(a) Engineering Analysis (MAE 507)
For each topic, the associated MAE course covering the topic is also provided. While not required, it
is suggested that students register and successfully complete the associated courses before sitting for the
Qualifying Examination.
At the beginning of the Spring semester, each student taking the the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam must declare
three (3) topics for the written examination and one area for the oral examination. No more than two (2)
topics from a single area can be taken for the written examination. Students are also not allowed to select
Mathematics as an area for the oral examination. Once declared, the student’s PhD advisor will be notified
of the selection for final approval. If the student does not have an advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies
will review the student’s choice.
The written examination will consist of three, 1.5-hour sessions in each of the three declared topics. The
oral examination will be held after the written examination and may be on any topic in the selected area.
Following the completion of both the written and oral components of the Qualifying Examination, the
Graduate Studies Committee, in consultation with the student’s Ph.D. advisor, will reach a decision as to
whether the student has passed or failed. Candidates who fail twice will be dismissed from the program.
At the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee and in consultation with the student’s Ph.D advisor,
additional work, including but not limited to additional written examinations, oral examinations, or class
work, may be required for passage of the Qualifying Examination.
3.6 Ph.D. Dissertation Committee
Within 12 months of successful completion of the MAE Ph.D. Qualifying Examination a Ph.D. Program
Committee is formed. This committee must consist of at least three MAE members who hold Full Graduate
School membership plus one outside reader. The chair of this Ph.D. committee, who must be a member of
MAE and hold a Full Graduate School appointment, is the primary advisor of the student. Non-MAE UB
Faculty can serve as co-chairs, as long as three Ph.D. committee members are MAE faculty who hold Full
Graduate School appointments. The Ph.D. committee may consist of additional members. If the additional
member is affiliated with UB, they must hold either an Associate or Full Graduate School appointment.
Additional members outside of UB require the approval of the MAE Director of Graduate Studies.
The outside reader, who can not hold an appointment in MAE, is selected by the student and their
advisor/s, and could consist of non-MAE UB faculty who hold a Full Graduate School appointment, a
tenured or tenure-track position at another university, or hold a Ph.D. degree and work in an industrial
setting.
A waiver for these requirements may be requested from the MAE Director of Graduate Studies, and any
changes in the Ph.D. program committee after the initial selection must be approved by the Ph.D. Program
Committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.
3.6.1 Ph.D. Dissertation Committee Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Ph.D. Program Committee to provide guidance to the candidate. The selection of
the Ph.D. Program Committee members is primarily the responsibility of the candidate and their dissertation
advisor/s. All Ph.D. Program Committee members are required attend the Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal
Defense, Sec. 3.7, review the Annual Evaluation, Sec. 3.8, read and approve of the Dissertation, Sec. 3.11,
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