The Degree of Doctor of Philosphy

The Informal Requirements:

A much higher level of achievement is expected of a Ph.D. candidate than of a M.S. candidate. A person who earns a Ph.D. is an expert in the field, ready to carry out independent research at the highest level. Fulfilling the course and research requirements do not make one an expert in the field. The successful Ph.D. candidate must be knowledgeable about many areas and must develop many types of skills during the training process. These skills, expected of a successful applicant in the academic or industrial job market, will be developed with the help of the Ph.D. advisor and the department. The successful Ph.D. candidate will become increasingly independent and professional as mastery of these skills is obtained.

One must become an expert in the pertinent scientific literature. This means knowing everything that has been done directly related to one's own work, as well as being able to put one's own research into perspective. The skills for attaining these goals are knowledge of scientific literature database searching, discussion of scientific papers with colleagues (perhaps through a research group journal club), and attendance at departmental and other seminars. Since scientific research is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, one should also read papers outside one's specialty so as to be able to interact meaningfully with others.

Clarity of communication is the basis of the transfer of knowledge between individuals. One should develop expertise in written and oral communication. Students for whom English is not the native language should take advantage of the various ESL courses offered on campus. Oral communication skills are developed and refined through teaching, and through making presentations within the research group, to the candidate's thesis committee, and at scientific meetings. Written communication skills are developed by writing abstracts for research presentations for scientific meetings, papers for publication, and the thesis. Writing well takes time and becomes easier with practice.

In any workplace interpersonal skills are instrumental for success. Every potential employer will ask the Ph.D. advisor whether the candidate works well in a group. In industry, teamwork is even more essential than in academe. Within each research group, the candidate will experience opportunities for interacting with senior researchers, peers, and junior research assistants. Knowledge should flow freely among group members. Each candidate should be a supportive and interactive member of the research team.

Networking. Professional contacts are important and can be developed through meeting peers and senior colleagues at scientific meetings or nearby universities or even in other departments on campus. Talk to your advisor about your professional goals in order to get advice on who to contact and how to go about developing contacts.

Research integrity is a most important aspect of your scientific training. The National Academy of Sciences publication "On Being a Scientist" which is available on the web, has much information on carrying out research in an ethical manner.

Return to Program Requirements