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Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science
Our interdisciplinary program stands as a testament to our drive for innovation, academic distinction, and our dedication to nurturing the next generation of engineering experts. Our alliance with SIU Edwardsville enriches the academic experience, ensuring students get diverse perspectives and access to broader resources.
Our modern engineering complex houses state-of-the-art laboratories and computer facilities, ensuring that our students and researchers have the tools they need for groundbreaking work. Beyond infrastructure, the collaboration with the Advanced Energy Institute, the Materials Technology Center, and the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration provides an unparalleled platform for advanced research opportunities and funding. This ecosystem ensures our scholars have every opportunity to excel and contribute meaningfully to the world of engineering science.
Program Requirements
Our program is a completion of 26 credit hours. This encompasses a 2-hour seminar—a collaborative platform to exchange insights—and 24 hours allocated to your dissertation research. Your coursework is divided into two segments: 15 hours in your primary research concentration, ensuring depth and expertise, and 11 hours in the foundational program core.
Cooperative Ph.D. Program
The College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics at SIU-Carbondale and SIU-Edwardsville have entered into a cooperative Ph.D. program in Engineering Science which enables students to do work on both campuses. Additional information may be obtained on SIU Edwardsville's Doctoral Site.
Concentrations
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industrial and Quality Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes
Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering
Admission
To apply, you will need to complete the steps below. Once all documents have been received, the Engineering Science Ph.D. Committee determines admission, and each student must identify an initial graduate adviser who will assist in planning the coursework.
Complete the following for admission:- Complete the online application for SIU.
- Mail the original application materials to: Engineering Science, College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, SIUC, Carbondale, IL 62901.
- Pay the $65 application fee.
- Ensure you have a Master of Science degree in Engineering or a related field with a GPA of 3.25/4.0 or higher.
- Include the following in your application:
- M.S. thesis abstract
- A statement of interest
- Bachelor and Master degree transcripts
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- If you're an international applicant, include:
- A photocopy of the page(s) of your passport showing your name, date of birth, and country of citizenship
- A TOEFL score of 550 (paper score) or an IBT score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.5
- Identify an initial graduate adviser who will be responsible for planning your coursework.
Accelerated Entry
Our Accelerated Entry is a program that allows students who have completed at least two semesters in an engineering M.S. program, with a minimum GPA of 3.75 and 18 credit hours of approved coursework, to request entry into the Ph.D. in Engineering Science program. Only superior students who have shown evidence of being prepared for doctoral-level research activities are permitted to apply for this program.
The program also requires the student to have GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile for the verbal and analytical essay components, and at or above the 80th percentile for the quantitative component, or a combined total percentile score of 180 or higher. Additionally, domestic students must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher, while international students must have a TOEFL score of 550 (paper score) or an IBT score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.5.
In exceptional cases, students may be eligible for the Accelerated Entry program even if they do not meet the GRE or TOEFL score requirements, if their current faculty advisor submits a letter of recommendation to the school director. Students accepted into the program will not write an M.S. thesis, and six credit hours of coursework completed at the 500-level prior to their entry into the Ph.D. program may count towards their Ph.D. course requirements. However, if a student fails the Ph.D. qualifying exam in two attempts, they will be allowed to complete an M.S. degree in their respective discipline.
Contact Information
Prabir Kolay
Program Director
Engineering A 108A
1230 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-7815
pkolay@siu.edu
Jennifer Langin,
Office Administrator
Engineering D-108
1230 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-536-2368
jlangin@siu.edu
Dissertation
To successfully complete a dissertation in the Engineering Science program, it is imperative to work under the direction of an engineering faculty member. The dissertation must be approved by a committee comprising at least five members, including one from outside the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics. For those in the cooperative Ph.D. program, the committee expands to six members, with equal representation from SIUC and SIUE, and leadership from both institutions. The dissertation adviser should be selected by the end of the first academic year, and the committee formed post the successful completion of the candidacy examination. The dissertation research proposal must secure the committee's approval, and the dissertation should reflect original research conducted with minimal supervision. The final approval hinges on a successful oral defense and the endorsement of at least 80% of the committee.