Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Today’s engineers face complex problems that require interdisciplinary approaches. Industries are particularly interested in interdisciplinary graduate education that emphasizes both breadth of knowledge and depth in a particular field. The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering is a unique thematic doctoral program designed specifically to meet these needs.

As compared to traditional engineering doctoral programs, which specialize students in one engineering discipline, the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering requires students to work across multiple disciplines in a subject area that extends their knowledge base outside their core undergraduate expertise. Therefore, students who graduate from this Ph.D. program will have a well-defined research expertise in a subject area and a broad-based expertise in technological innovation.

The program takes advantage of unique resources and strengths from all six departments in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology to provide students with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research in Intelligent Robotic Systems, Smart Infrastructure, and Biomedical and Health Systems, and to contribute to groundbreaking research, new technologies, and innovative solutions that can transform lives.

Program Eligibility

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program must have the following qualifications:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, or a related degree (e.g., physics, mathematics, computer science) from an accredited college or university
• A minimum undergraduate degree grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent. The average undergraduate and graduate GPAs of students accepted into the program are 3.3 and 3.6 (on a 4.0 scale), respectively.
• Successful completion of Calculus I and Calculus II and at least one higher-level mathematics course (e.g., Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics)

Admission is based on several factors, including academic performance at prior institutions (GPA(s)), a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required but are considered when submitted. Applicants' undergraduate and graduate records and recommendation letters will be given more consideration. Preference for admission will be given to applicants having relevant engineering or project management experience after earning a B.S. degree or a Professional Engineering (PE) license.