREMENT
Technical
proficiency
Technical
breadth
Specialization
Professional
competence
Original
research
DEFINITION DEMONSTRATED BY
Knowledge of the principles
and methods of engineering,
applied science, and applied
mathematics underlying the
anticipated thesis research
Knowledge of one or more
areas outside of or secondary
to the candidate's main area
of specialization
Mastery of knowledge in the
chosen area of research
Ability to develop resources
in chosen area of research
Significant contribution to
engineering knowledge
combined with professional
expertise in the chosen area
of study
Coursework and oral
qualifying examination
Program of study OR defense
of research proposal OR a
project in an area outside
main area of specialization
Oral defense of a thesis
proposal AND a program
of study
ENGG 197 Ph.D.
Professional Workshops
Presentation at a professional
meeting, manuscript accepted
for publication, dissertation,
oral defense
SEE
PAGE
Technical Proficiency: Oral Qualifying Examination
The oral qualifying exam (ENGG 194), a set of questions put forward by an oral
examination committee to the candidate, normally takes place before or during the
5th term of the student’s program, or in exceptional circumstances early in the 6th
term. The exam is open to the faculty, but not to the general public.
The committee tests the candidate’s knowledge of principles and methods underlying
the field in which advanced work is to be performed. The exam covers material
selected by the candidate’s advisor in consultation with the examining committee
and includes coverage of mathematical techniques appropriate to the research area.
The structure of the preparation for the examination is flexible. See details at:
engineering.dartmouth.edu/assets/pdf/OralQualifyingExam-Details.pdf
The student prepares a description of the planned exam, obtains signatures of the
advisor and committee members, and submits this to the graduate program office at
least 1 month prior to the exam date.
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