As a student in the program, you will conduct original research under the supervision of an advisor and committee, write, and successfully defend a dissertation.

Recent research dissertation titles have included:

• Predicting Complex System Behavior Using Hybrid Modeling and Computational Intelligence, Vinayaka Gude Divya Sampath, July 2020
• An Approach to System of Systems Resiliency Using Architecture and Agent-Based Behavioral Modeling, Paulette Bootz Acheson, December 2020
• A Cluster-Based Framework for Interface Analysis in Large-Scale Aerospace Systems, Josh Goldschmid, July 2021 
  

For more information on areas of research specialization and selected research topics: Systems Engineering Specialization Areas

Ph.D. Course Requirements

(After B.S. Degree in Engineering or Physical Science)

Core Curriculum (12 Credit Hours)
Sys Eng 5101 - Systems Engineering and Analysis
Sys Eng 6102 - Information Based Design
Sys Eng 6103 - Systems Life Cycle Costing
Sys Eng 6104 - Systems Architecting
Systems Engineering Electives (18 Credit Hours)
Specialization Electives (24 Credit Hours)
Research (30 Credit Hours)
Program TOTAL (84 Credit Hours)

A condition of the oral Ph.D. qualifying exam is that students must have a GPA of 3.5 for the core curriculum courses.

Program Requirements

• Qualifying Exam
• Comprehensive Exam
• Dissertation Defense

Distance Student Residency Requirements

To complete the Ph.D. in systems engineering program, you must normally spend at least two sequential semesters in full-time residence at the university.

As an off-campus, working professional, you can meet the two-year residency requirement by doing the following:

• Take the qualifying exam within the first five semesters of enrollment;
• Conduct at minimum two video conferences per month with your research advisor;
• Include one person from your professional work location on your Ph.D. committee. The appointment committee member must have a Ph.D. and be familiar with the chosen research;
• Meet with your Ph.D. committee on a regular basis with at least two meetings per semester;
• Take the Ph.D. comprehensive exam on campus; and
• Present the dissertation defense on campus.

Please refer to the graduate catalog for the program process and time limit, etc.

Department Admission Requirements

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