Graduate Student Services

As a graduate student in the VCU College of Engineering, you will become part of the new frontier in engineering through the discovery and acquisition of new knowledge. As a student in our graduate programs, you will be challenged to new levels of independence, initiative, resourcefulness and collaboration. The VCU College of Engineering has state-of-the-art facilities and faculty members with international reputations. These assets translate into amazing research opportunities for emerging scholars and superior preparation for the next generation of research, industry and higher education leaders.

Before admission to candidacy for the doctorate, students must have:

  • Completed required coursework
  • Successfully completed the comprehensive examinations
  • Fulfilled all additional departmental requirements

After reaching candidacy, doctoral students become eligible to enroll in the ENGR 701 (9 credits) section under their advisor during Fall and Spring semesters.

Advising

In order to complete the requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the College of Engineering, students must design and implement an original research project. The progress of this project is guided by a faculty adviser and monitored by an advisory committee.

Students receive guidance and counsel on their research project from the graduate program director before the permanent adviser is appointed. The permanent adviser holds primary responsibility for directing the development of the student in the program and providing the appropriate guidance and counsel.

An advisory committee is appointed shortly after the permanent adviser is chosen. The advisory committee serves as both an examining and consultative body. Committee members hold a special responsibility as a source of counsel for the student. For details, students should contact either the graduate program director or the program chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

New students

Continuing students