PhD in Applied Science
Major in Systems Engineering
PhD Planning Guide January 2009 Update
Prepared By:
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
SEP Development Team (DT)
PhD Planning Guide Project Team
Steve Skinner
Co-Project Leader
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
Mike Harper
Co-Project Leader
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Outline





Introduction
Getting Started
7 Steps to Acceptance
7 Steps to Completion
Summary
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Revisions
Revision
Description
May 2005
Basic
October 2005
Changed degree to Applied Science with Major in Systems Engineering.
Updated contact list.
December 2005
Minor format corrections.
January 2007
Added detailed steps to PhD Degree completion.
Updated contact list.
Updated hyperlinks.
January 2009
General updates and clarifications to charts 4, 11, 18, 26, 28, 37, 38.
Updated dissertation electronic submittal requirements on charts 10, 32.
Updated contacts on chart 7.
Updated hyperlinks on charts 6, 10, 19, 25, 31, 32, 36.
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Introduction

The objective of the PhD Planning Guide is to help the
prospective PhD student through the process of
acceptance into the Applied Science program to begin
study towards a PhD in Applied Science with a major in
Systems Engineering.

The PhD Planning Guide identifies and describes the
steps to advance the student through the PhD program
and complete the PhD degree.

Assumptions: This planning guide assumes the student
has already achieved the entry criteria and meets the
minimum requirements to be accepted into the program.
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Getting Started

Getting Started provides the student with
basic information to move from “just
interested” to the “take action” phase.



Initial Investigation
Contact Information
Gates to Next Phase
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Getting Started – Initial Investigation

A wealth of information regarding the EMIS
programs can be found at the EMIS website:

http://lyle.smu.edu/emis/index.html

A website specific to PhD in Applied Science with a
major in Systems Engineering does not exist.

However, the Lyle School of Engineering Graduate
Catalog describes general requirements for a PhD
degree at the following URL:

http://smu.edu/catalogs/graduate/engr/phddegree.asp
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Getting Started - Contact Information

Application Questions / Status
 Jim Dees, Graduate Student Experience and Enrollment
Management


Marc Valerin, Graduate & Executive Admissions


valerin@lyle.smu.edu; Phone: 214-768-3484
Krys Benson, Graduate & Executive Admissions


jdees@lyle.smu.edu; Phone: 214-768-1456
kbenson@lyle.smu.edu; Phone: 214-768-1458
Degree Planning / Research Topic
 Dr. Jerrell Stracener, Systems Engineering Program Director

jerrells@lyle.smu.edu; Phone: 214-768-1535
The Administrative Assistant to Dr. Stracener can help coordinate
meetings.
Course & Dissertation Registration
 Rose Torres, Graduate Registration & Scheduling



rose@lyle.smu.edu; Phone: 214-768-3037
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Getting Started – Gates & Times

Plan for 6 months from application submittal to
acceptance into the Applied Science program
Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Month 6
1. Submit Application Material
2. Form Supervisory Committee
3. Develop Degree Plan
4. Construct Preliminary Research Topic
5. Propose Program of Study
6. Take Preliminary Counseling Exam
7. Follow-Up!
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Acceptance
7 Steps to Acceptance
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Submit Application Material
Form Supervisory Committee
Develop Degree Plan
Construct Preliminary Research Topic
Propose Program of Study
Complete Preliminary Counseling Exam
Follow-Up!
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Step 1: Submit Application Material

Acceptance
The first thing to do is complete and submit an Application along with a
Statement of Purpose
 Links to Application Instructions and Forms:
http://lyle.smu.edu/students/graduate_admission_distance.html

Online Application:




https://www.applyweb.com/apply/smueng/index_eng.html
Select Program Degree PhD Applied Science
Specialization is Systems Engineering
Concurrent with the Application, request 3 letters of recommendation
 Current or former supervisors / coworkers that know you well



Good if they have advanced degrees
Good if they are in Systems Engineering leadership positions
Recommendation Form:
http://lyle.smu.edu/students/documents/Graduate%20Recommendation%20F
orm%20-%2011-08.doc
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Acceptance
Step 2: Form Supervisory Committee

Form your Supervisory Committee once the application has been
processed and the go-ahead is given by your advisor

Select a minimum of 3 tenured / tenure track faculty (Preferably 5)



Contact the Potential Committee Members


Letter / email requesting them to serve as a committee member
Attach brief presentation that introduces you and describes your plans





Adjunct Professors are allowed to be Committee Members but do not count
towards the minimum required 3 tenure track
Dr Stracener can recommend potential committee members
Personal Background Information - Brief Resume (profession / education)
Degree Plan Proposal
Research Topic Proposal
Degree Completion Goals
Once Supervisory Committee is in place, set up a kick-off meeting on
campus to agree on proposed program of study & research topic
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Step 3: Develop Degree Plan

Acceptance
Basic Coursework


Determine if previously completed graduate courses apply
towards the required PhD coursework
Develop a course equivalence matrix (CEM) to help justify
applying completed graduate courses toward degree plan



The CEM lists the courses in the PhD curriculum
Adjacent to the PhD course list are completed graduate
courses that apply directly to the required PhD course plan
The CEM contains backup information to justify why the
completed graduate course is equivalent to the PhD course


A good method is to compare course descriptions
It is possible to deviate slightly from the PhD proposed course
plan but must be justified (i.e. fits area of research)
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Step 3: Develop Degree Plan
Acceptance
Course Equivalence Matrix (CEM)
PhD SE Course Requirements
Course #
Course Title
REQUIRED TEN (10)
Systems Analysis Methods (Replace with EMIS 8360)
Systems Engineering Process
Integrated Risk Management
Systems Optimization And Analysis
Systems Integration And Test
Systems Engineering Design
Software Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering Management
Systems Reliability Engineering
Logistics Systems Engineering
Operations Research Models (Instead of EMIS 7300)
CHOOSE FOUR (4)
EMIS 7350 Algorithm Engineering
EMIS 7362 Production and Operations Management (prop. 1 of 4)
EMIS 7364 Statistical Quality Control
EMIS 7369 Reliability Engineering
EMIS 7370 Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers
EMIS 7377 Design and Analysis of Experiments
EMIS 8363 Engineering Finance (Proposed 1 of 4 --> DEEM Equiv)
EMIS 8370 Stochastic Models
EMIS 8340 Systems Engineering Tools
EMIS 8393 Six Sigma Systems Engineering
ENCE 8379 Analysis of Transportation Systems (prop. 1 of 4)
ELECTIVES
CSE 5311
Fundamentals of Computer Science
ME 7352
Modern Manufacturing Methods and Systems
ME 7366
Manufacturing In A Global Era
ME 7369
Managing Technology and Innovation
DISSERTATION
ENCE 8396 Dissertation 1
Dissertation 2
Dissertation 3
Dissertation 4
Dissertation 5
Dissertation 6
Dissertation 7
Dissertation 8
EMIS 7300
EMIS 7301
EMIS 7303
EMIS 7305
EMIS 7307
EMIS 7310
EMIS 7312
EMIS 7320
EMIS 7330
EMIS 7340
EMIS 8360
Equivalent Completed MSSE Course (1998)
Course #
Accumulated
Req'd Cmplt
TCH TCH Sem
Course Title
SYS 5301
SYS 5303
SYS 5305
SYS 5307
Systems Engineering Process
Integrated Risk Management
Systems Optimization And Analysis
Systems Integration And Test
CSE 5312
Systems Engineering
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
CSE 6363
CSE 5311
ME 5352
ME 6352
ME 6359
Engineering Finance
3
Fundamentals of Computer Science
Modern Manufacturing Methods
Manufacturing In A Global Era
Managing Technology
13
F95
F96
SP97
SP96
S05
F97
F04
S06
F04
SP05
F06
3
SP98
3
SP06
3
F05
3
3
3
3
TCH
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
78
3
3
3
3
S97
S96
F97
SP98
S05
F05
SP06
S06
F06
SP07
S07
S07
Align Graduate Degree
courses with PhD SE
course requirements.
Justify equivalence on
separate page
Adjust “Choose 4” if
necessary to align with
area of research
Electives can align with
research area and 12 TCH
needed for minor. In this
case, minor is Engineering
Management.
54 TCH Beyond Bachelors
24 TCH Dissertation
78 TCH
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Acceptance
Step 3: Develop Degree Plan

From the course equivalence matrix, layout the PhD degree plan
 First list the completed graduate courses, equivalent PhD course,
and how it is applied toward major or minor
Example
Course
Course Title
Sem / Yr
Equiv.
Major
1
SYS 5301
Systems Engineering Process
EMIS 7301
X
2
SYS 5303
Integrated Risk Management
EMIS 7303
X
3
SYS 5305
Systems Optimization And Analysis
EMIS 7305
X
4
SYS 5307
Systems Integration And Test
EMIS 7307
X
5
CSE 5311
Fundamentals of Computer Science
CSE 5311
X
6
CSE 5312
Software Systems Engineering
EMIS 7312
X
7
CSE 6363
Engineering Finance
EMIS 8363
8
ME 5352
Modern Manufacturing Methods
ME 7352
X
9
ME 6352
Manufacturing In A Global Era
ME 7366
X
10
ME 6359
Managing Technology
ME 7369
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Minor
X
X
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Acceptance
Step 3: Develop Degree Plan

Then list the courses in the proposed degree plan and how
they will apply toward major and minor
 12 credit hours are required for minor

Select from combination of Masters and PhD coursework
Example
Course
Course Title
Sem / Yr
Major
1
EMIS 7310
Systems Engineering Design
S / 05
2
EMIS 7320
Systems Engineering Management
F / 04
3
EMIS 7330
Systems Reliability Engineering
S / 06
X
4
EMIS 7340
Logistics Systems Engineering
F / 04
X
5
ENCE 8379
Analysis of Transportation Systems
F / 05
X
6
EMIS 7362
Production and Operations Management
F / 05
7
EMIS 8360
Operations Research Models
SP / 05
X
8
EMIS 8390
Systems Engineering Tools
SP / 06
X
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Minor
X
X
X
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Acceptance
Step 4: Preliminary Research Topic


Select a topic of interest and give it a succinct title
Develop background information to introduce the
research topic




Define the Problem
Descriptive detail justifying why it is a significant topic
Expand description of the research topic
Scope the research topic

The scope should be manageable. Remember, it is easier
to scale up than down.
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Acceptance
Step 5: Propose Program of Study




A proposed program of study is presented by the student to the
PhD Supervisory Committee at the kick-off meeting
Presentation by the student to the committee
 Introduction, Student Background Information (2 – 3 Charts)
 Proposed Program of Study (4 – 5 Charts)
 Preliminary Research Topic (5 – 8 Charts)
 Degree Completion Time-Line (1 Chart)
Plan for this meeting to satisfy requirements for the Preliminary
Counseling Exam (see Step 6)
Meeting Preparation
 Prepare a folder to provide each committee member



Presentation Hardcopy
Filled-out Recommendation and Certification of Appointment of
Supervisory Committee Form
Filled-out Degree Plan Form
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Step 5: Propose Program of Study
Acceptance
Meeting Objectives & Exit Criteria






Select Committee Chairman & Dissertation Director
Propose Program of Study
Committee Members approve program of study and sign forms:
 Recommendation and Certification of Appointment of Supervisory
Committee
 Degree Plan
Determine if this meeting satisfies the Preliminary Counseling
Exam (PCE)
Set tentative time schedule for Qualifying Exam
Deliver signed forms to Graduate Admissions office
 If forms need to be modified prior to final signatures, coordinate a
time to solicit signatures, or leave with Dr. Stracener’s
Administrative Assistant and request committee members to stop
by his office at their convenience.
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Acceptance
Step 5: Propose Program of Study
Required Forms

Two forms to complete and be made available for
signature at the kick-off meeting are at URL:


http://lyle.smu.edu/emis/Administrative_Forms/administrative_forms.html
Download and Fill Out These Forms:

Supervisory Committee: Recommendation and Certification
of Appointment of Supervisory Committee


http://lyle.smu.edu/emis/resources/forms/PhdDE-SupervisoryCommitteeForm.pdf
Degree Plan:

This is a Generic PhD Degree Plan form

http://www.engr.smu.edu/emis/resources/forms/0203-PhdOR-DegreePlan.doc
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Acceptance
Step 6: Preliminary Counseling Exam

Be prepared for the PCE to be administered at the
supervisory committee kick-off meeting.


The student is prepared for the PCE based on completed
coursework and professional experience.
 EMIS SE courses applicable to the PCE are 7300, 7301,
7303, 7305, 7307
The PCE may be structured as an interview rather
than a formal exam.

A satisfactory technical interchange with the prospective
PhD student is an endorsement that the student is
prepared for the PhD program of study.
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Step 7: Follow-Up!




Acceptance
Following the supervisory committee kick-off meeting, it is
important to document the results.
 Prepare draft minutes of meeting and distribute to the committee
members for review and comment.
 Finalize the minutes with received comments and redistribute.
If forms weren’t signed at the kick-off meeting, coordinate times
to meet with members to obtain their signatures.
Once the signed forms are in the Graduate Admissions office,
check status after 2 weeks. Keep checking status until approved.
Inform Supervisory Committee upon acceptance into the
program.
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Summary of Acceptance Process





Acceptance
Use course outline in PhD SE Program Preliminary Proposal as
a basis for the degree plan
Goal is to apply all completed graduate credit hours towards PhD
 Use Course Equivalence Matrix to justify
The Supervisory Committee must be assembled before student
is admitted into the Applied Science Program
Host a kick-off meeting for the committee to approve degree plan
and endorse preliminary research proposal
 Plan for the Preliminary Counseling Exam to be administered at
this initial meeting with the committee
Successfully complete the 7 Steps to help you with acceptance
into the Applied Science program to begin study toward a PhD
degree with a major in Systems Engineering.
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Steps to Completion
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
7 Steps to Completion
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Completion
Total Academic Credit: ≥ 78 TCHs Past Bachelor Degree
a)
Advanced Coursework: ≥ 54 TCHs Past Bachelor Degree
b)
Dissertation: ≥ 24 TCHs
Qualifying Examination (QE): After completing some
coursework in areas of Major & Minor
Admission to Candidacy: After Passing QE
Dissertation: Includes a Publication Plan
Time Limitations: ≤ 5 Years after QE Passed
Administrative: Key items & timeline for graduation
Final Examination:
a)
≥ 1 Year after QE Passed
b)
Dissertation Submitted
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Introduction to 7 Completion Steps

The steps identified in this section are selected from
the 2007 - 2009 SMU School of Engineering
Graduate Catalog and information from the EMIS
website.


Completion
SMU Degree Requirements:
http://smu.edu/catalogs/graduate/engr/phddegree.asp
This completion guide serves to summarize those
requirements and provide insight based of lessons
learned from experiencing the process.
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 1: Total Academic Credit
http://smu.edu/catalogs/graduate/engr/phddegree.asp

Minimum academic credit of 54 term hours earned in course work beyond
the baccalaureate - OR  24 term hours earned in course work beyond a Master's degree
 As a general guideline, at least 12 term credit hours are required for the
minor, which should be in an area providing breadth as well as support
to the major field of investigation.

24 term hours earned in dissertation work.

See note in “Total Academic Credit” section of the Degree Requirements website
for applicability of credit hours

Supervisory committee determines exact amount of course credit required
 Approval of the department chair and the Associate Dean.

While actively working of dissertation, the student must be enrolled in
dissertation study each term until completion of all requirements for the
Ph.D. degree.

If 24 TCH have been completed prior to completing the dissertation, the student
must enroll in a zero credit hour dissertation course (EMIS 8096).
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 1: Total Academic Credit
Coursework Beyond Bachelors Degree (54 CHs)
Course
Course
(circa ’95-’98)
Equiv: 2005
Course Title
Sem/Yr
Professor
Example
Maj
Min
1
SYS 5301
EMIS 7301
Systems Engineering Process
F / 95
Arunski
X
2
SYS 5307
EMIS 7307
Systems Integration And Test
SP / 96
Lacy
X
3
ME 5352
ME 7352
Modern Manufacturing Methods
S / 96
Pipinich
X
4
SYS 5303
EMIS 7303
Integrated Risk Management
F / 96
Dean
X
5
SYS 5305
EMIS 7305
Systems Optimization And Analysis
SP / 97
Stracener
X
6
CSE 5311
CSE 5311
Fundamentals of Computer Science
S / 97
Diaz
X
7
CSE 5312
EMIS 7312
Software Systems Engineering
F / 97
Coyle
X
8
ME 6352
ME 7366
Manufacturing In A Global Era
F / 97
McMahon
X
9
CSE 6363
EMIS 8363
Engineering Finance
SP / 98
Pickels
X
10
ME 6359
ME 7369
Managing Technology
SP / 98
Witzke
X
11
EMIS 7320
Systems Engineering Management
F / 04
Daley
X
12
EMIS 7340
Logistics Systems Engineering
F / 04
Ibarra
X
13
EMIS 8360
Operations Research Models
SP / 05
Kennington
X
14
EMIS 7310
Systems Engineering Design
S / 05
Hinderer
X
15
ENCE 8379
Analysis of Transportation Systems
F / 05
Abdelghany
X
16
EMIS 8374
Network Flows
SP / 06
Olinick
X
17
EMIS 7330
Systems Reliability Engineering
S / 06
Cluff
X
18
EMIS 7362
Production and Operations Management
F / 06
Barr
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
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X
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 1: Total Academic Credit
Dissertation Credit Hours Completed (24 CHs)
Course
Course Title
Sem/Yr
CH
1
ENCE 8396
Dissertation Semester 1
S / 05
3
2
ENCE 8396
Dissertation Semester 2
F / 05
3
3
ENCE 8396
Dissertation Semester 3
SP / 06
3
4
ENCE 8396
Dissertation Semester 4
S / 06
3
5
ENCE 8396
Dissertation Semester 5
F / 06
3
6
ENCE 8696
Dissertation Semester 6
SP / 07
6
7
ENCE 8396
Dissertation Semester 7
S / 07
3
8
ENCE 8096
Dissertation Semester 8
F / 07
0
Dissertation Credit Hours
24
Coursework Beyond Bachelors Degree
54
Total Credit Hours
78
•The course number reflects the department of the Dissertation Chairman.
- In this example, the dissertation is being supervised from the ENCE department.
• Dissertation credit hours align with level of effort applied to research
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 1: Total Academic Credit
54 Coursework + 24 Dissertation = 78 TCHs

Coursework should be the foundation for research in
systems engineering





Important: The SMU residence requirement is 30 term
hours of graduate credit at SMU, normally the last 30.
Focus courses on major and minor areas of study
Show that courses support research towards
dissertation topic
Coursework and dissertation credit hours can be
taken concurrently
Manage the dissertation credits hours to complete in
same semester as oral exam
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Step 2: Qualifying Examination
Completion
Process




These examinations must be taken after the student has
completed some of the advanced course work in the major and
minor fields of investigation.
This examination process is conducted by the supervisory
committee with the aid of faculty members drawn from the major
and minor areas of concentration and consists of both written
and oral parts.
As part of the oral examination, the student will be required to
discuss the proposed dissertation topic.
Successful performance on the examination results in a
recommendation that the student be admitted to candidacy for
the Ph.D. degree.
Qualifying Exam Passed Starts the Clock to Completion
Requirement: ≤ 5 Years
Objective: ~ 3 Years
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 3: Admission to Candidacy

Approval Based on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
passing the qualifying examination,
the academic record of the student as attested by a
G.P.A. of 3.00 or better (4.00 = A),
selection of a tentative title for the dissertation, and
the student's overall fitness as judged by the
supervisory committee.
• Successful Completion and Passing of the QE Leads to Admission to
Candidacy
• Requires a Completed & Signed Admission to Candidacy Form
 Have form filled out and ready to sign at QE meeting
Link to Form: http://lyle.smu.edu/emis/resources/forms/PhdDE-AdmissionToCandidacy.pdf
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 4: Dissertation Requirement
Link to Dissertation Info: http://lyle.smu.edu/students/graduate_enrollment_thesis.html

The dissertation format must follow the Guidelines for Preparation of Theses
and Dissertations.







Link to Dissertation Formatting Guide: http://lyle.smu.edu/students/documents/ThesisDissertation%20guide%20rev%203-2008.pdf
The dissertation must make a real and novel contribution to the engineering or
applied science discipline, and it is expected to be a mature and competent
piece of writing.
The work it reports may be basic scientific research, engineering research, or
creative design.
The progress of the student toward the Ph.D. degree is monitored closely by the
dissertation adviser and the supervisory committee, with an annual report to the
department chair.
Upon successful completion of the dissertation defense, the dissertation director
must sign the abstract original, and all faculty members attending the final
examination must sign the original half-title page of the dissertation.
Approval and Final Submission: Follow the instructions in Chapter 4 of the
Thesis & Dissertation Formatting Guide at link above.
Submitting Dissertation: http://dissertations2.umi.com/smu/
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
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SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 4: Dissertation Requirement
Publication Plan


Each student is expected also to submit articles for publication in reputable journals and
conferences appropriate to the field of research.
Examples of scholarly journals include:

Systems Engineering: The Journal of International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)








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http://www.incose.org/ProductsPubs/periodicals/journalofsystems.aspx
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Systems Journal
Journal of Systems Science and Systems Engineering (JSSSE)
The Systems Research Forum
International Journal of System of Systems Engineering (IJSSE)
Journal of Engineering Education
IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics
International Journal of Product Development
Knowledge and Process Management
International Journal of System of Business and Systems Research (IJBSR)
Project Management Journal
Research in Engineering Design
IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management
Journal of Engineering Design
Concurrent Engineering: Research and Applications
Complex Systems
Computers and Industrial Engineering
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
33
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 5: Time Limitations


All requirements for the Ph.D. degree must be satisfied within
five years after the date the qualifying examination is passed.
For a part time student currently a working professional, the
goal for completion should be 3 to 4 years.


One course per semester for the first 2 or 3 semesters
Then add 3 dissertation credit hours for a total of 6 per semester
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
Advanced Coursework
Backup
Plan
Dissertation
Publish
Qualifying Exam
Sem:
Cum:
3
3
3
6
6
12
6
18
Dissertation Defense
6
24
6
30
6
38
6
42
6
48
Assumes Start with 30 CH Masters Degree
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
34
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Step 6: Administrative Steps
Completion
SMU Requirements to Graduate

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Total Academic Credit: ≥ 78 Credit Hours Past Bachelor
Residence Requirement: ≥ 30 Credit Hours at SMU
Time Limitations: ≤ 5 Years
Supervisory Committee: Appointed
Preliminary Counseling Examination: Passed
Course Requirements: Typically 42 Major, 12 Minor
Qualifying Examination: Passed
PhD Candidacy: Admitted
Papers Submitted for Publication
Dissertation: Submitted
Final Examination: Passed
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
35
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 6: Administrative Steps
SEAS Specific Requirements
Application for Candidacy to Graduate (ACG):


http://www.smu.edu/registrar/ACG/DG8150D.pdf
Degree Plan:


http://engr.smu.edu/emis/resources/forms/0203-PhdOR-DegreePlan.pdf
Thesis/Praxis/Dissertation Release Form:


http://lyle.smu.edu/emis/resources/forms/PhdDE-ReportOnDissertation.pdf
Copy of abstract signed by advisor
Copy of half title page with signatures of committee members
Certification of Fees (Form A) with receipt from cashiers office
Survey of Earned Doctorates form completed:

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http://www.norc.org/issues/docdata.htm
Complete in Final Semester
Contact: Jim Dees, Engineering Graduate Office
Email: jdees@lyle.smu.edu
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
Phone: 214-768-1456
36
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Step 6: Administrative Steps
Dissertation Submittal & Final Exam
Plan A: August 2009
(have a backup plan)
Plan B: December 2009
2009 DEGREE DEADLINES
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
File Application For Candidacy 6/5
S
O
N
D
8/29
Initial
First Dissertation Check
7/6
Second Dissertation Check
7/13
10/12
1st
11/16
11/30
Last Day For Oral Exam
8/4
Final Dissertation Submission
8/4
Degrees Conferred
8/4
12/7
12/9
12/19
Begin Final Administrative Steps at Beginning of Final Semester
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
37
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Step 7: Final Examination


Upon completion of all other requirements, a final examination of the candidate
will be announced, registered with the Graduate Division, and subsequently
conducted by the supervisory committee.
The candidate provides a copy of the dissertation to the Graduate Division for
distribution to the members of the supervisory committee at least three weeks
prior to scheduling of the final examination.




An electronic copy of the presentation material (PowerPoint Charts) should be provided
to the committee 2 weeks prior to the final exam.
This examination, which is conducted orally with the aid of presentation material,
must enable the committee to satisfy itself that the dissertation is an original
piece of work, either in research or creative design;


Completion
that it has been carried out in keeping with the highest standards of investigation and
reporting;
and that it makes a contribution to knowledge that is of value to the engineering
profession or scientific community.
Satisfactory performance on this examination is the last requirement to be met
for the Ph.D. degree.
The degree may be awarded at the end of the term in which the final
examination is passed, but the prospective candidate should note that at least
one academic year must elapse between the passing of the qualifying
examination and the conferring of the degree.
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
38
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Completion
Summary
Establish Milestones & Track Progress

From initial application through graduation, continuously
monitor progress to plan, check gates and adjust as needed.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A
Advanced Coursework
Dissertation
Application
Publish
Acceptance
Dissertation Defense
Qualifying Exam
Preliminary Counseling Exam
Accepted Into Program
Submit Proposal to Committee
Begin Final Admin Steps
Admin
Degree Conferred
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
39
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program
Congratulations!
SMU_SEP_DT_PhD_Jan.2009
SMU – EMIS
System Engineering Program