D.E.
The degree of Doctor of Engineering is granted upon completion of at least 90 credit hours of post-baccalaureate work. The minimum coursework requirement is 54 credit hours, which must include, as a minimum (see list of approved courses in the M.E. Graduate Handbook):
The remaining 27 credit hours of coursework are selected to meet the student's interests and goals subject to the approval of the student's Advisory Committee. Coursework required for a Master's degree may be included in this 54 credit hour total if approved by the Advisory Committee. A minimum of 21 credit hours of Mechanical Engineering courses numbered 700-990 (excluding 702, 899 and 901) must be included. In addition, the following research components are required for the degree:
Each student will spend at least 12 consecutive months of approved internship in industry or government. No coursework will be completed during this time, except that one credit hour is given per month of approved internship experience, provided the student is enrolled in ME 901.
During the internship, the student is supervised by a preceptor at the internship site in conjunction with the student's regular faculty advisor. The preceptor may be appointed as an adjunct faculty member at the university, and can become a member of the student's Advisory Committee. Monthly progress reports should be prepared by the student while on internship and submitted to the student's regular faculty advisor.
The internship is intended to involve the student at a level that promotes experience in project management. Internships can be served in several ways:
The DE student must also demonstrate a proficiency in at least one research skill area (see Ph.D. degree requirements).
Students must pass a qualifying examination during the first semester of participation (if the exam is not waived for meritorious performance at the master's level). The student must pass a comprehensive examination following the completion of the major portion of the course work. When the student’s Advisory Committee has accepted the final project report, the student must pass a final oral examination (see Ph.D. requirements).