Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering

• Collaborate with researchers and lead research teams from diverse backgrounds 
• Enroll in courses like Research Design and Professional Practice to develop new ideas and establish innovative enterprises 
• Accept a broad range of academically qualified students who previously pursued either further education out of state or other career opportunities to meet the growing market needs for the engineering workforce in Georgia
• Interdisciplinary thematic degree: The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the six departments within the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Students will conduct dissertation research in one of three research focus and seed areas, which rely on faculty resources throughout the college. Our coursework also uniquely transcends the boundaries of traditional engineering disciplines, creating an educational experience that serves as a strong foundation for exciting, rewarding research and development careers in industry, government, and academia.
• Industry-focused program: The innovative curriculum offered under the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering includes two courses that equip the doctoral students with the personal and professional skills needed to launch a successful career path in industry or entrepreneurship, while still having value in academia. The courses also include topics for relevant career paths including engineering education, grant writing, self-awareness and personal SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis.
• Defined timeline for graduation: The structure and course sequence of the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering were designed to provide a specific timeline for completion. This Ph.D. degree clearly manages pathways to graduation from either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a maximum of four (4) or three (3) years, respectively, pending satisfactory progress on the dissertation research.
• Externally funded through grants and contracts: Students enrolled in the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program conduct meaningful research with societal impact in engineering innovation and technology. Most projects are externally funded through federal grants and contracts and provide most admitted eligible students with a Graduate Research Assistantship consisting of a stipend and a tuition waiver. 

Selecting the right engineering Ph.D. program is pivotal to your success as an engineer. Here’s why you should choose the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering at Kennesaw State University.

With our program, you’ll learn to: 

• Synthesize and develop advanced engineering knowledge from multiple disciplines 
• Conduct independent research in unexplored engineering fields
• Become an engineering entrepreneur who can commercialize new ideas and establish innovation-driven enterprises 
• Focus on research themes, including intelligent robotics and smart infrastructure, in your engineering program
• Become uniquely equipped as an industry leader and technology innovator who can lead interdisciplinary engineering research projects 
• Explore topics essential for all engineering career paths, including engineering education, grant writing, self-awareness, personal SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis, and entrepreneurship 
• Develop professional competencies in ethics, pedagogy, proposal writing, patenting, research team organization, and entrepreneurship 
• Collaborate with teams of engineers, experienced faculty, and work independently to produce solutions to trending topics in technological research innovation 
• Construct leading research with relevance that creates and refines skills with real-world applications amongst other engineering programs 

Applicants must have the following qualifications to be eligible for the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program: 

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, or a related degree (e.g., physics, mathematics, computer science) from an accredited college or university 
• A minimum undergraduate degree grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. The average undergraduate and graduate GPAs of students accepted into the program are 3.3 and 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, respectively.
• Successful completion of Calculus I and Calculus II and at least one higher-level mathematics course (e.g., Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics) 
   

Preference in admission will be given to applicants having relevant engineering or project management experience after earning a Bachelor of Science degree or a Professional Engineering license. 

Admission is based on several factors, including academic performance at prior institutions (GPA(s)), a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required but are considered when submitted. Applicants' undergraduate and graduate records and recommendation letters will be given more consideration. Preference for admission will be given to applicants having relevant engineering or project management experience after earning a B.S. degree or a Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Students must apply through the Online Graduate Application portal. Transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope or electronically directly to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu  

• Official transcripts from each college and/or university attended. Must be in a sealed envelope from the institution or sent electronically from the institution directly to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu 
• A one-to-two-page Statement of Purpose describing career and educational goals, recent accomplishments and activities, research interest, and the targeted program focus area.
• English proficiency test requirements (International students only): Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (exemption of the TOEFL or IELTS test is determined by the College of Graduate and Professional Education. In addition, please visit GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL for more information. 
• A resume or CV documenting: 
  • relevant engineering or project management experience (preferably research-focused) and  
  • a Bachelor of Science degree or Professional Engineering license will help with acceptance. 
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts; at least two (2) recommendation letters must be from an academic contact. 
• The GRE is optional and not required for admission into this engineering program, however applicants can supplement their application with an official copy of their GRE general test results. High quantitative scores will strengthen the application. 
• There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.