Please be aware of the Whiting School of Engineering policies related to PhD students.
PhD student requirements for the department include:
- 8 Courses*
- Two years/four semesters of graduate seminar courses (Fall semester – EN.560.691, Spring semester – EN.560.692)
- Department Qualifying Examination (DQE)
- Responsible Conduct of Research short course (AS.360.625)
- Academic Ethics short course (EN.500.603)
- Final PhD Thesis Defense and Graduate Board Oral Examination (GBO)
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.
Typical Timeline for PhD Students
**For additional information, please click on the highlighted terms or refer to the full PhD Requirements Timeline Explanation. **
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 |
Department Qualifying Exam (DQE) (completed in May/June)
Second semester coursework and research |
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]