A packet of forms must be filled out as the student progresses through the Ph.D. program. The packet is available by going to http://www.drexel.edu/provost/graduatestudies/forms.html.

1. A Ph.D student must complete at least one year of residence, i.e. full time status (see University Catalog for details.)
2. A total of 45 graduate quarter credits post MS (90 credits Post BS) and completion of Doctoral Dissertation are required in order to attain a Ph.D. The course work is tailored to the needs of the student. 
3. The student must develop a plan of study with her/his research advisor's approval. The plan should include at least six credits from departmental core courses in an area outside of his/her major area.
4. The Ph.D. Candidacy Examination must be taken at least one full academic year before the student's thesis defense occurs. It is suggested that the examination schedule follow the time scale below:
5. Upon passing the Candidacy Examination, the student is classified as a Ph.D. Candidate.
6. Following the successful completion of the Candidacy Exam, the student is required to have a thesis proposal presentation. This form must be filed with the ECE Department Graduate Advisor by the Proposal Committee Chair – not the student – within 48 hours of the proposal presentation. A thesis abstract must also be e-mailed to the Graduate Program Coordinator (at least 2 weeks before the proposal date) to announce the proposal to the general public.
7. The student must register for at least 1 credit each term (including the Summer term) once she/he becomes a Ph.D. candidate, i.e., after passing the Candidacy Examination.
8. An electronic abstract of the impending Ph.D. Dissertation defense and a full paper copy of the dissertation must be given to the Graduate Program Coordinator at least two weeks before the defense so that faculty members can review it.
9. The Candidacy Examination and Dissertation defense are open to all faculty, although only appointed committee members vote to pass/fail the student.