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Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Graduate Programs
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Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering is conferred by the University. As such, the student must satisfy degree requirements imposed by both the Department and the Graduate School. A summary of degree requirements is provided below in the form of a timetable. For more detailed information, students should consult the Graduate Degree Requirements section of the Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin published by the University.

For more information, including deadlines, please visit the Graduate School's Thesis Informational Website at http://www.gradsch.psu.edu/current/thesis.html.

ACTION	Fall	Spring	Summer
Seminar attendance	within 1st year during both Fall and Spring semesters
Choose a Faculty Advisor	End of first semester
Sign up for the candidacy exam	Mid July, Mid December
Pass the written candidacy exam	Beginning of third semester
Pass the oral candidacy exam	Beginning of third semester
Establish doctoral committee	After passing candidacy
Demonstrate English competence	After passing candidacy
Complete course work
Schedule comprehensive exam through M.E. Graduate Programs Office	Minimum of three weeks before comprehensive exam
Submit research proposal to doctoral committee	Minimum of two weeks before comprehensive exam
Pass comprehensive exam
Complete residency requirement
Activate intent to graduate on e-Lion at https://elion.oas.psu.edu/ (beginning of last semester)	mid Sept.	late Jan.	late June
Submit draft of thesis to Graduate School for format review	early Oct.	late Feb.	mid June
Schedule final exam through M.E. Graduate Programs Office	Minimum of three weeks before final exam
Submit draft of thesis to doctoral committee	Minimum of one week before final exam
Pass thesis defense final exam
Submit final copy of thesis to Graduate School	mid Nov.	mid Apr.	late July
Complete Graduate Student Checkout Form
Schedule exit interview with Department Head	Minimum of two weeks before leaving campus
Attend Graduate School Commencement in Eisenhower Auditorium	late Dec.	mid May	mid Aug.