The Admission to Candidacy procedure is to be completed at least one full academic year prior to the date at which the degree is to be granted. This committee guides the student's dissertation work and advises on the Program of Study. Selection of the committee should occur prior to the beginning of the second semester of the student's Ph.D. coursework. The student's Major Advisor is typically chairman of the committee. Typically, the student will ask those faculty members closely associated with the research topic to be members of his committee.
Faculty members have the right to decline any invitation to serve on a particular committee.
The Advisory Committee must be approved by the M.E. Chairman and by the Dean of the Graduate School. The Ph.D. comprehensive exam for the Mechanical Engineering department is to consist of both a written and oral parts. The examination is to be conducted by an examination committee that is appointed by the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Committee. The examination is to focus on the student s proposed dissertation work. The student is to prepare a written dissertation proposal that will include background information, literature review, and proposed work.