kansas state online phd programs

Student Affairs in Higher Education Doctorate (Ph.D.)

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Gain the professional skills needed to contribute to the knowledge base of higher education and leadership through a thorough grounding in research.

The student affairs in higher education doctorate is designed for educators, administrators, direct service providers and leaders who seek to enhance their knowledge and professional skills to assume positions in institutions of higher education or in education-related agencies. The program emphasizes professional practice in higher education guided and informed by theory and research.

*This estimate includes online tuition and College of Education fees and is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ depending on your transfer hours, course choices and your academic progress.  See more  about tuition and financial aid.

**Master's coursework will apply towards the credit hour requirement

New Tuition and Fees Structure for 2021-22 Academic Year To better assist students with understanding the cost of attendance, K-State has simplified the tuition and fees structure for students enrolled in online programs.

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Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet the general university admission requirements.

Additional Documentation Your application must include the following:

• Official transcripts: You must upload into the online application system a scanned copy (PDF preferred) of the official transcript(s) from each college or university where you received your bachelor's degree(s) and completed any post-baccalaureate coursework or degrees. Printouts from university student portals are not considered a copy of your official transcript. If admitted, you will be required to submit an official transcript for GPA and degree conferral verification from the institution(s) where you received your degree(s) and completed any post-baccalaureate credits. If your transcripts are not in English, you must furnish a translation by an appropriate authority. Failure to list any colleges or universities attended may result in dismissal from the university.
• Career and professional goals and aspirations, and how being accepted to the program will benefit the goals and aspirations
• Evidence of commitment to the student affairs profession
• Competencies and experiences related to the program (e.g., student affairs experience, interpersonal skills, teaching skills, program development experience)
• Evidence of motivation, leadership and strong work ethic
• Knowledge, competencies and experience related to research
• Research interests
• Evidence of experience with diversity and, if applicable, fluency in languages other than English
• Professional experiences that support application
• Overview of the issue you’ve chosen to explore
• Presentation of the current state of knowledge in the literature related to the issue (citing sources as appropriate)
• Conclusion with a possible interpretation of the critical issue from at least two different perspectives, including a first stab at the potential for future research on the topic. How could you further study this issue?
• The essay should be uploaded as a Microsoft Word document or PDF file, double-spaced, formatted in APA (7th ed.) style, and include a minimum of five scholarly (peer-reviewed) sources. The essay will be assessed according to the following elements: overview of the issue, incorporation of existing literature, interpretation of the critical issue, articulation of future research ideas and overall coherence and readability.
• Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are needed from college or university educators and/or colleagues or supervisors who are qualified to address your professional skills and your potential for success in the graduate program. Enter the names and email addresses of the recommenders into the appropriate area in the online application.
• Professional Resume or Vita: You must upload into the online application system a professional resume or vita that includes previous academic degrees, past and present employment, professional activities and roles, and other pertinent information.
• Interview: An interview with faculty members in this program may be requested before an admission decision is made (e.g., phone, video conference, on campus).
• English language proficiency: To demonstrate competence in the English language, an official report of scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System - academic exam (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE) must be sent to Kansas State University for all applicants whose primary language is not English. Enter your scores in the online application and upload the report of your scores. Learn more about English proficiency requirements on the K-State Graduate School International Student Admissions web page.

The student affairs in higher education doctorate is designed for educators, administrators, direct service providers and leaders who seek to enhance their knowledge and professional skills to assume positions in institutions of higher education or in education-related agencies.

This program requires a minimum of 90 post-baccalaureate, graduate credit hours. With the approval of the supervisory committee, up to 30 graduate hours earned as part of the master’s degree may be used to satisfy the degree requirements.

A designated core of 6 hours of graduate credit, typically a part of the master’s degree in student affairs, is required. These courses may be part of a master’s degree or must be completed in addition to the doctoral coursework. These courses include the following:

• EDCEP 816 - Research Methods in Education (3 credits)

EDCEP 851 – Multicultural Aspects of Academic Advising (3 credits)

• EDCEP 851 - Multicultural Aspects of Academic Advising (3 credits)

Professional Courses (18 credits)

• EDCEP 923 - Higher Education Law (3 credits)
• EDCEP 925 - Higher Education Finance (3 credits)
• EDCEP 926 - Enrollment Management in Higher Education (3 credits)
• EDCEP 927 - Higher Education Administration (3 credits)
• EDCEP 948 - Advanced Student Development Theory (3 credits)
• EDLEA 828 - Scholarly Orientation to Graduate Studies (3 credits)

Outside Area/Specialization (9 credits) This specialization is developed in consultation with the major professor and must be approved by the student’s supervisory committee.

Research Courses (15 credits)

• EDLEA 838 - Qualitative Research in Education (3 credits)
• EDLEA 938 - Advanced Data Analysis in Qualitative Methods (3 credits)
• EDCEP 817 - Statistical Methods in Education (3 credits)
• EDCEP 917 - Experimental Design in Educational Research (3 credits)
• A quantitative or qualitative course approved by program committee (3 credits)

Dissertation Research (18 credits)

• EDCEP 999 - Doctoral Research

Related Programs

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Curriculum and Instruction Doctorate (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for advanced students who seek a focus on educational research and scholarship in local, national, or international settings. Through their research specialization, graduates contribute their expertise as faculty in careers in higher education, positions in research organizations, or other settings that require educational research.

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Program Booklet (PDF)

See the Cashiers and Student Accounts website for tuition and fee schedules .

See the College of Education Graduate Assistantships page for detailed information and application procedures about graduate assistantships available in the College of Education.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction requires a minimum of 90 post-baccalaureate, graduate credit hours. With the approval of the supervisory committee, up to 30 graduate hours earned as part of the Master’s degree may be used to satisfy the degree requirements. Please see the Graduate Catalog description.

Area of Emphasis (54 hours)

• EDCI 907 – Curriculum Theory (This course is offered in the fall of odd years.)
• Or a theory course in the content field (e.g., EDCI 818 – Theoretical Models of Reading)
• Or a theory course approved by the advisor
• A minimum of 12 credit hours of the post-master’s credits on the Ph.D. Program of Study must designate the EDCI prefix at the 800 or 900 course level. Research credits (EDCI 999) and internship credits (EDCI 991) may not be applied to the 12 credit hour minimum.
• EDCI 991 internship credits may not be applied to the PhD Program of Study.

Foundations of Education (3 credit hours)

• EDCI 812 – History of Education
• EDCI 813 – Comparative Philosophies of Education

Research Courses (15 credit hours)

Programs of Study must include quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Possible courses include:

• EDCI 912 – Historical Research in Education (offered alternate even years in the Fall)
• EDCEP 817 – Statistical Methods in Education
• EDCEP 819 – Survey Research
• EDCEP 917 – Experimental Design in Educational Research
• EDLEA 838 – Qualitative Research in Education
• EDLEA 938 – Advanced Data Analysis in Qualitative Methods
• EDLEA 948 – Data Representation and Writing in Qualitative Research
• Note: EDCEP 816 – Research Methods or its equivalent is considered a prerequisite for the 15 hours of research in the PhD program. Also, EDCI 760 – Action Research in Education cannot be included in the 15-hour research course requirement.

Doctoral Research (18 credit hours minimum; no more than 30 hours)

• EDCI 999 – Research in Curriculum and Instruction

Preliminary examination

Satisfactory completion of all segments of an examination over all areas of the program of study.

Dissertation research (18 credit hours minimum; no more than 30 credit hours)

Completion of a dissertation which examines a topic congruent with the program of study using a systematic methodology consistent with accepted research paradigms; the dissertation must be successfully defended in a public, oral defense.

Nondegree Status

In some cases, a student may wish to take a course(s) prior to being admitted in a degree program. In these cases, a person must be admitted as a nondegree student (sometimes referred to as special students). No more than nine credit hours earned as a special student may be applied toward an advanced degree. However, successful completion of any hours taken as a nondegree seeking student does not guarantee admission into the program. Nondegree students are not eligible for financial assistance. A faculty advisor is not assigned to nondegree students.

Advisor and Supervisory Committee

Once admitted to the program by the Graduate School, an advisor is assigned. The advisor assists the student in selecting the courses to be taken in the doctoral degree. The Program of Study with the list of courses is submitted to the Graduate School upon completion of nine hours (part-time students) or during the second semester (full-time students). The student’s program is directed by a minimum of four members of the graduate faculty, including a major professor with substantial expertise in the area of emphasis, two other faculty members with strengths in the area of emphasis, and one faculty member outside the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Individualized Program

Each student’s program of study is individualized with the approval of the major professor and the supervisory committee to optimize the student’s interests, expertise, and professional goals.

Doctoral Areas of Emphasis and Faculty

Nine doctoral areas of emphasis are available. The list includes faculty members who can serve as advisors for doctoral students and serve as members of doctoral supervisory committees. Faculty members who can serve as advisors for doctoral students are marked with an asterisk (*).

Career and Technical Education (Agriculture, Business, Family and Consumer Sciences)

• Brandie Disberger* | [email protected] Agriculture education
• Gaea Hock * | [email protected] Agriculture education
• Jonathan Ulmer * | [email protected] Agriculture education; improving STEM education in agricultural classrooms; survey methodology; cognitive discourse

Curriculum Studies

• J. Spencer Clark * | [email protected] Curriculum; teacher education; social studies education
• Angela Kraemer-Holland * | [email protected] Neoliberalism and globalization; teacher education and socialization; metropolitan (urban) education; policy as discourse
• Ambyr Rios * | [email protected] Curriculum studies, literacy education, teacher preparation, multicultural education
• Kay Ann Taylor * | [email protected] Historical, philosophical, and comparative studies; multicultural education; critical race theory; postcolonial theory; social justice

Educational Technology

• Mark Ellner | [email protected] Physical Activity in Academic Learning Environments, Educational Technology, Physical Education and Health
• Deepak Subramony * | [email protected] Technology integration into teaching and learning; equitable access to educational technology; social/cultural impact of educational technology; social/cultural foundations of education; systemic change; case study; ethnographic research methods

Language (ESL)/Diversity/Multicultural/Social Justice Education

• Pedro Silva Espinoza | [email protected] ESL, multicultural education, diversity, and teacher preparation
• Socorro Herrera * | [email protected] ESL studies; diversity
• Melissa Holmes | [email protected] ESL studies
• Shabina Kavimandan* | [email protected] Language (ESL)/Diversity/Multicultural/Social Justice, literacy education, teacher education
• Tonnie Martinez | [email protected] ESL; language arts
• Leah McKeeman | [email protected] Content area literacy education; new literacies; world language education; second language acquisition
• Kevin Murry * | [email protected] ESL studies; diversity education
• Della Perez | [email protected] ESL studies
• Eileen Wertzberger * | [email protected] Literacy education, language/diversity/multicultural education, teacher education

Literacy Education (Reading/Language Arts)

• Lori Goodson | [email protected]
• Todd Goodson * | [email protected] Composition; literature; language study in secondary schools
• Kayln Hoppe | [email protected] P-12 literacy education, children’s & young adult literature , teacher preparation, social justice education
• Lotta Larson * | [email protected] Literacy
• Suzanne Porath * | [email protected] P-12 literacy; teacher learning; reflective practice; social media as professional development; action research
• Vicki Sherbert * | [email protected] Language arts education

Mathematics Education

• David Allen * | [email protected] Mathematics education; professional development
• Andrew Bennett * | [email protected] Mathematics education
• Beth Pesnell | [email protected] Science education, math education, elementary education, STEM education, professional development, teacher education, curriculum
• Michael Lawson * | [email protected] Mathematics education (P-12), teacher education, teacher practice
• Sherri Martinie * | [email protected] Mathematics education (P-12); teacher preparation; professional development; curriculum implementation
• Tuan Nguyen * | [email protected] Mathematics education (P-12); professional development; teacher education; teacher attrition

Science/Environmental Education

• Kimberly Staples * | [email protected] Science education; biology; education; teacher education

Social Studies Education

• Brad Burenheide * | [email protected] Social studies; history education
• Tom Vontz * | [email protected] Social studies education; civic education

Teacher Education (General)

• Fred Burrack * | [email protected] Music education
• Michael Lawson * | [email protected] Mathematics education (K-12), teacher education, teacher practice
• Debbie Mercer * | [email protected] Teacher preparation; education policy; accreditation
• Tuan Nguyen * | [email protected] mathematics education (P-12); professional development; teacher education; teacher attrition
• Phillip Payne * | [email protected] Music education; assessment; curriculum development; teacher identity; teacher preparation; music technology; ePortfolios; personality and timbre preference

Admission and Application

Applicants seeking admission to this degree program must submit the information noted below. Before starting the online application, gather all information and documents for all of the admission requirements so that they can be uploaded into the application system. All materials must be received before review will begin.

• A Completed Online Graduate School Application .
• Application Deadlines The Graduate School application and all additional documentation must be received by the following deadline dates for admission in a particular semester. Domestic applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, however, the deadlines indicated will expedite considerations.
• Domestic Students
• Fall Semester enrollment – March 1
• Spring Semester enrollment – October 1
• Summer Semester enrollment – February 1
• International Students
• Fall Semester enrollment – January 1
• Spring Semester enrollment – August 1
• Summer Semester enrollment – December 1
• Graduate School Application Fee
• Domestic Students – A $65 application fee is required for all domestic students; your application will not be processed without this fee . The fee can be paid by credit card when completing the online application.
• International Students – A $75 application fee is required; your application will not be processed without this fee . The fee can be paid by credit card when completing the online application.
• Transcripts
• You must upload into the online application system a scanned PDF copy of the transcript(s) from each college or university where you received your bachelor's degree(s) and completed any post-baccalaureate course work or degrees. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• If you are admitted, the Graduate School will contact you to submit an official transcript for GPA and degree conferral verification from the institution(s) where you received your degree(s) and completed any post-baccalaureate credits.
• Students whose transcripts are not in English must furnish a translation by an appropriate authority. Failure to list any colleges or universities attended may result in dismissal from the university.
• Statement of Goals and Professional Experience You must upload into the online application system a 1-2 page statement that includes the following information:
• Career and professional goals and aspirations, and how being accepted to the program will benefit the goals and aspirations
• Your intended area of emphasis in the program
• Any research interests
• A description of your work experience within education or a related field (e.g., past and present employment)
• Future professional plans (e.g., Upon completion of the degree, do you plan to stay in your current position? If not, what type of position would you like to seek?)
• Do you plan to complete classes as a part-time or full-time student? If a full-time student, do you intend to seek graduate assistantship? Which semester would you begin?
• If you have a request for a certain advisor, indicate that preference in the statement.
• Letters of Recommendation Three letters of recommendation are needed from college or university educators and/or colleagues or supervisors who are qualified to address your professional skills and your potential for success in the graduate program. Enter the names and email addresses of the recommenders in the appropriate area in the online application.
• Resume You must upload into the online application a professional resume that includes previous academic degrees, past and present employment, other professional activities and roles, and other pertinent information.
• Writing Sample You must upload into the online application a writing sample that is original and independently written in English. A writing sample may be a research or practice paper written for a previous graduate course, a published article, or other writing for an academic audience (no more than 20 pages).
• Interview An interview with faculty members in the area of emphasis may be requested before an admission decision is made.
• English Language Proficiency
• To demonstrate competence in the English language, an official report of scores not more than 18 months old (see the Graduate School website for dates) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System – academic exam (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE) must be sent to Kansas State University for all applicants whose primary language is not English. Enter your scores in the online application and upload the report of your scores.
• Learn more about English proficiency requirements

International applicants must meet the same academic standards for admission as those required of domestic students. When applying for admission, documentation of English language proficiency must be provided with your uploaded application materials. Detailed information about these issues is provided at the Graduate School's International Students web page.

The Review Process

After completing the online graduate application (this includes paying the application fee and uploading all additional documentation that is required), the graduate program to which the student is applying will review the application and make an admission recommendation to the Graduate School. The Graduate School reviews the application and the recommendation from the department. The Graduate School then sends an official decision letter to the applicant.

Student Learning Outcomes

Develop professional educators who accurately perceive, critically analyze, prudently judge, skillfully perform, and ethically act in their professional environments.

Critical Skills = Perceive, Analyze, Judge, Perform, Advocate

• Contexts may include perspectives such as historical; philosophical; socio-cultural; political; linguistic; legal; ethical; cultural; student, family, and community; and students' socioemotional responsiveness.
• Theoretical perspectives and effective practices may be informed by recent models of curricula and research on best practices as well as theories that attempt to explain various aspects of students, learning, and society. Depending on context, advanced study in education may draw upon curriculum theories, learning theories, motivation theories, linguistic theories, socio-cultural theories, critical theories; and social justice, ethical, and care theories.
• Create and enact effective professional practices involve a variety of competencies depending on professional context and circumstance. All advanced professional educators should demonstrate expertise in their chosen field such as the ability synthesize, apply, and enact wise professional judgments. These judgements are not only informed by contextual and curricular foundations, but also by individual acts of self-reflection, conceptualization, collaboration, differentiation, and/or adaptation.
• Advanced inquiry in education typically involves the ability to address interesting and important questions; develop reasonable arguments for research decisions; identify, synthesize, and connect previous research to new topics; construct defensible theoretical frameworks; select and use appropriate research methods; accurately interpret data within the context of a given study and/or field; and use of research to improve practice and/or further research.
• Professional educators are disposed to carefully consider the implications of their behaviors, positions, and products on the students, teachers, and communities they serve.

Doctoral Responsibility Checklist

Upon Admission and Before Completing 9 Hours

• Create a K-State eID (your K-State email address) to be used throughout the program. This is very important since almost all communications to you from the Graduate School, the College of Education, and your advisor will be through this email address. Check your email regularly. Also, the university requires that passwords to email accounts be changed at the start of every fall and every spring semester (you will receive prompts when this must be done).
• Examine the Graduate School’s Checklist for Doctoral Students
• Examine the Graduate School’s Information for Doctoral Candidates
• Examine the Graduate Handbook
• Ph.D. Program Booklet (PDF)
• Contact the major professor assigned to you for an appointment to plan your program, prepare a draft copy of your Program of Study, and select the other members of your supervisory committee. The Graduate School's Information for Doctoral Candidates website includes information about preparing the Program of Study.
• Examine the Student Learning Outcomes (above) for the doctoral program in Curriculum and Instruction to recognize the projected outcomes from your program participation.
• Submit your Program of Study to the Graduate School after completing 9 hours of coursework.
• Throughout the program, contact/meet with your major professor at least once each semester to discuss ongoing enrollment and monitor program progress.
• Complete the Annual Progress Review (APR) every April and meet with your major professor to discuss your progress.

For the Preliminary Examination (upon completion of coursework)

• During your final semester of coursework, meet with your major professor to schedule your preliminary examination. This must be a minimum of 7 months prior to the date of graduation.
• After setting the date of the Preliminary Examination, submit the Request for Preliminary Examination Ballot form to the Graduate School at least one month prior to the exam.
• Submit the signed Preliminary Examination Ballot to the Graduate School within one week following the examination.
• Once you pass the preliminary exam, you will receive an official letter from the Graduate School admitting you to candidacy and assigning you an Outside Chair for your final dissertation defense. Dissertations must be completed within five years of official candidacy.
• After passing your preliminary exam and being admitted to candidacy, you must maintain continuous enrollment in every fall and every spring semester until you complete the degree. This can be accomplished by enrolling in a minimum of 1 hour of EDCI 999: Dissertation Research during those semesters.
• For Ed.D. students, the Dissertation Proposal constitutes the Preliminary Exam.

Dissertation Proposal and the Research Study

• Meet with your major professor to discuss the preparation of your dissertation proposal. Prepare the dissertation proposal.
• The Graduate School requires an electronic version of completed dissertations (ETDR – electronic theses, dissertations, and reports). Therefore, it is best to start the dissertation proposal in the electronic template required by the Graduate School.
• Enroll in EDCI 999 – Doctoral Research. Obtain guidance from your advisor about the number of credits to enroll in this research each semester.
• When your major professor approves your dissertation proposal, your major professor will schedule a meeting with your supervisory committee to review and approve your dissertation research proposal. You are not permitted to conduct the study until your supervisory committee approves the dissertation proposal.
• Continue to meet with your major professor for assistance during data collection, data analysis, and the writing of the remaining dissertation chapters.

During the Final Semester

• You must be enrolled in at least one credit in the semester you graduate.
• Early in your final semester, submit a Program/Committee Change form to the Graduate School if you had any changes of courses or committee members from what was on the original Program of Study.
• Early in your final semester, examine the Graduate School's Graduation and Commencement Information website . The calendar provided at that site outlines deadline dates for necessary actions by the student.
• Meet with your major professor to discuss scheduling your Final Examination. Contact all supervisory committee members and the Outside Chair to establish an agreed upon date and time. Submit a signed Approval to Schedule Final Examination form to the Graduate School a minimum of 10 working days before the scheduled final examination.
• Provide a copy of the dissertation to the major professor, members of the supervisory committee, and the outside chair a minimum of 10 working days before the scheduled final examination.
• Early in your final semester, complete the KSIS Graduation Application.
• Early in your final semester, complete the Graduate School online registration to participate in commencement.
• Meet Graduate School deadlines for the submission of the electronic dissertation and the ballot.
• After your Final Examination, your major professor will complete the Qualtrics survey evaluation to assess your overall program performance. Your committee will complete the Final Examination Ballot and send it to the Graduate School.
• Completing online surveys (i.e., the Graduate School Exit Survey; Survey of Earned Doctorates)
• Providing information to the K-State Alumni Association
• Pay graduation fees
• Handling any remaining obligations
• Complete the College of Education’s Graduate Program Exit Survey when you receive the email to do so.

Dr. Kay Ann Taylor Program Contact [email protected]

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PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM

• K-State home
• Mathematics
• Graduate Program in Mathematics
• Ph. D. Program

In most cases an applicant to the PhD program should have completed work in mathematics equivalent to that required for a Bachelor's Degree at Kansas State University.

Details on the application process can be found on the graduate program admission site . Admission is granted upon approval by the Graduate Program Advisory Committee (GPAC), the Department Head, and the Graduate School. Students pursuing graduate studies are enrolled in the Graduate School and are subject to the policies as outlined in the Graduate School Handbook , as well as the regulations of the Department of Mathematics. Though the GRE Subject test in mathematics is not a requirement for admission, providing a score for that test may help your application.

Overview of the Program

The goal of the doctoral program in mathematics at Kansas State University is to prepare each student for a successful career in academia or industry. Candidates must demonstrate to the faculty that they have met criteria for both breadth and depth in their studies. A two-part qualifying exam system first examines students on their breadth, which is gained through coursework in the first year, and then examines students on depth in the area of specialty---which is achieved through further coursework and independent study. Together these exams (QE I and QE II) comprise the Graduate School's Preliminary Exam.

COURSE LOAD: The student is required to complete a minimum of 90 hours of graduate credit (courses numbered at the 700 level or above), with at least 60% of the credit hours in courses numbered 800 or higher. Students entering with a Master's Degree from an accredited program may transfer up to 30 hours of that degree toward the PhD coursework requirement. The above-mentioned 90 credit hours must contain a minimum of 30 credit hours of MATH 999 (PhD research), and at least 24 credit hours of coursework (exclusive of MATH 999 courses) in the Department of Mathematics. Eligibility to enroll in MATH 999 is restricted to students having passed the Specialty Exam (see below). This coursework must be completed according to the Graduate School's policy regarding grades and minimum GPA; see paragraph 3, below.

Qualifying Examination QE I

The first part of the qualifying exam, QE I, consists of subject exams, currently offered in four areas.

Algebra (based on MATH 730-731) Analysis (based on MATH 721-722-Complex) Applied Math (based on Math 715-716) Geometry/Topology (based on MATH 770-771)

Students are asked to attempt at least three of these exams upon arrival at Kansas State. The results are used to help determined appropriate placement in graduate courses and teaching assignments. Students must pass exams in three subjects. Two are to be passed by the June following the student's first year of study; a third must be passed by the following August. Exams are offered every June and every August.

Supervisory Committee and the Program of Study

Within two years of passing QE I (or one year of passing the old-system Qualifying Exam) the PhD student is expected to select a major professor, form a supervisory committee, and to file a Program of Study with the Graduate School. The Supervisory Committee will advise the student throughout the remaining period of the study, as well as administer the QE II and the final oral defense. The Program of Study primarily serves to notify the Graduate School of the student's supervisory committee as well as to list the relevant coursework. The Graduate School requires that the Program of Study be filed at least one semester prior to taking the QE II. See more information for Doctoral Candidates .

The Program of Study must be approved by the student's Supervisory Committee, the Department Head, and the Dean of the Graduate School. The Program of Study must list a minimum of 90 credit hours of graduate credit (courses numbered at the 700 level or above that have been taken or will be taken), with at least 60% of the credit hours in courses numbered 800 or higher. Students entering with a Master's Degree from an accredited program may transfer up to 30 hours of that degree toward the Ph.D. Furthermore, the student's program of study must contain a minimum of 30 credit hours of MATH 999 (PhD research) and at least 24 credit hours of coursework (exclusive of MATH 999) in the Mathematics Department. The student must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in the courses listed on the Program of Study. Furthermore, the student must earn a grade of A or B in three-fourths of these courses, with no worse than a C grade in the remaining courses.

Qualifying Exam QE II

The second part of the Qualifying Exam system consists of written or oral exams in two subjects, a major subject and a minor subject. The student, along with his or her dissertation committee, designs a syllabus based on material from 800-level courses or more advanced topics. The major subject portion of the syllabus must cover at least two semesters at this level; the minor portion at least one semester. The student's advisor and dissertation committee must approve the format (oral, written, or combined) of the exams, which may be taken on separate occasions. The syllabus and proposed method of examination must be submitted to GPAC at least eight weeks before the examination date.

Once the syllabus is approved by GPAC, the candidate submits a Request for Preliminary Examination Ballot form (among forms for grad students to the graduate school. Shortly before the examination date, the Graduate School will issue a ballot for the Preliminary Examination to the Major Professor on which the results of both QE I and QE II are to be recorded. Failure of the QE II is tantamount to failing the Preliminary Exam, and will be grounds for termination of financial support by the Department of Mathematics (if applicable), and failure of the second attempt will be grounds for dismissal from the Ph.D. program by the Graduate School. Upon satisfactory completion of QE II, the doctoral student is automatically advanced to candidacy for the PhD degree.

The PhD Dissertation

After successful completion of the QE II, students will continue their research under the supervision of their doctoral advisors. In order to receive the PhD degree, the student will be required to write a PhD thesis containing non-trivial, new results of publishable quality, and successfully defend this thesis in a final oral examination administered by the Supervisory Committee. All K-State PhD students are required to submit an electronic version of their dissertation (the Graduate School does not accept paper copies). More information, including templates, at K-State Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Reports .

MATH 999 - PhD Research Coursework

It is the intention of the Department that a PhD student enrolled in MATH 999 (PhD research) is actively doing research directly relevant to the writing of the doctoral dissertation. Since a student not having passed the Specialty Exam has not yet demonstrated sufficient depth to embark on PhD level research, enrolling in MATH 999 coursework is restricted to only those students having passed the Specialty Exam. Students enrolling in MATH 999 for the first time (only) will need to complete the Request for Permission to take Math 999, PhD Research . The student's program of study must contain a minimum of 30 credit hours of MATH 999.

Final Defense of Dissertation

After the student's dissertation has been deemed acceptable by the doctoral advisor, a final oral examination will be scheduled through the Graduate School and held in accordance with Graduate School requirements. When the student is admitted to candidacy, the Dean of the Graduate School appoints an examining committee. This committee consists of the supervisory committee and a member of the graduate faculty not on the supervisory committee. The additional member serves as chairperson for the final oral examination. For further information on the responsibilities of the doctoral advisor and the chairperson during the final examination, read Section L in Chapter 3 of the Graduate School Handbook .

Time Allowed

Students are expected to complete this program within six years and should not anticipate receiving financial support (such as Teaching Assistantships) from the department for more than six years. Students are also responsible for being aware of and following the Graduate School time requirements. (See the Graduate Handbook and the Graduate Catalogue for these requirements.)

In any case, the date that the student was originally admitted to the graduate program in the Department of Mathematics will be considered the beginning date for the purpose of deciding time guidelines/deadlines in reference to the QE I and QE II (major and minor), as well as maximum length of time to complete a degree and for possible financial support.

Consult the Checklist for Doctoral Students prepared by the Graduate School. Any questions concerning the above requirements can be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies.

Ph.D. degrees awarded in Mathematics at KSU.

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The PhD degree represents the ability to conduct original research and scholarly work independently at the highest level with minimal supervision. The educational program focuses on developing research skills to become an independent principal investigator.

Advisory Committee

The advisory committee is made up of a minimum of four members of the Graduate Faculty. At least one member must be from outside the department. The advisory committee must be chosen during the student’s first semester in residence. The major professor will serve as chair of the advisory committee. Students and their major professors share joint responsibility to set up and hold meetings of the student’s advisory committee at least once each year.

The advisory committee will assist the student in formulating a program of study, review the student’s dissertation research proposal, and make suggestions concerning the course of graduate study. The advisory committee will have the responsibility of developing and implementing a preliminary examination (see below). The advisory committee will also conduct a final oral examination that may include a defense of the dissertation, an interpretation of other scholarly activities, and a testing of the student’s understanding of their field of study.

The student should consider her/his major professor as the first source for policy information, advisory guidance and access to resources of the Department and University needed to complete all requirements for graduation.

Program of Study

The PhD requires at least three years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree, equivalent to at least 90 semester hours of graduate course work and research credits. Up to 30 hours of graduate credits at the MS level may be applied toward the PhD program of study; the courses that can be applied should be relevant to the current PhD program. The PhD degree requires a dissertation representing at least 30 hours of research credit.

Thus, beyond a master's degree from which 30 credit hours are applied towards a PhD, course and curriculum requirements are as follows:

• 60 semester hours of course work and research credit, to include:
• 24 to 30 credit hours of graduate course work
• Must include 3 credit hours of Graduate Seminar (HORT 951)
• 30 to 36 credit hours of research (HORT 999)

The program of study will be developed initially through consultation between the major professor and the student. Courses to be taken should fit into a unified plan aimed at providing the student with a comprehensive background in the chosen area of interest. Initiative in program design by the student is encouraged. The program should be presented at the initial meeting with the Advisory Committee. The program of study form is available from the Graduate School .

Doctoral students should earn a significant majority of their course work credit hours that are required by their programs of study in courses numbered 800 or higher. Although supervisory committees have considerable latitude in providing an appropriate program of study for their students, they are encouraged to follow these guidelines:

• Of the 24 to 30 hours of course work credit hours beyond the master's degree approved by the supervisory committee, 15 credit hours should be at the 800-level or above, in addition to doctoral research credit hours.
• For course work beyond the master's degree, no more than 6 credit hours of 500-level courses are permitted in a doctoral program. No 500-level course taken in the student's major field of study, e.g., Department, may appear in the program of study.
• Not more than 6 hours of problems or other individualized courses should ordinarily appear on the program of study for the doctoral program.
• For students who bypass the master’s degree, the program of study must include at least 15 credit hours at the 800-level or above, in addition to doctoral research credit hours. No more than 12 credit hours of 500 level courses are permitted in a doctoral program and they must come from outside the student’s major field of study (e.g., Department).

Upon approval by the major professor and advisory committee, the student will submit their program of study to the Graduate School. The program of study must be approved and submitted to the Graduate School prior to the end of the student’s second semester (excluding summer semester). All changes in the program of study must be approved by the advisory committee, Graduate Program Director or Department Head, and Graduate School.

Graduate Research

All PhD students must conduct original research, under the supervision of the major professor and the advisory committee, on a selected problem related to their field of study. A research proposal must be developed as the first step in the research process. The research proposal should demonstrate a sufficient level of understanding of the researchable problem, the appropriate methodology, and scientific rationale to be approved by the student's advisory committee. The experimental data collected must be analyzed, interpreted, and presented in the form of a bound dissertation.

The research proposal should be presented to the advisory committee for their approval and recommendations prior to the end of the student's second semester (excluding summer semester).

A baseline expectation for all students is that they develop a brief research proposal that addresses each of the following elements pertinent to developing scientific research skills:

• one or more testable hypotheses
• clear research objectives
• rationale for the proposed research, including a scientific literature review and, if available, preliminary data
• feasible proposed research methodology
• expected outcomes
• potential impact
• pertinent literature citations

The process of developing a concise research proposal is an appropriate and necessary prerequisite for the eventual completion of the research thesis. As a general rule, the proposed research effort should be rigorous and of high enough standard to merit its publication in a peer reviewed journal.

Teaching Experience

All PhD students, regardless of funding source, must participate in the teaching program of the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources for one semester during their degree program. This requirement cannot be waived. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that all PhD students have a personal experience with instruction as a chance to develop teaching and communications skills. It is important that the assignment be meaningful and equivalent to what is expected of a half-time teaching assistant (10 to 20 hours per week); only conducting grading and clerical activities do not meet the spirit of this requirement.

Teaching assignments are made annually by the Director of Graduate Programs and the student's adviser in concert with the Undergraduate Teaching Faculty. Teaching assignments are typically made at the end of the Spring semester for the subsequent academic year. Prior to making the assignments, current students will be asked to provide a list of courses with which they would like to assist, if possible. New graduate students are typically not asked to serve as a teaching assistant their first semester, but may be asked to assist in their second semester.

Outreach / Extension Experience

An outreach experience gives students exposure to a potential area of employment, adds to their expertise in their field of study, and helps them gain empathy for the industry and public that the discipline serves. Each student must participate in two of the three general categories listed below. Major advisers should arrange for these experiences, and the activities are ideally decided on at the time of filing the Program of Study. After completion of the extension experience, the activities conducted must be briefly described and documented by the student in their Annual Progress Report.

I. Developing and Communicating Information

• Present research-generated information in a form and in a medium designed to reach either the general public or industry.
• Prepare and present a talk on a horticultural, park management and conservation, or wildlife and outdoor enterprise management topic to an audience of non-scientists; examples include garden clubs, commodity groups, and extension meetings.
• Use an alternative or creative medium to deliver information; examples are websites, television or radio, on-farm or other demonstrations, or materials delivered electronically.

II. Interacting with the Public

• Assist in developing and conducting a commodity or other meeting designed to attract a large and diverse audience. Assisting with only clerical or audiovisual equipment duties does not fulfill the spirit of this requirement.
• Participate in the planning and execution of a tour. This could involve a facility tour or it could involve scheduling visits for a group of professional, including international groups.
• Travel with an extension specialist on assignment for at least three days, which need not be consecutive.
• Assist in responding to requests for horticultural or natural resources information from extension agents.

III. Public Service

• Presenting programs or developing materials for public or private schools, including preschools, in your field of study.
• Presenting programs or developing materials for other educational institutions or groups, in your field of study.

The student may undertake an extension activity not described herein subject to approval by his/her major adviser and the Director of Graduate Programs. Waiver of this experience must be requested at the time that the Plan of Study is submitted, and it will only be approved for students with extensive backgrounds in extension. Waiver requests submitted near the completion of a student's degree will not be considered. Students who pursue both the MS and PhD degrees in our Department are only required to fulfill this requirement during their MS program.

Preliminary Examination

A comprehensive knowledge of the student's major and related fields must be demonstrated to the advisory committee by written and oral examination at least seven months before the final oral examination. Students must take the initiative to schedule the written preliminary exam with each member of the advisory committee, and the schedule should be submitted to the Graduate School one month before the scheduled exams. One month is allowed for the preliminary examination period. The written preliminary examination may be followed by an oral preliminary exam at the discretion of the advisory committee. The preliminary examination must be completed successfully for the student to be advanced to candidacy for the doctoral degree and therefore eligible to schedule their dissertation defense. Students must be registered during the semester(s) in which they take the preliminary examination. All portions of the examination must be passed before a student is granted the candidacy. Upon the successful completion of the preliminary examination, the Graduate School will appoint an outside chairperson to the advisory committee who will preside over the thesis defense and final oral examination. A failed examination may be retaken once without permission from the Graduate Council, but the failed examination should be reported to the Graduate School. The student will be notified of their acceptance as a candidate for the PhD Degree by the Graduate School. After successful completion of preliminary examination, the period of candidacy will last up to five years. After five years have lapsed, the preliminary examination must be retaken. Students earning the candidacy should be continuously enrolled until the completion of the degree.

Doctoral Dissertation

The Doctoral dissertation is based on original research conducted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the PhD degree and is prepared under the supervision of the major professor. It must be approved by the advisory committee. The dissertation may be written either in journal paper format, with each chapter prepared as an independent manuscript (strongly recommended), or in the “classical” chronological style.

A copy of a draft of the dissertation that has been reviewed and approved by the major professor is given to each member of the advisory committee at least two weeks prior to the dissertation defense date (final oral examination, see below).

Final Oral Examination (Dissertation Defense)

Prior to scheduling the final oral examination, all changes to the student’s program of study must be approved and any incomplete or deferred grades (except HORT 898 or 899) resolved. Students must be registered for at least one (1) credit hour during the semester of the final oral examination.

A dissertation defense seminar based on the student’s dissertation research or project report will precede the oral examination. The defense seminar is open to public, while the final oral examination, which follows the thesis defense seminar, is limited to the advisory committee including the outside chairperson. Notice of the seminar and final examination should be done at least one week prior to the examination. The dissertation and the student’s performance on the final oral examination must be approved by three-fourths of the committee members to pass. A failed examination may be retaken with the permission of three-fourths of the advisory committee and may not be scheduled until at least 3 months have elapsed. Upon successful completion of the final examination, the student shall submit an electronic copy of the approved dissertation to the Graduate School before the set deadlines.

The Dean of the Graduate School will appoint a member of the graduate faculty to serve as chairperson of the final oral examination. This individual has responsibility to read the dissertation, to make recommendations, and to be sure that the dissertation is in acceptable form. In addition to presiding at the final oral examination and evaluating the examination as a test of the student’s ability to be awarded the PhD degree, the chairperson also votes on the candidate’s performance.

K-State’s interdepartmental Food Science and Industry   graduate program is part of the Food Science Institute which includes graduate faculty housed in five colleges and eleven departments. The program offers a Ph.D. degree on campus only. The program provides a variety of research opportunities in the field of food science. Research emphasis includes food chemistry, food microbiology, food safety, sensory analysis, food processing, and food engineering. The program also provides opportunities to work with several food commodities including: cereal; dairy; meats and poultry; fruits and vegetables.

Application Procedures

When should i apply.

Applications should be made at the beginning of the previous semester, and preferably earlier to ensure availability of a major professor. Admission to the program is highly competitive.

• The international student deadline for Fall semester application submission is December 15. 
• The international student deadline for Spring semester application submission is June 15. 
• The domestic student deadline for Fall semester application submission is February 1. 
• The domestic student deadline for Spring semester application submission is September 15.
• The online student deadline for Fall semester application submission is April 15.
• The online student deadline for Spring semester application submission is September 15.

What will I have to submit?

• A completed online application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts of all previous college work
• A short statement of objectives
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores are required
• Students may submit a current transcript and, if admitted, will receive provisional acceptance pending submission of an official transcript showing completion of a bachelor’s degree, or M.S. degree for doctoral applicants.

Are there any special requirements for international students?

International students must also submit the following:

• TOEFL score of at least 577 (paper), 90 (IBT), 7.0 (IELTS) or evidence of a degree from a U.S. university
• Complete financial form and evidence of financial support for entire graduate training 
• Ensure sections 1, 2, and 3 are filled out completely on the affidavit. It must include the official bank seal and signature of the bank official. A certificate of deposit or a bank statement is not acceptable to fulfill this requirement.

Program Requirements

Course requirements for the program of study will be evaluated by the student’s supervisory committee. However, students are expected to select courses that provide adequate coverage in several food areas, with primary emphasis in one or more areas. The chairman of the Food Science Graduate Program must approve members of the student’s supervisory committee and the program of study. The M.S./Ph.D. program usually includes courses in biochemistry, food chemistry, microbiology, food processing, food engineering, and statistics. For the Ph.D. degree, at least 90 semester hours is required including a dissertation representing at least 30 hours of research credit. Students who hold a master’s degree may request transfer of up to 30 hours of that degree toward a Ph.D. In addition, Ph.D. students must complete 24 hours of credit within a 12-month period (residence requirement). Of these 24 hours, at least 12 hours must be in graduate-level courses, and two credits of food science graduate seminar shall be included. There is no foreign language requirement.

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Ph.D Program

(masters degree is required to apply to the ph.d program).

This is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program intended to prepare its students for careers in research, teaching, and security and international affairs through a broad exploration of social science and historical methodologies as well as topics relating to security issues. Many students will already have a Master of Arts in Security Studies from Kansas State University, but this is not required. Students with other relevant masters degrees may apply to the Ph.D program directly.

Students entering with a masters degree in history, political science, or a closely related field can expect to complete their coursework in 3-4 semesters of full-time study.

Much of the information below, as well as some practical advice, is summarized in a brief guide:

Key Stages in the Ph.D Program

Detailed Information

Ph.D Coursework Foreign Language Requirement Dissertation prospectus defense The Dissertation Ph.D committee Ph.D Exams

Ph.D Coursework

The Ph.D degree will require 90 hours of course work. Up to 30 hours from a previous masters degree may be counted towards these 90 hours. The Ph.D committee will judge the suitability and applicability of the previous credits. An additional 30 hours of those 90 will be research hours towards the dissertation. The remaining coursework to reach the total of 90 hours will include 15 hours of required courses. The required courses consist of:

• The Historical Research Sequence. This sequence consists of two courses of three hours each. The first (HIST 911) will study various approaches to the history of security, international relations, and military affairs. The second will be a methodology course in the theory and concrete practice of historical research in Security Studies (HIST 912). HIST 911 will generally be offered in the fall of odd-numbered years; HIST 912 in the fall of even-numbered years.
• The Political Research Sequence. This sequence also consists of two courses. The first, Research Design and Qualitative Methods (POLSC 900), focuses on the construction of social science research and the various research design issues students must understand to construct qualitative social science studies. The second course, Quantitative Methods (POLSC 901), will introduce students to the statistical tools used by political scientists studying international security issues. POLSC 900 will generally be offered in the fall of even-numbered years, and POLSC 901 in the spring of odd-numbered years.
• The final Ph.D -level required course must be taken after completing the history and political science two-course research sequences. Each student must complete a directed reading (HIST 985 or POLSC 985) with the chair of the student's Ph.D committee. The course is intended to allow the student to hone his or her dissertation topic in one-on-one consultation with the Ph.D chair.

The other fifteen hours of coursework will be elective courses chosen in consultation with the Ph.D committee to prepare the student for research and teaching in security studies, as well as to help prepare for the Ph.D exams. These electives may be drawn from History, Political Science, or other disciplines. Courses outside history and political science, or below 700-level, require prior approval of the student's supervisory committee.

The intent of the Ph.D coursework is to prepare students for writing the dissertation. Upon completion of the Ph.D coursework students will have the research skills necessary to complete a dissertation-length scholarly study on a well-defined topic developed in consultation with their Ph.D Chair.

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Foreign Language Requirement

The foreign language requirement(s) will be set by the student's faculty supervisory committee. Because the nature of the dissertation topic will determine the number of foreign languages in which expertise must be possessed as well as the degree of competency required in those languages, it is not possible to set absolute minimum foreign language requirements for completion of the Ph.D degree. A student’s decision on areas of study should take into account language proficiency likely to be demanded by the supervisory committee.

Dissertation prospectus defense

Following the completion of the Ph.D coursework, the student will submit a written dissertation prospectus to their Ph.D Committee. The Committee will provide written feedback on the prospectus. After the student revises the prospectus, they will present and defend it orally to the Committee for approval.

The Dissertation

Writing the dissertation.

The student will research and write the dissertation, consulting with the Ph.D Committee as often as necessary. The dissertation should be a substantial and original contribution to knowledge and scholarship.

Research hours

By decision of the Security Studies faculty committee in consultation with the Dean of the Graduate School, Ph.D students who are NOT residents of Manhattan must register for Global Campus (GC) research hours.

Dissertation defense

After completing the dissertation, the student will defend it orally before the Ph.D Committee.

Submission of dissertation

Upon successful completion of the oral defense, the student will make any additional revisions to the dissertation required by the Ph.D Committee and submit the final version of the dissertation to the Graduate School at KSU.

Ph.D committee

Within their first two semesters in the program, students will choose a Ph.D Committee consisting of at least four members of the KSU Security Studies faculty, including at least one member from History and at least one member from Political Science. As in any graduate program, adjunct professors are eligible to serve on committees. This committee will work with the student to craft an appropriate and feasible dissertation topic and advise the student on suitable coursework and preparation. Students will report to their committee at regular intervals. The Ph.D Committee may require the student to master specific research skills appropriate for the dissertation, including foreign languages or quantitative methods.

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The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering offers doctorate and master’s degrees, as well as graduate certificate programs that offer leadership and professional development opportunities for students. In addition, graduate students have the opportunity to travel to present their work at national and international conferences and workshops.

Degree programs

Doctoral degrees, biological and agricultural engineering.

Students may specialize in environmental engineering, bioprocessing engineering, information and electrical technology, machinery systems, natural resource engineering, or structure and environments.

Chemical engineering

Through research, students learn new analytical and experimental skills, strategies for problem solving, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. The research advances existing industries and spawns new enterprises. Graduates from the program are capable of becoming leaders in their respective fields of choice.

Civil engineering

This degree offers specialization in environmental and water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural analysis and design, and transportation and materials engineering. Active research programs are maintained in each of these areas with a goal of integrating graduate study, research, teaching and engineering practice.

Computer science

The doctorate degree program is a research-oriented curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced research industry and university-level academic positions in the computing field.

Electrical and computer engineering

The doctorate program is a research-oriented curriculum and requires 60 hours beyond the master’s degree, including original research of sufficient quality and importance to merit publication in a refereed journal. Graduates of the program find employment in national laboratories, academic institutions, government facilities and private industries.

Industrial engineering

The doctorate program in industrial engineering is a research-oriented curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced industrial research and university positions in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering.

Mechanical engineering

This research-oriented program is designed to prepare students for advanced research positions in industry, government labs and university-level academics.

Nuclear engineering

Our award-winning faculty are engaged in exciting and cutting-edge research projects in state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities , which include the Triga Mark II Nuclear Reactor Facility.

Master's degrees

Architectural engineering.

The objective of the program is to provide advanced studies in engineering, analysis and design of building systems. The department has excellent facilities, which include design and drafting rooms, classrooms, faculty offices, and outstanding electrical and lighting laboratory for research and teaching.

The Master of Science program is designed to prepare students for advanced positions in the agricultural and biological engineering industry, consulting and government, as well as for further graduate studies.

This program offers an excellent professional experience that combines classes focused on chemical engineering theory with research and practical implementation.

The master’s program is a broad-based curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced positions in civil engineering industry, consulting and public agencies, as well as for further graduate studies.

The Master of Science program is a broadly based curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced positions in the computing industry as well as for further academic studies.

The master’s degree program is a broadly based curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced positions in the power, renewable energy, communications and computing industry, as well as for further academic studies.

This program teaches students the mathematical, scientific and analytical skills to solve complex business problems in manufacturing, health care, transportation, financial organizations, communications, government, military and many other organizations.

This program is designed to prepare students for advanced positions in industry, consulting and government, as well as for further graduate studies toward a doctorate degree.

Operations research

The operations research program teaches students to model problems mathematically and develop analytical solutions using methods derived from mathematical programming, statistics, probability theory, simulation, computer science and graph theory. The MSOR program is offered both on campus and via distance education.

Certificate programs

Data analytics.

This program offers coursework in both areas, providing a well-rounded field of study. In the data science courses, students learn techniques, methods and algorithms for storing, retrieving, managing, parsing and computing data.

Online programs

The chemical engineering master’s program includes multiple areas of study and research and will help prepare you for a number of jobs in a variety of industries.

This program provides five areas of concentration with the ability to choose from a wide variety of courses to tailor the program specifically to your needs. Areas of concentration include environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation and water resources.

This program allows you to choose a core area of focus to customize the program to your academic and career goals, and the coursework options include a variety of systems-based, theoretical and applied options.

Th e online electrical and computer engineering master’s degree offers two areas of emphasis. The electric power systems emphasis provides advanced coursework in power system quality, design and distribution. The communications and networking emphasis includes advanced coursework in wireless communications, network theory and advanced computer networks.

Engineering management

The online Master of Engineering Management teaches management skills designed specifically for engineers to gain the economic, technical and human resource perspectives needed to make informed technical managerial decisions.

Industrial engineers share a common goal of saving time and money by eliminating wastefulness and increasing efficiency. The online industrial engineering master’s degree offers the best of both worlds: an education in both engineering and business.

The online master’s in mechanical engineering provides advanced coursework on a variety of topics useful for working professionals in mechanical engineering and other engineering disciplines.

The online nuclear engineering master’s degree is designed for working professionals with a background in engineering and some nuclear engineering training.

In nearly every sector, organizations need individuals who can solve real-world problems using mathematical models to arrive at the optimal solution. The online operations research master’s degree program, teaches enrollees how to utilize these skills in ways that will make them a valuable resource.

Research areas The college's graduate programs provide quality education in the form of core graduate-level courses and rigorous in-depth research. Scholarships and assistantships The college offers scholarships and paid graduate assistantships, which may also carry a partial tuition waiver. Graduate student resources View more information and resources for engineering graduate students.

Career placement and salary data provided by the K-State Career Center . Career placement includes 2022-2023 K-State engineering graduate students who are employed or enrolled in graduate or professional schools within six months of graduation.

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Ph.D in Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health

The Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health. Within the degree, students are able to pick an area of emphasis in either public health-physical activity , public health- nutrition , nutritional sciences or sensory analysis and consumer behavior . Programs of study are developed according to interests, backgrounds and career goals of the student.

In addition to graduate human nutrition courses, students often include courses from other departments such as animal sciences and industry; grain science and industry; biochemistry; chemistry; anatomy and physiology; kinesiology; psychology; and biology; from the Colleges of Business Administration and Education; and from interdisciplinary international courses.

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Graduate Program Details

• Updated: 10/25/23

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Ph.D. in Economics

Our Ph.D. program serves advanced students of economics with a focus on research. We seek students with a strong math foundation who have completed coursework that covers multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and introduction to proofs. Our program has several notable features.

Comprehensive Structure

Our program provides a solid foundation in modern economic analysis and develops expertise in two specializations (See Graduate Handbook ). After the first year, students take qualifying exams in June. There are annual milestones and incentives to help students finish in 5 years. This includes dedicated faculty advising and early pairing with research faculty .

Full Funding

Each year we bring in a class of 7-10 fully-funded students. Our five-year financial support package typically includes a full tuition waiver, a paid GTA position, funding for conference travel, and more.

Abundant research possibilities

KU is recognized as a Carnegie R1 Doctoral University , the top designation awarded to universities with very high research activity . Our faculty work in many fields, manage active research centers, and serve as Editors or Associate Editors at top journals.

Dedicated placement support

A placement team committed to supporting job market activities, including portfolio development, job talk coaching, and faculty outreach. We regularly place Ph.D. students in their areas before graduation. See recent placements.

Exceptional quality of life

The KU campus and Lawrence community provide a vibrant downtown adjoining campus, a low cost of living, and many diverse opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Be a part of the proud Jayhawk tradition!

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Fall-admission: January 5

Note: GRE is required.

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Online and On-Campus Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice

Advance your career with an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

Core degree classes starting in spring 2024.

Criminal justice is a large and growing career field. It encompasses jobs in law enforcement, corrections, policy, and court administration. In law enforcement alone, more than half a million people are employed as police officers and sheriffs nationwide. KU’s online bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice are designed for students with a strong interest in understanding how agencies and institutions function as part of the criminal justice system. Graduates can help meet the strong employment demand in this critical sector.

The KU criminal justice programs have various options and can be tailored to a student’s career goals. KU School of Professional Studies offers this program as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, and each includes a nine-hour concentration in either Law Enforcement Leadership or Law and Society.

Designed with transfer and degree-completion students in mind, the criminal justice bachelor’s degree program focuses on preparing students with professional and workforce ready skills to help graduates achieve employment immediately following completion of the program.

What jobs can I get with an online criminal justice bachelor’s degree?

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will be well positioned for careers in law enforcement, court administration, policy analysis, law, security, and intelligence. This online criminal justice bachelor’s program examines the different ideas of justice. Curriculum focuses on understanding the impact the justice system, through law enforcement, the courts, and corrections, has on individuals and communities. You will examine the historical context that shaped current agencies and institutions, and cover topics like constitutional rights, use of force by police officers, and alternatives to incarceration.

Is a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice right for me?

The criminal justice bachelor’s degree programs are designed as degree-completion programs for undergraduate students interested in a comprehensive education into the multifaceted field of criminal justice. The concentration in Law Enforcement Leadership provides additional education for current law enforcement officers needing a degree to advance in their careers. The concentration in Law and Society provides an examination of how the law works in practice in fields such as public administration, courts, non-profit sector, policy, policing, and the justice system.

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KU’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice programs requires a minimum of 120 credit hours.

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Curious about what it’s like to earn your graduate degree online with CSU? Join a live webinar and find out what to expect when you join the CSU student community. Next session is April 17, 5 - 5:45 p.m. MT.

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