Ph.D. Program

The goal of this program is to produce active and creative problem solvers, capable of contributing in academic and industrial environments. One distinguishing feature of this program is a 9-credit-hour project to be completed under the guidance of an external sponsor, e.g., from industry or a national research center. The intention of this project is to connect theoretical knowledge with relevant applications and to introduce the candidate to potential employers.

The course of study leading to the doctor of philosophy in the mathematical sciences requires the completion of at least 60 credit hours beyond the master's degree, of which at least 30 credit hours must be directed toward independent research. The research preparation phase consists of:

Mathematical Sciences Ph.D. Project

As part of the research preparation phase, the student is encouraged to go off campus to complete a project sponsored by industry, national research laboratories or other approved external organizations. The project shall be in an area involving an application of mathematics or statistics. The scope of the project shall be equivalent to 9 credit hours of course work.

In the event that the student is unable to secure sponsorship through an off-campus organization, the student is required to complete an on-campus project in a department other than mathematical sciences.

Plan of Study

Within the first year of enrollment, each student is expected to choose a specialization with his or her advisor. A plan of study must be submitted to and approved by the departmental Graduate Committee.

General Comprehensive Examination

In order to be admitted to candidacy, the student must take the general comprehensive examination at the beginning of the first year of study if entering with a master's degree, and no later than the beginning of the second year of study, if entering with a bachelor's degree.

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to candidacy is granted when the student has passed the general comprehensive examination and has received approval of an application for admission to candidacy summarizing the student's planned course of study.

Ph.D. Preliminary Examination

Before registering for Ph.D. dissertation credits the candidate must pass the Ph.D. preliminary examination. This examination, which has both written and oral components, should be taken sometime during the second or third year after being admitted as a Ph.D. candidate.

Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal

At least six months prior to completion of the Ph.D. dissertation, the candidate must present a formal seminar to the public describing the proposed dissertation research project. A formal written research proposal must be submitted two weeks before the presentation.

Ph.D. Final Examination

With the dissertation and the other requirements of the program completed, the student is ready for the final oral defense. The student's Ph.D. Thesis Committee will determine by majority vote whether or not the student passes.

Ph.D. Thesis Committee

The student's Dissertation Advisor chairs the Ph.D. Thesis Committee. Under the direction of the advisor, the student selects the rest of the Ph.D. Thesis Committee. The committee must have at least five members; it should be made up of members of the mathematical sciences faculty and at least one faculty member from another department, or one person from outside WPI who is a recognized expert in the area of the student's dissertation. This committee will participate in the Ph.D. dissertation proposal and the Ph.D. final examination. It is required that the committee be selected prior to the Ph.D. preliminary examination.

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Last modified: July 17, 2006 14:48:37