phd requirements penn state

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Penn State’s Intercollege Graduate Degree Program (IGDP) in Materials Science and Engineering offers Ph.D. students one-on-one mentorship by professors from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and many other departments in the College of Engineering and Eberly College of Science. Currently, more than 80 faculty members advise more than 180 Ph.D. students.

Doctoral students hold prior degrees in materials science and engineering, metallurgy, ceramics, polymers, physics, chemistry, engineering science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other STEM fields. Students have the opportunity to pursue core coursework offered by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as well as many elective courses offered by various departments across campus. Students also benefit from outstanding user facilities run by the Materials Research Institute and in other specialized laboratories.

Penn State IGDP graduates land coveted positions in industry, national laboratories, and academia.

Our doctoral program consists of a combination of courses and research that fulfills the requirements of the Graduate School, and is approved by the student’s doctoral committee. A master's degree is not a prerequisite for the doctorate; however, the first year of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. may be the same as that for the M.S. degree. Acceptance into the Ph.D. program is based on the student's performance on the Ph.D. qualifying exam, which is administered by a graduate qualifying exam committee.

Ph.D. Requirements

Igdp requirements.

Grade and Credit Requirements Minimum GPA: 3.00 The IGDP PHD requires a minimum of 30 credits Graduate Credits (includes minimum of 6 MATSE 600 research credits). The IGDP PHD Degree requires the following:

MATSE Core Courses Credit Requirements - Must have at least 30 credits prior to completing Comprehensive Exam

Thermodynamics of Materials (MATSE 501 - 3 credits),
Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503 - 3 credits) or approved substitute.
Principles of Crystal Chemistry (MATSE 512/GEOSC512 - 3 credits).
MATSE 590 Colloquium (Fall/Spring – Must be completed each semester - 1 credit per semester)

*500-Level Elective Credits:

500 Level courses (excluding MATSE 582 and MATSE 590 - 9 credits minimum)

Research Credits:

MATSE 600 (6 credits mimimum)

Research and Integrity Credits:

MATSE 582 (1 credit)
CITI SARI on-line course

*Core Courses cannot be used to satisfy the 500-level elective requirement

Two credits per year of MatSE 590 seminar is also required.
Additional courses are determined by the student and the advisor, in consultation with the student’s doctoral committee.
A student with a M.S. degree from Penn State can use the 500-level credits earned during his or her M.S. study to (partially) fulfill the course requirement.

Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI)

The Graduate School requires that all candidates for advanced degrees complete training in Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI). The SARI requirements for the iMatSE program include completion of an online Responsible Conduct of Research training program and a 1 credit Professional Development course (MATSE 582). Students should complete the SARI requirements by the end of their first year of study.

Comprehensive Exam, Thesis, and Defense

Upon completion of coursework, a comprehensive exam will be administered by the student’s Doctoral Committee. The comprehensive exam consists of a written progress report and thesis proposal, and its defense, to the student’s Doctoral Committee.

Qualifying Examination

Successful completion of a qualifying examination is required for formal admission into the Intercollege MatSE Ph.D. program. The exam is scheduled each Fall and Spring semester. It is recommended that the exam be taken after at least 12 course credits have been earned beyond the B.S. degree.

What to expect

The qualifying exam committee is populated by faculty members of the graduate program, including a chair. A sub-committee of three faculty will evaluate each candidate. Members of the student’s sub-committee will be selected on the basis of relevant expertise and to avoid conflict of interest. If the exam is not passed on the first try, it must be taken again within the next year. If the student does not pass on the second try, he/she will not be permitted to enter the iMatSE Ph.D. program.

Students will write a research proposal (maximum of 10 pages of text, including references and figures)
Provide a one hour and thirty minute oral presentation to three members of the program qualifying committee, whose members will ask questions about the proposal and other topics related to the student’s prior coursework.
The student will choose one of three topics for the proposal provided by the faculty committee. These topics will be chosen to reflect the interest area(s) of the individual candidate.
Once the three topics have been provided to the student, the student may not withdraw from the qualifying exam attempt unless illness or other unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from having a fair opportunity to complete the proposal.
Students will be given 3 weeks to write the proposal and turn it in to the iMatSE Graduate Office in electronic form. This proposal must be prepared and written by the candidate alone.

For complete details please review the Graduate Handbook (available in our Links and Forms section here)

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Ph.D. Graduate Application

Application timeline.

December 15 : Final deadline for applications, including test scores, recommendation letters and supplemental application materials.
January : The Graduate Recruiting Committee begins reviewing applications.
February-April : Admission offers are sent via email. Only those applicants with a complete application will be sent an offer.
April 15 : Reply deadline for admitted applicants.
April 30 : Notices of non-acceptance are sent via email.

Start Your Application

How to Apply

Complete the online application to The Graduate School at Penn State. All applicants must satisfy the requirements for graduate admission .
Upload a 1-3 page Research Interests and Preparation Statement describing 1-2 specific research problems that interest you.
Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted. Using the electronic application, applicants will enter the references' contact information. The Graduate School will contact the reference with instructions on how to upload a letter of recommendation.
Upload a complete resume or curriculum vitae, which should include current positions and publications.
Upload a Portfolio which includes 2-3 examples of your best work you have done to this point in your career. This may include essays, publications, technical reports or other work.
Upload official transcripts from each institution attended. Upon acceptance of an offer of admission, hard copies of official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution(s) attended to The Graduate School for verification. International applicants should submit transcripts in English and their native language.
International applicants must arrange for TOEFL iBT scores to be sent electronically from ETS to The Graduate School (institution code 2660). Please visit the Graduate School website for English proficiency exceptions. The College of IST will accept IELTS scores, but TOEFL iBT scores are preferred.
Reference our Ph.D. Frequently Asked Questions for inquiries about the admission and application process.
Check the status of your application throughout the admission process.
Contact the College of IST’s Office of Graduate Programs for assistance.

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Penn State | College of Engineering

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Doctoral Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Requirements and residency.

There are no formal course requirements for the doctoral degree beyond the colloquium requirements. Course requirements are established solely by the doctoral committee. Typically, a doctoral degree requires 30 or more course credits beyond the M.S. degree.

You must spend at least two consecutive semesters in a twelve-month period as a full-time registered student, during which time you are engaged in full-time academic work at the Penn State University Park campus, before taking your comprehensive exam.

Ph.D. Candidacy

You must be approved for qualifying by the graduate faculty, based partly on the results of an exam given to assess your potential to excel in Ph.D. studies and conduct high-level research.

The Graduate School requirements for the candidacy examination are:

The examination must be taken within three semesters of entry into the doctoral program, not including summer sessions.
You must be registered as a full-time or part-time degree student for the semester in which the examination is taken.
You are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the use of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking.

We strongly encourage you to take your qualifying exams as early as possible. The exam will be administered each fall and spring semester. The Graduate Programs Office will email dates to all graduate students.

The qualifying exam will consist of three sections. Each section will include a written and an oral exam, in the same topic area. Students may select topic areas for the three sections from these topics: Solid Mechanics, Rigid Body Mechanics, System Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Fundamentals of Engineering Analysis, Fluid Mechanics, and Heat Transfer.

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive exam should cover the specific areas of mechanical engineering, designated by your Ph.D. committee, which relate to your program. The comprehensive exam will consist of an oral examination, administered by your doctoral committee, including a presentation of a proposal related to thesis research and a structured oral examination.

The comprehensive examination will also require a written proposal related to your planned research, which should contain:

Statement of the research problem
Literature review
Preliminary results, if available
Work plan describing methods of analysis and/or experimentation
Most significant results expected from the research and their impact on the current state of the art in the main research area
Time schedule

A written exam may also be given at the discretion of the committee.

Dissertation Defense

The purpose of this examination is for students to defend their Ph.D. dissertation. In the interim between successful completion of the comprehensive examination and the final oral examination, the following regulations apply:

Requests for scheduling the dissertation defense should be made in writing by your doctoral committee chair to the associate head of graduate programs. The Graduate Programs Office will then request the exam be scheduled through the Graduate School.
You must be continuously registered and maintain your student status until you pass the final oral examination and your thesis is accepted by your doctoral committee. ME 601 and ME 611 are for Ph.D. thesis preparation and are full-time, non-credit courses. Students may register for one or more credits of ME 600 to satisfy this requirement.
If a period of more than five years has elapsed between passing of the comprehensive examination and the completion of your program, you are required to pass a second comprehensive examination before the final oral examination can be scheduled.
The final oral examination may not be scheduled until at least three months have elapsed after the comprehensive examination was passed, although the department head may grant a waiver in the case of an outstanding student.
The final oral examination will be administered by your entire doctoral committee and will be a defense of your dissertation. The final oral exam will be publicized, and members of the academic community are encouraged to attend.

Mechanical Program Overview

Resident Degrees

M.S. in Additive Manufacturing and Design
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

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M. Eng. in Additive Manufacturing and Design

How To Apply, Higher Education, D.Ed./Ph.D.

Students applying for admission to any of the Higher Education graduate programs at Penn State must electronically submit all application materials to the Graduate School at Penn State. The Graduate School confirms eligibility for admission of all applicants. The Higher Education Program will select and recommend applicants for offers of admission.

Applying to the Graduate School

Complete the Admission Application to The Graduate School.

If you are ready to proceed to the application but have NOT read the Graduate School requirements, please visit that website at http://www.gradschool.psu.edu/index.cfm/prospective-students/requirements/ .

If you have read the Graduate School and program requirements and are ready to apply, you may proceed to the application at http://www.gradschool.psu.edu/apply/ .

For all interested applicants , please familiarize yourself with Penn State College of Education's Leadership resolution and commitment to equity ( https://ed.psu.edu/faculty-staff/commitment-equity ).

As part of The Graduate School application, you will be asked to upload/supply the following documents/information:

A copy of official transcripts/documents from all post-secondary institutions of higher education attended. International applicants must upload university records in the language of instruction (and copies of an official English translation if English is not the language of instruction).

GRE/GMAT/LSAT test scores are not required for Ph.D. applicants who apply for Fall 2022 admission. However, while GRE/GMAT/LSAT test scores are not required for admission decisions, GRE/GMAT/LSAT test scores are required for consideration of certain funding/fellowship opportunities. **Please note: TOEFL test scores are required for international students**

Statement of Purpose For M.Ed. applicants - An essay that highlights your strengths, skills, and experiences, that evidences your commitment and contributions to equity in your academic and/or professional life, and that examines the ways in which further education in the field of higher education will assist you in pursuing your professional goals. (NOTE: if your interest is to complete the M.Ed. degree while serving in a graduate assistantship, please be sure to include that in your essay, including particular areas of services that may be of particular interest to you). For D.Ed./Ph.D. applicants - An essay that highlights: a) strengths, skills, and experiences; b) particular interests; c) particular faculty members with whom you may be interested to collaborate; d) evidence of your commitment and contributions to equity in your academic and/or professional life; and e) specific ways in which doctoral education in the field of higher education may assist you in pursuing professional goals.

Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be an academic reference and at least one of which must be a professional reference. You will be asked to submit the names and email addresses of your referents. Then, each referent will be sent an email message directing them to the appropriate site to upload a letter of recommendation on your behalf. You will be notified by email when each recommendation letter is submitted, but you will not be able to view the letter. (NOTE: All recommendation letters must be submitted before the application deadline to be considered for admission).

Doctoral Assistantship Application (if applicable)

International students: Official TOEFL test scores; Applicants should contact the University Office of Global Programs to learn about requirements for VISAs, registration, etc.

Applicants recommended for admission to any of the Higher Education graduate programs will be notified via the online graduate admission system. Once a student accepts a program recommendation for admission, the Graduate School will request official/original transcripts/documents that must be sent from the originating institutions in the official language of the institution(s) attended (and if the language of instruction is not English, an official English translation must also be sent). The Graduate School will review and confirm all official documents before finalizing the offer of admission.

Development Testing

Application Deadlines:

Fall Admission - December 1

Penn State | College of Engineering

Penn State Civil & Environmental Engineering

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Graduate Degrees and Requirements

The Penn State Civil and Environmental Engineering Department offers the following graduate degree options: master of engineering (M.Eng.), master of science (M.S.), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). General descriptions for each of these degrees are provided below. Detailed descriptions of the requirements specific to each discipline can be found within the Graduate Handbook .

All students in the M.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. programs must complete Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) requirements.

The SARI program at Penn State is designed to offer graduate students comprehensive, multilevel training in the responsible conduct of research, through a three-part program: an online course that must be completed in the first year of graduate study, a three-hour colloquium, CE 590, and two hours that can be completed by attending Office of Research Protection seminars.

M.Eng. Degree

The M.Eng. degree is intended to be a professional degree composed of a well-balanced, unified, and complete program of study leading to advanced professional practice. Students must complete 31 credits of graduate course work (18 credits of which must be at the 500-level) and satisfy the other academic program requirements outlined in the Graduate Handbook . While full-time students can complete the program in two semesters, part-time students take longer.

M.S. Degree

The M.S. degree program is a blend of graduate-level course work and research. Students must complete 30 graduate credits (18 credits of which must be at the 500 and/or 600-level, combined and 6 credits must be research-based), prepare and orally defend a thesis, and satisfy the other academic program requirements outlined in the Graduate Handbook .

Ph.D. Degree

The Ph.D. degree program is strongly oriented toward research. Students must complete 15 credits. In addition to meeting course requirements specific to their discipline, Ph.D. students must also successfully pass the qualifying exam, comprehensive exam, final oral exam, write a dissertation, and satisfy the other academic program requirements outlined in the Graduate Handbook . The duration of the program varies from three to five years depending on the student’s background and professional interests.

Minimum Course Requirements are dependent on area of specialization:

Environmental Engineering
Geotechnical, Materials, and Construction Engineering
Transportation Engineering
Water Resources Engineering

Applicants who do not meet these minimum course requirements can still be admitted on a provisional basis until the coursework is completed elsewhere or as part of the graduate studies at Penn State.

Other Programs

With a vast number of resources available at Penn State, there are many opportunities for interdisciplinary research, and many of our graduate students choose to pursue joint degrees with other programs.

Available for M.S. and Ph.D. students in civil engineering
Available for Ph.D. students in civil engineering
Available for M.S. and Ph.D. students in both civil and environmental engineering; also available as a Ph.D. minor

The Penn State Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, established in 1881, is internationally recognized for excellence in the preparation of undergraduate and graduate engineers through the integration of education, research, and leadership.

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Degree Requirements

Zak Kabbara shown with his doctoral committee after passing his comprehensive exam

The Ph.D. program provides the opportunity for students to develop expertise as researchers in the field of communication sciences and disorders. The program will prepare doctoral students to fulfill faculty positions or research positions at universities or research institutes, and to assume leadership roles within the field of communication sciences and disorders.

Program expectations

Upon completion of the program, all Ph.D. students are expected to graduate with:

A broad understanding of the field of communication sciences and disorders

Extensive expertise in a scholarly area of specialization

Significant expertise in at least two related areas of study within the field of communication sciences and disorders

Significant expertise in a related area of study outside the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Significant competence in research methods for knowledge generation and dissemination

During the program

Ph.D. students will be provided with:

Academic coursework in communication sciences and disorders and related content areas

Research training and experiences

Access to nationally- and internationally-recognized faculty

Training in state-of-the-art research methods and technology

Experiences in reading, critically reviewing, and synthesizing the research literature in communication sciences and disorders, as well as in areas of related and general interest

Experiences in scholarly writing

Opportunities to develop high quality academic and clinical teaching skills

What to expect

The doctoral program consists of far more than simply taking academic courses and meeting the formal requirements for the degree. Rather, pursuing a doctoral degree provides the opportunity for students to participate in a wide range of faculty research, colloquia, informal seminars, discussion groups, conferences, etc. Pursuing a doctoral degree sets the stage for lifelong learning and scholarship.

Each doctoral student has the opportunity to develop an individualized program of study approved by the student's doctoral committee. Typically, this program of study involves:

An area of specialization within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (the major content area)

At least two related areas of study in the field of communication sciences and disorders

At least one related area of study outside the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Methodology and statistics requirements

Language/communication requirements

Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume careers as researchers and scholars at colleges, universities, and research institutes. The Ph.D. program is not an advanced clinical degree; it is conferred in recognition of the attainment of the highest academic excellence and productive scholarship.

All students will complete, at a minimum, three projects: a first (Qualifying Exam), second (Comprehensive Exam), and third (Dissertation) doctoral project.

View the dissertations of previous students

Detailed information on program requirements is available in the Ph.D. Student Handbook and the Graduate Bulletin .

Back to Ph.D. Program Home Page

Ph.D. Program Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders The Pennsylvania State University 308 Ford Building 498 Allen Road University Park, PA 16802

[email protected] 814-865-0971

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Graduate Degrees and Requirements

The aerospace engineering department offers the following graduate degree options:

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Master of Science (M.S.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Minor in Computational Science

General descriptions for each of these programs are provided below. Detailed descriptions of the requirements specific to each program can be found within the Graduate Studies Guide .

All students in the M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. programs must complete the Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) program requirements. The SARI program provides graduate students with opportunities to identify, examine, and discuss ethical issues relevant to their disciplines.

The SARI@PSU program is composed of two parts: an online training component (Part 1), and an interactive, discussion-based component (Part 2). The online training provides a common language and understanding of the history and principles of the responsible conduct of research. The discussion-based component provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration of important issues unique to each field of study.

For more information about the SARI program and requirements specific to aerospace engineering graduate students, go to SARI Program Information and Checklist .

One-year, non-thesis Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Aerospace Engineering

Application Deadline: We follow a rolling admissions process for the M.Eng. program. Application deadline for Fall enrollment is December 15.

The M.Eng. is a non-thesis professional master’s degree. An intensive one-year, 32-credit program, the M.Eng. requires completion of a capstone experience. This is an ideal program for engineers with bachelor’s degrees who wish to expand their set of career possibilities in aerospace-related fields. It is also pursued by highly qualified students who wish to accelerate progress towards a Ph.D. degree.

Degree Requirements:

A total of at least 32 credits is required for the degree, including courses in the core requirements
A minimum of 18 credits of aerospace engineering courses (600-level courses do not count towards this total)
A minimum of 18 credits at the 500 level in addition to two credits in AERSP 590 (Colloquium).
A maximum of 9 credits at the 400 level
Satisfactory completion of a capstone course or project (3 credits of EDSGN 558 or a capstone project supervised by a member of the Graduate Faculty, completed while enrolling in AERSP 596, or another graduate systems or vehicle design course)
Satisfactory completion of an Engineering Experimental and Data Analysis course (AERSP 597-1, AERSP 405, etc.)
Minimum of a 3.0 grade-point average

All courses used to satisfy degree requirements must be technical in nature, i.e., engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Aerospace Engineering

Application Deadline (with or without funding): August 15, for Spring enrollment December 15, for Fall enrollment

Spring admission decisions are typically made by mid-October. Fall admission decisions are typically made by mid-March or early April.

The M.S. is a thesis-based master’s degree having a significant research component. It requires a minimum of 30 credits and is designed to be completed in two years. This is an ideal program for an engineer with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to go deeper into research in specific areas of interest. The M.S. may be a terminal degree for students who intend to pursue research-related careers, or it may be a stepping stone en route to a Ph.D. degree.

A minimum of 6 thesis credits (600/610)
A minimum of two credits of AERSP 590 (Colloquium)
A minimum of 14 credits of aerospace engineering courses (600-level courses do not count towards this total)
A minimum of 18 credits at the 500 and 600 level combined, at least 8 of these must be at the 500-level.
A maximum of 6 credits at the 400 level
Satisfactory completion of an M.S. thesis, including a public presentation

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering

The Ph.D. is a thesis-based doctoral degree. It is very strongly research-oriented and is a terminal degree for students who intend to pursue careers in research and development, research management, or university teaching. It is an excellent program for an individual with a master’s degree in engineering, physical science, or mathematics who wishes to pursue a career in academic, governmental, and/or industry research in the field.

Admission to the Ph.D. program requires satisfactory completion of a master’s program in engineering. For information on direct admission to the Ph.D. program, please refer to the Guide to Graduate Studies .

Doctoral students must satisfy the core requirements. Graduate course requirements, in addition to those specified in the core requirements , are set by the candidate’s doctoral committee on an individual basis. In general, there is no specified number of credits for the Ph.D. degree; however, students typically take at least 24 course credits beyond the M.S. degree.

The doctoral dissertation will involve research activity normally exceeding one full year of full-time graduate work equivalent to 30 credits; exact requirements are determined by a student’s doctoral committee.

Perform dissertation research having an experimental component
Serve as Teaching Assistant (TA) for AERSP 305W
Take a course that emphasizes laboratory measurements and error analysis, such as AERSP 420, AERSP 597-1 (Advanced Experimental Methods), ME 530, ME 536, ME 544, E MCH 506, E MCH 528, or ACS 505
Perform independent study (1 credit AERSP 596) by arrangement of your advisor. This could involve assisting another graduate student with experimental measurements, supervising an undergraduate laboratory project, or another activity.
ENGR 888 (for Teaching Assistants and Teaching Aides)
Dissertation

Doctoral students must also satisfy the following Graduate School requirements:

Qualifying Exam
Advisors and Doctoral Committee
English Proficiency Exam
Comprehensive Examination
Final Defense of Dissertation
Residence Requirement
Continuous Registration

Application Deadline: Students must apply before their last semester.

The minor in computational science, administered by the aerospace engineering department, is an interdisciplinary minor that provides an opportunity for graduate students in all colleges and majors to pursue a focused set of courses that emphasize all aspects of computational science.

Computational science involves using computers to study scientific problems and complements the areas of theory and experimentation in traditional scientific investigation. Each student's program is planned by the student and a designated computational science adviser, in consultation with the graduate adviser in the student's major field.

For more information, see the Penn State Graduate Bulletin .

Graduate Programs Guide

The Penn State Department of Aerospace Engineering, established in 1961 and the only aerospace engineering department in Pennsylvania, is consistently recognized as one of the top aerospace engineering departments in the nation, and is also an international leader in aerospace education, research, and engagement. Our undergraduate program is ranked 15 th and our graduate programs are ranked 15 th nationally by U.S. News & World Report , while one in 25 holders of a B.S. degree in aerospace engineering in the U.S. earned it from Penn State. Our students are consistently among the most highly recruited by industry, government, and graduate schools nationwide.

The department is built upon the fundamentals of academic integrity, innovation in research, and commitment to the advancement of industry. Through an innovative curriculum and world-class instruction that reflects current industry practice and embraces future trends, Penn State Aerospace Engineering graduates emerge as broadly educated, technically sound aerospace engineers who will become future leaders in a critical industry

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Phone: 814-865-2569

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering

A flexible research program designed for your career goals.

Our highly flexible, mentored biomedical engineering graduate program is multidisciplinary. Along with biomedical engineering faculty, courses are taught by faculty in the Eberly College of Science and the Colleges of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

We get you ready for success

A curriculum with a strong foundation in traditional engineering and life sciences that includes fundamental coursework in biomedical engineering and a number of ancillary areas including physics, chemistry, biology, materials research, esthesiology, orthopedics and rehabilitation, and more.
Students enjoy state-of-the-art research facilities and an exclusive partnership with the Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
The unique landscape of the biomedical engineering graduate program fosters learning and collaboration among students, engineers, clinicians, and professionals in the biomedical industry.
Focused specialization in one or more cutting-edge research areas.

The degree involves graduate coursework, a candidacy exam following the first year, a comprehensive exam in the third year, and a final defense upon successful completion of a doctoral dissertation. Full requirement details and a course map can be viewed in the Graduate Student Handbook . Requirements for the Ph.D. program are typically completed within four to five years but vary depending on the scope of the research and individual education paths.

Program Requirements

Credits (total: 29 credits).

Earned at a Penn State campus and recognized by the Graduate School (20 credits)
6 credits of biomedical engineering; 6 credits of life science; 6 credits of technical/quantitative/biomedical engineering electives. 12 of these credits must be lecture- or laboratory-based and at the 500 level. The other 6 credits can be 400 or 500 level lecture-based courses and do not include the ethics course or colloquium.
Additional credits at the 500 level in courses relevant to your research (6 credits)
BIOE 590: Graduate Seminar (Register every semester until comprehensive exam is passed)
BIOE 591: Ethics and Professional Development (1 credit)
BIOE 600: Thesis Research (At least 12 credits)

A breakdown of the program requirements and the program timeline can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook .

Research Focus Areas

Application deadline.

The deadline to apply for the fall semester is December 1.

Visit the Penn State Graduate School website and apply to the “BME PHD” program.

Application criteria can be found on our website at How to Apply .

Contact Information

Dr. Leo Lei Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Program Coordinator, 515 CBEB 814-865-2290 [email protected]
Virginia Simparosa Graduate Programs Assistant 814-865-8087 [email protected]
Graduate Handbook

The Department of Biomedical Engineering administers the bachelor of science, master of science, and doctorate degree programs in biomedical engineering. Our work combines traditional engineering principles with medicine and technology for the betterment of human health and society.

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Graduate program, science without boundaries.

The chemistry graduate program at Penn State is designed to give students an educational experience unlike any other. Our leading research program gives students the chance to explore and innovate across disciplines in a collaborative and supportive environment.

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PhD in Nursing Program

The PhD program prepares nurse scientists to provide leadership through scientific inquiry and innovative practice. Faculty of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing believe that significant learning at the doctoral level occurs best within a mentor-type model. Highly individualized plans of study provide each student the opportunity to develop depth of expertise and research capability within a specialized area. Graduates of the PhD program are prepared to assume positions as faculty, researchers, and leaders in educational, community, governmental, or institutional settings.

PhD Program Options

This program enables highly qualified students to pursue doctoral study directly from a bachelor’s degree program in nursing. Learn more in the handbook >>

MS/MSN to PhD

This program is for students who have already earned a master’s degree in nursing or a related field. Learn more in the handbook >>

Dual-Title PhD in Nursing & Bioethics

This dual-title degree option provides Nursing PhD students with the skills and knowledge necessary to fully engage ethical issues within the discipline of nursing, to conduct original bioethics research, and produce bioethics-related scholarship.

Nursing PhD students may pursue additional training in bioethics through the dual-title PhD program in Nursing and Bioethics. Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Nursing and the Graduate School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program. Admission to the dual-title is determined upon review of all application materials by the admissions committee in Bioethics.

Students on this path explore the skills and knowledge needed to address ethical issues, conduct original bioethics research, and produce related scholarship. To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the Nursing PhD program as well as those of the Bioethics program committee. Learn more in the handbook >>

Dual-Title PhD in Nursing & Clinical and Translational Sciences (CTS)

The dual-title degree option provides Nursing PhD students with additional preparation for career paths that involve clinical trials or clinical research programs.

Nursing PhD students may pursue additional training in clinical and translational sciences (CTS) through the dual-title PhD program in Nursing and CTS. Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Nursing and the Graduate School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program. Admission to the dual-title is determined upon review of all application materials by the admissions committee in CTS.

The dual-title PhD program in Nursing and CTS allows nursing PhD students to pursue additional preparation for career paths that involve clinical trials or clinical research programs. In addition to satisfying the requirements of the Nursing PhD program, students must satisfy additional requirements established by the CTS program committee. Within this framework, course selection is determined by the student, their Nursing adviser, and the CTS program adviser. Learn more in the handbook >>

Full descriptions of our program outcomes, course descriptions, requirements, and plans of study are available in the PhD Handbook .

Why penn state nursing.

Home to experts who push the bounds of our knowledge and refine the translation of that knowledge into real-world application, Penn State Nursing is a premier educator of the next generation of nurse leaders. You can work alongside one of our American Academy of Nursing Fellows and world-renowned experts who will mentor you along your educational journey.

Penn State Nursing has a variety of research opportunities , and our Center for Nursing Research team is poised to help secure unique opportunities specific to you and your interests.

Research Areas :

Gerontology & Aging
Palliative & End-of-life Care
Physiological & Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Health and Well-being
Health and Healthcare Disparities
Intervention and Implementation Science
Nursing Education

For more information on our faculty research expertise, visit our Research Faculty page.

Locations :

University Park

Funding Opportunities:

Select BSN to PhD are provided a minimum of four years of funding. Select MSN to PhD are provided a minimum of three years of funding. Continued funding is contingent upon such things as availability, grades, and assistantship evaluations. Applicants who wish to be considered for Fall 2024 funding must have a completed application submitted to the Graduate School prior to February 1, 2024.

Admissions :

Admission requirements are outlined on the Penn State Bulletin website. Applications to the program can be done through the Graduate School . For questions about the program, contact Susan Loeb , PhD program director.

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Ph.D . Program

With leading researchers in economic theory, econometrics, international economics, and macroeconomics, the Economics Department at Penn State is an outstanding department (faculty areas of interest may be found here) . Students who receive a Ph.D. from Penn State and whose doctoral research is excellent have been recruited and sought after by leading academic and research institutions: our Ph.D. students have obtained tenure-track positions at Chicago, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Northwestern, NYU, UPenn and many more. Our recent placements of students at different universities may be found here .

There are several reasons Penn State has excellent placement, and is a special place to do graduate school. Graduate student training and placement are priorities for the department, and therefore, our faculty members across fields are widely accessible to graduate students. In addition to many elective classes, there are reading groups within each field, with active involvement from students and faculty. The Department takes very seriously its mission to train the excellent students admitted to our PhD program.

Penn State is located in a pleasant college town setting in the geographic center of Pennsylvania. Although it is in a small town, it is not isolated intellectually. There is an active program of visiting speakers in five separate workshops. In addition, the department hosts conferences across several fields. There is a twice yearly joint Penn State-Cornell conference at which graduate students make about half the presentations. The Department also encourages students to present their work at external conferences, and our students present at Meetings of the Econometric Society and other conferences.

STEM Designation Our graduate program (MA and PhD) has been reclassified as STEM (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics). Students in STEM degree programs can apply for a 24 month STEM extension of F1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).

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Information on the honors code and the college values statement for graduate students available at:

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Admissions Requirements for International Students

Penn State requires several different materials from international students to complete an application. Please review the following requirements to ensure you can provide all the proper documentation to complete your application based on whether you are a first-year applicant or transfer applicant.

Requirements for First-Year International Students

All first-year students need to provide the following:

Online Application via MyPennState or the Common App

Academic Record – the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) for all applicants except those in the South Korean educational system, must submit official transcripts from their last three years of work

Official SAT or ACT scores, should you wish to include them

Proof of English Language Proficiency

The following details will help first-year applicants submit the required materials.

All first-year students have to submit a SRAR, with the exception of students in the South Korean educational system. Those students must submit official secondary school records at the time of application to be evaluated for admission to Penn State, as well as official post-secondary records for attempted college/university coursework (if applicable). The following requirements apply:

All documents submitted for review must be official, that is, they must be either originals or copies certified by the examining board, an official at the institution, the Ministry of Education, or consulate. A "certified" copy is one that bears an original signature of the registrar or other designated school official, an original impression of the institution's seal, or signature/seal of the examining board. Uncertified or notarized copies are not considered official documents.

All documents should be submitted in the original language. All documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified line-by-line, literal English translation.

Should the school, examining board, Ministry of Education, or consulate mail the official document to you, the applicant, rather than Penn State, please forward the unopened envelope to Penn State. Official copies that are not sent directly to Penn State and are opened by the applicant can no longer be considered official.

Official SAT or ACT scores, should you desire. Penn State is test-optional through Fall of 2025, so submitting scores is not required for your application, unless you are using them for your proof of English Language Proficiency. First-year applicants currently in high school or those who have graduated from high school five or fewer years ago should arrange for SAT or ACT scores to be sent directly to Undergraduate Admissions from the appropriate testing agency

To have SAT scores sent, visit www.collegeboard.org and use SAT code #2660

To have ACT scores sent, visit www.act.org and use ACT code #3656

Requirements for Transfer International Students

All transfer students need to provide the following:

Online Application via MyPennState

Post-Secondary Records

International transfer students do not need to complete the SRAR as part of the application. As part of the transfer application, we do require official transcripts for the post-secondary institution.

For institutions outside the U.S., we require official transcripts, which include all subjects studied each year and the grade/mark earned in each subject, as well as a key to the marking system with information on the minimum passing mark

For post-secondary institutions in the U.S., official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Penn State

For further information on transferring to Penn State, including program-specific admissions requirements, please see the information for transfer students . International transfer students can transfer credits to Penn State in a number of ways. Refer to the information outlined below and review the Academic Credit section of the website for more details.

Credit from Secondary Examinations

Courses studied at a higher level in the following systems of secondary education can be reviewed for transfer credit equivalent to the introductory courses in that subject.

Advanced and Advanced Subsidiary Levels: Grade A, B, or C: see A-Level Credit

Abitur: Grades 1, 2, 3, where 1 is high; grades 7-15, where 15 is high

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE): Score of III or higher

French Baccalaureate: Subjects graded 10 or higher in which the coefficient is 4 or more

International Baccalaureate: Subjects examined at the Higher Level with grades 5, 6, or 7: see IB Credit

Advanced Placement examinations from College Board: see AP Credit

College-Level Examination Program examinations from College Board: see CLEP Credit

Students Wishing to Take Summer or Winter Courses in Other Countries

Courses taken in programs in other countries that are not part of the regular degree-granting curriculum will not be considered for transfer credit.

English Language Proficiency for First-Year and Transfer Students

All international students whose native language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not required to provide proof of English language proficiency, regardless of native language.If you are providing proof of English proficiency based on one of the test scores listed below, please note that the score reports must be official and come to Undergraduate Admissions directly from the testing service. Also, for our office to process your scores, your legal name that you used to apply to Penn State must match your testing exam name. If they do not match, it may result in our office not being able to process your scores. The scores must be less than two years old.The following are ways in which you can satisfy the language proficiency requirement:

Duolingo English Test (DET): A minimum score of 120 is required

TOEFL: A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based or Paper Edition TOEFL (code #2660)

Penn State does not accept TOEFL MyBest™ Scores

TOEFL iBT Home Edition: A minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT Home Edition (code #2660)

TOEFL ITP Plus for China : A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (code #2660)

IELTS : A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test

IELTS Indicator : A minimum IELTS score of 6.5

SAT : a score of 570 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (code #2660)

ACT : Score of 24 or higher on the English section (code #3656)

GCSE or GCE English language exam : Score of A, B, or C

International Baccalaureate (IB) : Score of 5 or higher on the English Language & Literature (English A) exam

U.S. High School Experience : 4 years in a U.S. high school prior to enrollment at Penn State

U.S. College or University : High school graduation followed by one complete year of full-time academic coursework at a U.S. college or university with a grade of C (2.0) or higher in a standard English composition course (for transfer students)

IECP : Receive official certification through Penn State's Intensive English Communication Program (IECP)

Information about Secondary School Records

Secondary records are required for both first-year and transfer international students, but first-year international students who completed a SRAR do not need to provide them until after they accept an offer of admission. International students must provide transcripts of coursework and grades for all years of secondary school study. Prior to attending Penn State, international students must send:

Secondary school records that list the subjects studied each year and the mark or grade of proficiency earned in each

A key to the marking system with information on the minimum passing mark

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Industrial-Organizational

Welcome to the home of Penn State Industrial/ Organizational Psychology. The I/O PhD program has a long history and strong culture of success as well as wonderful group of faculty and graduate students that continue that culture of success.

Please use “Navigate to” in the top right-hand corner to learn more about our program.

Contact the I/O Area

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814-863-1721
133A Moore Building, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802

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Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by:

Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam;
Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;
Formal dissertation proposal; and
Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

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Preparing to Apply
Learn more about how to complete your application and apply to attend Penn State for your graduate education. All applicants meet minimum eligibility requiremen
How to Apply
Prepare to Apply. Thank you for your interest in applying for graduate study at Penn State. Before applying, check out the following resources designed to help you throughout the application process. Ensure that You Meet Academic Eligibility and English Proficiency Requirements.
Graduate Degree Programs
Explore Penn State's graduate and professional degree programs and learn more about requirements, experiences, and how to apply.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)
Penn State's Intercollege Graduate Degree Program (IGDP) in Materials Science and Engineering offers Ph.D. students one-on-one mentorship by professors from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and many other departments in the College of Engineering and Eberly College of Science. Currently, more than 80 faculty members advise more than 180 Ph.D. students.
Ph.D. Graduate Application
How to Apply. Complete the online application to The Graduate School at Penn State. All applicants must satisfy the requirements for graduate admission. Upload a 1-3 page Research Interests and Preparation Statement describing 1-2 specific research problems that interest you. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted.
Admissions
Penn State is home to hundreds of high-quality graduate programs offered at several Penn State campuses where students can find opportunities for professional development, training, and continuous support as they prepare for future leadership roles after completing their graduate degrees.
Applying to the Ph.D. Program
Review requirements for graduate admission All applicants to the Graduate School at Penn State, must meet Academic Eligibility Requirements. Applicants should review these requirements before beginning an application.
Ph.D. Admission Information
Admission To Graduate Study With leading researchers in economic theory, econometrics, international economics, and macroeconomics, the Economics Department at Penn State is an outstanding department (faculty areas of interest may be found here) . Students who receive a Ph.D. from Penn State and whose doctoral research is excellent have been recruited and sought after by leading academic and ...
Clinical (Adult and Child)
Penn State's doctoral program is a founding member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. Psychological clinical science is concerned with generating new knowledge regarding the nature of psychological problems, and with translating that knowledge into applications that improve the human condition.
Ph.D. Program
How do I Apply? Apply to a Graduate Program at Penn State. Additional information can be found here on the Statistics Graduate Program admission requirements, application deadlines, and the Penn State Graduate school requirements and application.
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D. Candidacy You must be approved for qualifying by the graduate faculty, based partly on the results of an exam given to assess your potential to excel in Ph.D. studies and conduct high-level research. The Graduate School requirements for the candidacy examination are: The examination must be taken within three semesters of entry into the doctoral program, not including summer sessions ...
How To Apply, Higher Education, D.Ed./Ph.D.
Students applying for admission to any of the Higher Education graduate programs at Penn State must electronically submit all application materials to the Graduate School at Penn State. The Graduate School confirms eligibility for admission of all applicants. The Higher Education Program will select and recommend applicants for offers of admission.
Graduate Degrees and Requirements
The Penn State Civil and Environmental Engineering Department offers the following graduate degree options: master of engineering (M.Eng.), master of science (M.S.), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). General descriptions for each of these degrees are provided below. Detailed descriptions of the requirements specific to each discipline can be ...
Degree Requirements
Program expectations. Upon completion of the program, all Ph.D. students are expected to graduate with: A broad understanding of the field of communication sciences and disorders. Extensive expertise in a scholarly area of specialization. Significant expertise in at least two related areas of study within the field of communication sciences and ...
Graduate Admission
Learn about Penn State's doctoral, master's programs, certificates, and nondegree courses. Explore program offerings and plan your next steps to apply.
Graduate Degrees and Requirements
Degree Requirements: Doctoral students must satisfy the core requirements. Graduate course requirements, in addition to those specified in the core requirements, are set by the candidate's doctoral committee on an individual basis.
Biomedical Engineering
Students enjoy state-of-the-art research facilities and an exclusive partnership with the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The unique landscape of the biomedical engineering graduate program fosters learning and collaboration among students, engineers, clinicians, and professionals in the biomedical industry.
PHD Program
PHD Program | Eberly College of Science. Department of Mathematics. Math Graduate. PHD Program. Incoming Ph.D. students are expected to pass qualifying examinations by the end of their third semester in the Ph.D. program. After passing the qualifying examinations, students are expected to select a thesis adviser and form a doctoral committee.
Graduate
Penn State's Department of Psychology provides students with a top-ranked graduate education. Our mission is to train the next generation of leaders, innovators, and cutting-edge professionals. Please view our graduate training program video. As a part of their training, students in our program: Students become first-rate scientists and thinkers.
Chemistry Graduate Program
The chemistry graduate program at Penn State is designed to give students an educational experience unlike any other. Our leading research program gives students the chance to explore and innovate across disciplines in a collaborative and supportive environment.
PhD in Nursing Program
The dual-title PhD program in Nursing and CTS allows nursing PhD students to pursue additional preparation for career paths that involve clinical trials or clinical research programs. In addition to satisfying the requirements of the Nursing PhD program, students must satisfy additional requirements established by the CTS program committee.
Ph.D . Program
Ph.D . Program. Ph.D . Program. With leading researchers in economic theory, econometrics, international economics, and macroeconomics, the Economics Department at Penn State is an outstanding department (faculty areas of interest may be found here) . Students who receive a Ph.D. from Penn State and whose doctoral research is excellent have ...
Admission Requirements for International Students
Penn State requires several different materials from international students to complete an application.
Industrial-Organizational
Industrial-Organizational. The PSU I/O graduate program is continuously rated as one of the top five I/O psychology doctoral programs in the nation. Welcome to the home of Penn State Industrial/ Organizational Psychology. The I/O PhD program has a long history and strong culture of success as well as wonderful group of faculty and graduate ...
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master's degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)

In This Section

Ph.D. Requirements

Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI)

Comprehensive Exam, Thesis, and Defense

Qualifying Examination

What to expect

Prospective Students

Current Students

Alumni & Donors

Ph.D. Graduate Application

How to Apply

Office of Graduate Programs

How to Apply

Social Media

Interdisciplinary Graduate Training

Current and Previous Graduate Students

Legal Statements

Doctoral Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. Candidacy

Comprehensive Exam

Dissertation Defense

Resident Degrees

Online Degree

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M.S. Degree

Ph.D. Degree

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Graduate Degrees and Requirements

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Master of Science (M.S.) in Aerospace Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering

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