In addition to the five steps below, process details and other requirements for the Ph.D. degree may be found elsewhere in the SMU Lyle School of Engineering Graduate Catalog. The steps for completion of the doctoral program are
Basic Coursework: Upon entry into the Ph.D. program, a student is assigned an academic adviser. The adviser will examine the student’s prior background and current state of knowledge and then recommend courses to be taken in preparation for Step 2.
Preliminary Counseling Exam and Program of Study: To be eligible for advanced study, a student must demonstrate competence in systems engineering fundamentals by passing the preliminary counseling examination. This exam is oral and is administered by three faculty members. Particular emphasis will be given to the material covered in the following courses: OREM 7301, OREM 7303, OREM 7305 and OREM 7307.
Appointment of Supervisory Committee and Advanced Coursework: Upon completion of the preliminary counseling exam, the student develops a proposed program of study that meets the degree requirements in Section II and includes the planned advanced coursework. Based upon the proposed program of study, a supervisory committee is formed. The supervisory committee makes any needed adjustments to the program of study. Changes in the program of study are subject to approval by the supervisory committee. Step 3 requires completion of the forms Recommendation and Certification of Appointment of Supervisory Committee and Doctoral Degree Plan