Please be aware of the Whiting School of Engineering policies related to PhD students. If you matriculated prior to 2020, please see the policies here.

PhD student requirements for the department include:

All courses must be completed with a grade of B or better. All courses must be at the 600- or 700- level and be approved by the student’s advisor.*

**For additional information, please click on the linked terms or refer to the full PhD Policies and Procedures.**

Requirement Details & Expectations

Below is a detailed outline of the coursework and other requirements needed to complete your PhD degree.

Fall Intersession Spring Summer
Arrival prior to start of classes

Selection of first semester courses (typically 4) with Director of Graduate Studies or research advisor

Language/communication testing and placement for International Students

Responsible Conduct of Research short course (AS.360.625)

Academic Ethics short course (EN.500.603)

First semester coursework and research

 Intersession research

Annual review completed by January 31

 Second semester coursework and research

Department Qualifying Exam (DQE) (completed in May/June)

 Research

Note: Teaching assistant duties may also be assigned during one or more semesters.

Fall Intersession Spring Summer
Research

Coursework (typically finishing up this semester)

PhD Thesis Committee Meeting encouraged

 Research

Annual Review completed by January 31

 Research

Coursework (if necessary)

 Research

Note: Teaching assistant duties may also be assigned during one or more semesters.

  • Research (year-round)
  • PhD Thesis Committee Meeting encouraged
  • Annual review completed by January 31

Note: Teaching assistant duties may also be assigned during one or more semesters.

  • Research (year-round)
  • PhD Thesis Committee Meeting encouraged every year
  • Annual review completed by January 31

Note: Teaching assistant duties may also be assigned during one or more semesters.

Note: Teaching assistant duties may also be assigned during one or more semesters.

PhD Mentoring

PhD Mentoring Policies and Resources

JHU Mentorship Commitments of Faculty Advisors and PhD Students outlines mentoring expectations of faculty advisors and of PhD students in support of the mission of excellence in PhD education at Johns Hopkins.

If you have questions or concerns related to your faculty advisor, please contact Thomas Gernay, Director of Graduate Studies, at [email protected].

Language/Communication

All PhD students who do not have a prior degree from an English-speaking university are encouraged to take an English Language Assessment. Students are expected to have a strong comprehension of the English language. For students whose first language is not English, resources are available through the Center for Leadership Education and the Center for Language Education.