Ph.D. Program The Ph.D. degree is conferred by the School of Engineering primarily in recognition of students’ competence in a subject area and their ability to investigate engineering problems independently, resulting in a new contribution to knowledge in a field. The work for the degree consists of engineering research, the preparation of a thesis based on that research, and a program of advanced studies in engineering, mathematics, and related physical sciences. A student's work is typically directed by the degree-conferring department, subject to the general supervision of the School of Engineering. The degree is granted following the completion of an approved program of studies that is 72 units beyond the master's degree. Candidates are also expected to satisfy all departmental degree requirements. The following links contain further information regarding different aspects of the Ph.D. program. Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examination shall be written and oral, and shall include subject matter deemed by the major department to represent sufficient preparation in depth and breadth for advanced study in the major. Only those who pass the written examination may take the oral. Students currently studying at Santa Clara University for a master’s degree who are accepted for the Ph.D. program and who are at an advanced stage of the M.S. program may, with the approval of their academic advisor, take the preliminary examination before completing the M.S. degree requirements. Students who have completed the M.S. degree requirements and have been accepted for the Ph.D. program should take the preliminary examination as soon as possible but not more than one and one-half years after beginning the program. Only those students who pass the preliminary examination shall be allowed to continue in the doctoral program. The preliminary examination may be repeated only once, and then only at the discretion of the thesis advisor. Back to the top Thesis Advisor
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain consent from a full-time faculty member in the student’s major department to serve as his/her prospective thesis advisor. It is strongly recommended that Ph.D. students find a thesis advisor before taking the preliminary examination. After passing the preliminary examination, Ph.D. students should have a thesis advisor before the beginning of the next quarter following the preliminary examination. Students currently pursuing a master’s degree at the time of their preliminary examination should have a thesis advisor as soon as possible after being accepted as a Ph.D. student. The student and the thesis advisor jointly develop a complete program of studies for research in a particular area. The complete program of studies (and any subsequent changes) must be filed with Engineering Graduate Programs and approved by the student’s Doctoral Committee. Until this approval is obtained, there is no guarantee that courses taken will be counted toward the Ph.D. course requirements. Back to the top Doctoral Committee
On the student’s request, the thesis advisor will form a Doctoral Committee. The committee will consist of at least five members, including the thesis advisor and at least two members from the major department. The committee must also include at least one member from outside the major department, preferably from outside the School of Engineering. The Doctoral Committee will review the proposed program of studies and determine any further changes that may be required prior to approving the program. Back to the top Residence
The Ph.D degree is granted on the basis of academic achievement. The student is expected to complete a minimum of 72 units of graduate credit. All Ph.D. thesis units are graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. A maximum of 18 quarter units (12 semester units), not previously used for the completion of another degree, may be transferred from any accredited institutions at the discretion of the student’s advisor. For more information about residence requirements, please visit the individual department web site at the bottom of this page. Back to the top Comprehensive Examinations and Admission to Candidacy
After completion of the formal course work approved by the Doctoral Committee, the student shall present his/her research proposal for comprehensive oral examinations on the subject of his/her research work. The student should make arrangements for the comprehensive examinations through the Doctoral Committee. A student who passes the comprehensive examinations is considered a degree candidate. The comprehensive examinations normally must be completed within four years from the time the student is admitted to the doctoral program. These examinations may be repeated once, in whole or in part, at the discretion of the Doctoral Committee. Back to the top Thesis Research and Defense
The period following the comprehensive examinations is devoted to research for the thesis, although such research may begin before the examinations are complete. After successfully completing the comprehensive examinations, the student must pass an oral examination on his/her research, conducted by the Doctoral Committee and whomever they appoint as examiners. The thesis must be made available to all examiners one month prior to the examination. The oral examination shall consist of a presentation of the results of the thesis and the defense. This examination is open to all faculty members of Santa Clara University, but only members of the Doctoral Committee have a vote. Back to the top Thesis and Publication
At least one month before the degree is conferred, the candidate must submit one copy of the final version of the thesis to the department and one copy to the Orradre Library. The thesis will not be considered as accepted until approved by the Doctoral Committee and one or more refereed articles based on it are accepted for publication in a professional or scientific journal approved by the Doctoral Committee. All doctoral theses must also be reproduced on microfilm by University Microfilms International, which keeps on deposit the master microfilm copy and responds to requests for copies by individuals and libraries. Back to the top Time Limit for Completing the Degree
For more information, please contact your department chair. Back to the top Industrial Track Option
In addition to our regular program, Engineering Graduate Programs also offer an “industrial track” for the working professionals as an option to facilitate the collaboration between academia and industry. Details are as follows: - The topic of the research should be coordinated with the needs of the candidate’s employer, and must be agreed upon by all parties. This topic must have a component that is publishable, and is presentable in open forums. If necessary, a collaborative research agreement will be enacted to indicate the rights of the School and the industrial partner.
- As a part of the application process, candidates must submit a letter of support from their employer. This letter should contain a pledge of financial support, and must identify a co-advisor within the company. The co-advisor shares responsibilities for guiding the candidate’s research with a full time faculty advisor. This person is also expected to be a member of the Ph.D. Committee.
- The full-time study component of the residence requirement is waived, but other residence requirements remain the same. Students who opt for this “industrial track” are responsible for meeting all other requirements for the Ph.D. The awarded degree will be the same for all students, regardless of the track that they choose to pursue.
Back to the top Additional Graduation Requirement
The requirements for the doctoral degree in the School of Engineering have been made to establish the structure in which the degree may be earned. The student’s Ph.D. committee looks at the proposed research and the prior background of the student to determine whether or not there are specific courses that must be added as requirements. The University reserves the right to evaluate the undertakings and the accomplishments of the degree candidate in total andaward or withhold the degree as a result of its deliberations. Back to the top For detailed information about the Ph.D. academic requirements, please go to the department websites: Related Links: Back to the top | 
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