To be admitted to PhD candidacy, each student is required to prepare a written research proposal and present it to their dissertation committee as part of a candidacy examination (this takes the place of the “prelim” requirement of previous years).
Students will prepare a proposal that is 10 pages (maximum) with one inch margins, double-spaced (except for the executive summary) with a font no smaller than 11 point, exclusive of references and appendices. The proposal should consist of an:
- One page executive summary of research proposal (single spaced)
- Introduction
- Proposed research problem and importance
- Proposed research strategy and methodology
- Preliminary results
- Timetable for completion
- Anticipated outcomes/milestones of a completed dissertation
NOTE: content equivalent to a completed research paper is NOT expected in the candidacy exam
Deadline: Students must complete this candidacy exam within the first four long semesters in residence. Failure to complete the exam within this time will remove students from the PhD program and place them in the Master’s program, with one additional semester for completion of a terminal Master’s degree. A PhD supervisor may petition the Chemical Engineering graduate advisor in writing for a one-time extension of one semester for completion of the exam due to exceptional circumstances.