Engineering, Ph.D. Saint Louis University

The Ph.D. in Engineering program at Saint Louis University's Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology focuses on a specific research topic. The students are expected to conduct original academic research that culminates in a dissertation and peer-reviewed publications. Additional coursework related to the chosen research area is also required.

Ph.D. students prepare a program of study that must be approved by the Faculty Advisor, Department Chair, and the Director of Graduate Programs. This program of study is developed and then reviewed within the context of students’ background and career goals, allowing students to customize their program to suit their professional goals.

Graduate students in Engineering at Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology will demonstrate:

• enhanced professional and analytical skills through the development of an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical concepts;
• excellent communications skill through written and oral presentations;
• creative thinking skills through mastery of topics required to solve complex engineering problems; and
• depth of knowledge required to purse advanced work in a modern, ever-changing world through entrepreneurial experiences woven into their program.

These attributes will be assessed during the required examination milestones. For a Ph.D. degree, the required milestones include a qualifying exam, a written dissertation proposal and corresponding oral defense, and a written dissertation and corresponding oral defense presentation.

Curriculum Overview

The Ph.D. in engineering requires a total of 60 credits of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation. A limited number of courses may be at the 4000 level; all others must be at the 5000 or higher level. Those students who earn an M.S. degree may include a maximum of 24 master’s degree course credits with departmental approval, but not the thesis or project credits in the 60 credits for the Ph.D. degree.

There are three concentrations in the engineering doctoral program:

• Aerospace and mechanical engineering
• Biomedical engineering
• Civil engineering

Careers

Graduates of the doctoral program seek employment in the industry, government or as university professors.