Degrees
College of Engineering requirements for advanced degrees are listed in the following sections. In cases where departmental unit requirements are more stringent than those set by the College of Engineering, the departmental requirements take precedence.
Students who are registered in regular university courses for at least four units of upper-division (100 series) or graduate (200 series) courses in a quarter, or for at least two units of such coursework in two summer sessions, are regarded as being in residence. You are required to maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in all courses taken after admission to graduate status. As a doctoral student, you are expected to maintain an average of at least 3.25.
The Master of Science Degree
A master of science degree may be awarded upon completion of either one of two basic plans. Check with the individual departments to learn what plans are available in that department.
Plan I.
A minimum total of 36 units and a thesis are required. Units are earned in upper-division and graduate technical courses, in seminars and in research. The master's thesis is usually based on six or more units of laboratory and library research carried out for course credit under the 299 course number. The thesis must demonstrate your proficiency in research or scientific analysis. At the master's level, the contribution to knowledge is not necessarily expected to be original.
Plan II.
A minimum total of 36 units and a comprehensive final examination are required. Units are earned in upper-division and graduate courses. At least 18 units must be earned in graduate engineering courses exclusive of seminar and research units.
Residency.
For both the master of science and master of engineering degrees, at least three quarters in residence are required.
The Master of Engineering Degree
The Master of Engineering degree may be awarded upon completion of 36 units of coursework and the preparation of an engineering report. Units are earned in upper-division and graduate technical courses, in seminars, and in research. A comprehensive examination may also be required. Students are encouraged to emphasize breadth in choosing a program and may include courses outside engineering. A three-member committee will guide students in developing a program and will review students' solutions to engineering problems. One member of the committee may be a representative from industry; the chair must be a faculty member. The three to nine units of project work required will generally be devoted to the solution of an engineering problem or a case study of a previous or ongoing engineering project. The investigation may be carried out at the university or in a private or governmental organization where the student is employed. The findings will be reported in the form of an appropriate engineering report.
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Formal requirements for the degree of doctor of philosophy include 1) obtaining satisfactory scores in preliminary exams; 2) completing an approved program of study with a minimum GPA of 3.25; 3) passing a qualifying examination; 4) advancing to candidacy; 5) submitting an acceptable dissertation; and 6) spending a minimum of six quarters in academic residence. A master's degree is not required as a prerequisite to the doctoral degree.
Preliminary Examination.
Students will take a written examination, usually as soon as they complete core courses; this preliminary examination covers the major areas within the field of study.
Program of Study.
Students must acquire both a broad knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of their field of study and an in-depth knowledge in a specialty area within their field. Departments differ in their unit requirements for programs of study. Programs of study contain from 38 to 60 units of graduate and upper-division courses.
For graduate PhD programs that require 45 units, the minimum number of units that must be taken at UC Davis is 24, and the minimum number of units that must be taken at the graduate level, exclusive of seminar and research, is 30. The major generally contains between 26-40 units of graduate and upper-division courses while a minor usually contains between 12-18 units.
Typically, a minor contains at least 9 units of graduate level (200 series) courses and represents a set of coherent courses that complement the major. Students may offer units earned in a master's program at UC Davis in satisfaction of these unit requirements. All programs of study must be approved by the college Graduate Study Committee, which is the sole body with authority to grant exceptions from the stated requirements.
Qualifying Examination.
Students will be examined in two or three broad fields of study they have selected; they must demonstrate a high level of learning and proficiency in a principal area of study (the major field) and a firm grasp of basic principles and their application in a related area (the minor field). Students must also demonstrate an ability to correlate knowledge in these areas. Students should prepare for their examinations by a combination of coursework and individual study.
Advancement to Candidacy.
Following the successful completion of the qualifying examination, students will petition for "advancement to candidacy" for the Ph.D. degree. Committees composed of three faculty members, including a research director, will then be appointed to direct students' research problems and to guide in the preparation of their dissertations.
Dissertation.
The doctoral dissertation must be an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in a student's major field. In it, the student must demonstrate the ability to carry out a program of advanced research and to report the results in accordance with standards observed in recognized scientific journals. The dissertation must be approved by the dissertation committee.
Residency.
For both the doctor of philosophy in engineering and doctor of engineering degrees, students must be in residence for a minimum of six quarters.
The Doctor of Engineering Degree
The formal requirements for the doctor of engineering degree are the same as those previously listed for the PhD degree. The doctor of engineering program prepares students for engineering positions involving advanced design and analysis, for positions involving the planning and supervision of large engineering projects, or for participation in team investigation and solution of major interdisciplinary problems.
Program of Study.
The major is generally composed of at least 30 units of graduate and upper-division courses that are related to the definition and solution of problems in a recognized engineering area. A minor will include at least twelve units of graduate and upper-division courses and form a coherent body of knowledge that complements a major. When commensurate with the student's career goals, the development of a minor emphasizing preparation in human and social studies (e.g., law, business, economics, psychology, or political science) as they relate to high-level performance as a professional engineer is encouraged. Programs of study for the D.Engr. degree must be approved by the college Graduate Study Committee.
Thesis Committee.
The Doctor of Engineering dissertation committee will consist of at least three faculty members from the university, including two from the college. When appropriate, it is suggested that one or two members from the professional engineering community be added to the committee.
Dissertation.
The doctor of engineering dissertation consists of an investigation and solution of, or a critical study (such as a case study) of, an engineering project or problem. The principal criteria of achievement in the dissertation are originality and creativity in the application of engineering tools to solve a significant and specifically defined problem.