Clean Energy Systems, PhD

Required Core

Restricted Electives

Foundations

Electives and Additional Research

Research

Culminating Experience

Additional Curriculum Information

Restricted elective coursework must be approved by the research faculty supervisor and include one course from subjects ALT, EGR, EEE, RAS, MAE or CEE in the areas of energy conversion and storage, solar photovoltaics, power electronics or electric and autonomous vehicles. Approved EGR 598 Special Topics options for the restricted electives requirement are Alternative Energy and Power Electronics for Transportation Electrification. Elective coursework should be based on the doctoral student's research area. These courses must be chosen in consultation with the research faculty supervisor and should be designed to develop a depth of expertise in the research area of interest. Foundation coursework should be selected in consultation with the program advisor. The approved topics for EGR 598 include Alternative Energy, Energy Efficiency of Connected and Automated Vehicles, Microgrid Design and Operations, and Power Electronics for Transportation Electrification. The plan of study can include up to 24 credit hours of research. Students with research hours in excess of 12 add these credit hours to the electives and additional research section of their plan of study. When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used toward the electives and additional research requirement for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, this coursework is made up of electives to reach the required 84 credit hours. Students require an override to enroll in EGR 799 and must have successfully completed the comprehensive exam before enrollment in EGR 799 Dissertation credit hours. Consideration can be made for EGR 799 enrollment for students planning to complete the comprehensive examination in that term with faculty supervisor approval. Submission of a written dissertation prospectus and its oral defense are required. It is expected that the submission of a written dissertation prospectus and its oral defense will take place no later than the end of the fourth year. All students enrolled in the PhD in Clean Energy Systems must complete a supervised practical training experience that allows them to apply specific knowledge, research methods, and/or professional competencies in a professional setting. This experience is an integral component of the dissertation curriculum, and successful completion is required to satisfy the dissertation requirements and earn the degree.