Technology, PHD

About the Program

Students can conduct cutting edge research and teach at leading universities around the world with a Ph.D. in Technology from the Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University.

Advanced technologies are redefining every facet of business and industry in a highly competitive, global environment. This doctoral program addresses those needs by developing students’ skills in advanced interdisciplinary skills in research, as well as in product, service, and process creation management for work in technology-dependent enterprises. The faculty recognizes a genuine responsibility to prepare future scholar-practitioners for public (education, government, and non-for profit research organizations) and private sector environments. The Ph.D. in Technology Program represents the Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s most advanced manifestation of this commitment. 

Coursework draws from multiple departments at the frontier of research in a wide array of advanced technologies. Whether students seek a future as an academic scholar or an advanced leader or researcher in the public and private sectors, this degree provides an ideal pathway to a career. A Ph.D. is a clear symbol of capabilities in research and scholarship, deep knowledge of a discipline, and proficiency in analytical and communication skills.

Program Website

Program Requirements

90 Credits Required

(30 credits from a Master’s may be applied.)

Concentrations

Departmental concentrations:

• Artificial Intelligence in Computational Media Concentration for Technology, PHD 
• Independent Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
• Organizational Leadership Concentration (GR)
• UX Design

Interdisciplinary concentrations:

• Computational Science and Engineering Concentration (GR)  
• Interdisciplinary Ecological Sciences and Engineering Concentration (GR)  
• Information Security, PHD  
• Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science (PULSe), MS or PHD 
  • Microbiology
• Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Concentration (GR)  

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Envision, plan, and conduct research and development activities.
• Identify, comprehend, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize research.
• Evaluate technologies and technology-related programs.
• Assess individual performance with, and understanding of, technology.
• Communicate effectively and employ constructive professional and interpersonal skills.
• Function in one or more of the technology disciplines.

GPA Requirements

Students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 /4.00 with no grade less than “B” and earn grades of “Satisfactory” in core courses and dissertation research credit hours. If a student has a semester GPA less than 2.75/4.00 or a cumulative GPA less than 3.00/4.00, a letter will be drafted by the department head to the student, with a copy to the major professor, to the Graduate School, and to the student’s file, indicating the last semester was determined unsatisfactory and that they are being placed on probation.

Undergraduate courses used must be in excess of baccalaureate degree requirements and not already included in M.S. courses being counted toward the Ph.D. Graduate School policy stipulates that 100- and 200-level courses may not appear on a plan of study and that no more than six (6) semester hours of 300- and 400-level courses may be applied to graduate work and a grade of “B” or better (course grade at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) is required. A maximum of twelve (12) hours of TECH 59000 or 69000 - Independent Study may be included on the plan of study.

Additional Information

Qualifying Examination: To demonstrate to the faculty that a student is qualified to continue in the Ph.D. program in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, the student is required to take and pass written qualifying examinations. These qualifying examinations are offered once each semester (except summer) at approximately mid semester. The student must take the qualifying examination after the second semester of enrollment in the Ph.D. program.

Preliminary Oral Examination: Following the completion of the coursework for the Ph.D., students are expected to pass a preliminary oral examination. The examination includes both a written and oral
component. The exam covers all the coursework the student has undertaken as a Ph.D. student. The preliminary oral examination requires the physical presence of all three graduate committee members.

Final Examination: A Final Examination is required after the student’s Ph.D. research is completed and a satisfactory dissertation, as deemed by the Ph.D. advisor or co-advisors, is written. The purpose of this examination is to assess the Ph.D. candidate’s capability to demonstrate advanced mastery of research as well as the specific topic investigated.

Graduate Programs Disclaimer

• The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
• Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary. 
• Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
• Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
• Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.