Doctor of Philosophy The School of Engineering offers programs leading to Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Engineering (with concentrations in Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering), in Computer Science, and in Optical Science and Engineering (jointly administered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering). The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is offered under regulations set forth in the Graduate Program section of this Catalog. The general policies and procedures relating to graduate studies in the School of Engineering can be obtained from the departmental graduate advisors. A prospective candidate for this degree must have an acceptable bachelor's or master's degree, or equivalent, in some field of engineering, the physical sciences or mathematics. For more specific departmental requirements for the degree, prospective candidates should consult the specific statements for the different departments in their sections of this Catalog and should also communicate with the graduate advisor of the department. The applicant must also present satisfactory evidence of adequate preliminary training and ability in the field of major interest. The minimum amount of coursework required for the Doctor of Philosophy degree is 24 credit hours beyond the master's degree or 48 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. This requirement is exclusive of dissertation or master's thesis. These are minimum requirements, ordinarily, more than the 48 credit hours are necessary. The program of each student is an individual matter planned by the committee on studies.