Graduate Student Handbook

2020-2021
M.S. and Ph.D. Programs in Civil Engineering

Last Updated: August 2020

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GRADUATE STUDIES CONTACT LIST

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department Chair

Dr. Neeraj Buch 517-355-5107 [email protected]

Department Associate Chairs

Dr. Peter Savolainen

(Assoc. Chair for Graduate Studies, 517-432-1825 [email protected]
(referred to herein as Graduate Director)

Dr. Susan J. Masten 517-355-2250 [email protected]

(Assoc. Chair, Undergraduate Studies)

Administrative Staff

Laura Post 517-355-5108 [email protected]

(CEE Graduate Secretary)

Lori Larner 517-355-0228 [email protected]

(Env. Eng. Admin. Assistant)

Laura Taylor 517-355-5111 [email protected]

(CEE Administrative Supervisor)

Bailey Weber 517-355-5107 [email protected]

(CEE Undergraduate Secretary)

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

CEE Graduate Program Director

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Engineering Building
428 S. Shaw Lane, Room 3546
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1226
Graduate Secretary
Telephone: (517) 355-5108
Fax: (517) 432-1827
Email: [email protected]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

WELCOME 7
Advantages of a graduate degree in Civil Engineering 7
The Civil Engineering Graduate Program at Michigan State University 7
Student participation 8
For further information 8

PART I – MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING 9

1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW 9
1.1 The M.S. Degree and the Practice of Civil Engineering 9
1.2 Dual Bachelor's-Master's Degree in Civil Engineering 9
1.3 Dual Enrollment in Graduate Courses by Undergraduates 9
1.4 A road map to your degree 10

2. PROGRAM COMPONENTS 11
2.2 Master’s Plan A (Thesis) 11
2.3 Master’s Plan B1 (Project) 12
2.4 Master’s Plan B (Coursework) 12

3. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 12
3.1 Meeting Provisional Admission Requirements 12
3.2 Requirements for M.S. CE Plan A 13
3.3 Requirements for M.S. CE Plan B1 15
3.4 Requirements for M.S. CE Plan B 15

4. THE GRADUATE ADVISOR 15

4.1 Advisor Assignment and Selection Process 16
4.2 Time Line for Selection of a Permanent Faculty Advisor 16
4.3 Roles and Responsibilities of the Thesis Advisor 16

4.4 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT 17

4.5 Roles and Responsibility of the Department 18

5. FORMATION OF THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE 18

6. THESIS/PROJECT FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION 19

6.1 Nature and Scope of the Thesis 19
6.2 Examination Regulations and Format 19
6.3 M.S. Degree Examining Committee 20

7. AREA-SPECIFIC MS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 20

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7.1 MS CE –Geotechnical and Pavement Engineering (GEOPAVE) 20

7.2 MS CE – Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials (SEMM) 21
7.4 MS CE – Transportation Engineering 24

PART II – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM IN CIVIL ENGINEERING (PH.D.

CE) 26

8. PROGRAM OVERVIEW 26
8.1 The Ph.D. Degree and the practice of Civil Engineering 26
8.2 A road map to your degree 26
8.3 Student participation 27

9. PROGRAM COMPONENTS 28
9.1 The Doctor of Philosophy Degree 28

9.2 CONCURRENT M.S./PH.D. 28

10. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 28

10.1 Meeting Provisional Admission Requirements 28
10.2 Overview of Ph.D. Degree Requirements 29
10.3 Prescribed Course Work 31
10.4 The Ph.D. Qualifying Examination 32
10.5 Doctoral Comprehensive Examination 34
10.6 Doctoral research 35
10.7 Doctoral dissertation 36
10.8 Research publications 36
10.9 Final examination – Dissertation defense 36

11. THE GRADUATE ADVISOR 36

11.1 Advisor Assignment and Selection Process 36
11.2 Time Line for Selection of a Permanent Faculty Advisor 37
11.3 Roles and Responsibilities of the Advisor 37
11.4 Roles and responsibilities of the student 38
11.5 Roles and responsibility of the department 38

12. AREA-SPECIFIC PH.D. QUALIFYING EXAM STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

39
12.1 Pavement Engineering 39
12.2 Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials 40
12.3 Transportation Engineering 42
12.4 Water Resources 44

13. FORMATION OF THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE 44

14 DISSERTATION DEFENSE AND FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION 45

14.1 Nature and Scope of the Dissertation 45
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14.2 Examination regulations and format 45

14.3 Doctor of Philosophy Degree Examining Committee 46

PART III – DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES 47

15. ADADEMIC PERFORMANCE 47

15.1 Academic Standards for the M.S. Program 47
15.2 Academic standards for the Ph.D. Program 48
15.3 Graduate Student Evaluation 49
15.4 Academic Grievance Hearing Procedures 49
15.5 Student Records 50
15.6 Student Awards 50

16. INTEGRITY AND SAFETY IN RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES 51

16.1 The MSU perspective 51
16.2 Key Principles 52
16.3 Required Training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) 54
16.4 Misconduct in Research and Creative Activities 54
16.5 Research involving human subjects 55
16.6 Research involving animals 55
16.7 Office of Radiation Chemical and Biological Safety (ORCBS) 56

17. STUDENT CONDUCT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION 57

17.1 Student Conduct 57
17.2 Conflict Resolution 58

18. WORK RELATED POLICIES 58

18.1 Overview 58
18.2 Teaching Assistantship Selection Criteria 59
18.3 Research Assistantship Selection Criteria 60
18.4 The Graduate Employees Union (GEU) 60
18.5 University Graduate Assistantship Policies 60
18.6 Graduate Assistants Covered by the GEU 61
18.7 Graduate Assistants not covered by the GEU 61
18.8 Teaching Assistant Evaluation- 61
18.9 Graduate Student Evaluation 61
18.10 Safety Compliance 62
18.11 Use of Department facilities and supplies 63
18.12 Fees and Rates 63
18.13 Outside work for pay 63
18.14 Traveling Abroad 63

19 TRAVEL FUNDING REQUESTS 64

APPENDIX I – NEW STUDENT CHECK LIST 65

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APPENDIX II – DESIGNING YOUR M.S. PROGRAM 66

APPENDIX III – DESIGNING YOUR PH.D. PROGRAM 67

APPENDIX IV - FLOWCHARTS ILLUSTRATING WARNING AND PROBABTION

TRIGGERS 68
Warning and Probation Flowchart-Master’s Program A & B 68
Warning and Probation Flowchart-PhD Program 69

APPENDIX V – SAMPLE LETTERS FOR WARNING AND DISMISSAL 70

APPENDIX VI – SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 73

APPENDIX-VII - NEW COURSES FOR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING ASSISTANTS

(AAE 451, 452, AND 453) 74

APPENDIX VIII - REMINDER OF CURRENT POLICY FOR ISSUING I-20S FOR

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION 75

APPENDIX – IX: DUAL MAJOR DOCTORAL DEGREES 76

CE GRADUATE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – SUMMARY 77

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WELCOME

Advantages of a graduate degree in Civil Engineering

A graduate degree in Civil Engineering opens doors that are not otherwise accessible.
These opportunities include research positions at corporations and national laboratories
as well as teaching and research positions in academia. A career at this level brings the
satisfaction of being able to explore your own ideas and fully utilize your creativity. A
graduate degree will allow you to expand your knowledge and acquire new skills in
analysis and problem solving, creating challenging opportunities for a full, rewarding
career.

First and foremost among the talents required to succeed in a graduate program is a
desire to learn, coupled with a natural curiosity and a desire to advance the state-of-the-
art. Graduate students are motivated by the enhanced independence that an advanced
degree brings and the challenge of placing oneself at the forefront of technology.

We have designed this Handbook to help prospective and current graduate students select
an appropriate graduate program and provide information about the educational, research
and work opportunities available in the Department. We thank you for considering our
graduate program. All the best in your engineering career!

The Civil Engineering Graduate Program at Michigan State University

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering offers graduate programs leading
to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy graduate degrees in Civil Engineering
and Environmental Engineering. The program requirements for these two programs are
handled separately. This handbook provides information concerning the graduate
program in Civil Engineering. Graduate study in Civil Engineering is organized into the
following areas of specialization:

• Geotechnical and Pavement Engineering

• Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials
• Water Resources
• Transportation Engineering

In spite of the areas defined above, an interdisciplinary approach marks many of the
research projects that faculty share with graduate students

Our graduate program is built on the quality of our faculty, our graduate students, and
the quality of their collaborative research. We believe that the background and interests of
our faculty, the research facilities, and the academic excellence of our students make our
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Department an attractive environment for graduate study. As a Department, we look ahead

to the future knowing that change and growth are important aspects of and inevitable in
our discipline. A graduate degree at MSU will enable you to develop the intellectual skills
you need to compete among the best engineers in the world and you will receive world-
class training preparing you for a fulfilling career in industry, research, or teaching.

Student participation

The Department’s graduate degree programs have certain course requirements as

outlined in detail in this handbook. However, graduate students in the Department
quickly discover that their education is advanced in a number of ways beyond traditional
coursework. One of the major opportunities is the chance to work side by side with
faculty members who are deeply interested in finding answers to research problems.
Most M.S. students are expected to be involved in thesis work and all doctoral students
are involved in dissertation research. Doctoral students demonstrate mastery of the
subject matter at various levels by passing a qualifying exam and a comprehensive exam.
They also develop a dissertation proposal and present the results of their research in a
dissertation defense. Students are encouraged to participate in professional society
meetings and to publish their research results in society journals, transactions, and
conference proceedings. Graduate students also have the opportunity to participate in
academic governance at the College and University level.

For further information

If you have any questions or concerns relating to your graduate experience,

requirements, or policies, you are encouraged to discuss them with:

1. Your graduate advisor

2. Ms. Laura Post, CEE Graduate Secretary
3. Prof. Peter Savolainen, CEE Graduate Director
4. Prof. Neeraj Buch, CEE Department Chairperson

In addition to this handbook, the relevant publications and resources are available on-line
and provided in Appendix V of this handbook.
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PART I – MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

1.1 The M.S. Degree and the Practice of Civil Engineering

The practice of Civil Engineering at high levels of performance is increasingly conducted

in specific areas. The M.S. degree in Civil Engineering is intended to provide training
depth in specific areas of expertise beyond the Bachelor’s degree. Such training can
accelerate the career development and increase opportunities. The M.S. training is also
intended to provide a deeper technical background on the selected specialty so as to
prepare for further academic training. The program is therefore structured to provide
students with fundamental core training in the expertise of choice with enough freedom
to direct the advanced training towards the student’s career goals.

The M.S. degree is being increasingly thought of as the first professional degree for Civil
Engineering practice. As such, the program requires students to perform at high levels of
technical competency and demonstrate the ability to perform independent work. Both
theoretical and applied elements are emphasized and reinforced through a combination
of core and elective courses as well as independent research options.

1.2 Dual Bachelor's-Master's Degree in Civil Engineering

Undergraduates at MSU with a grade-point average of 3.0 or greater can be considered

for an accelerated program for the completion of a M.S. degree. The Dual Bachelor’s-
Master’s program allows the application of up to 9 credits toward the master's program
for qualifying 400-level and above course work taken at the undergraduate level at
Michigan State University or an external accredited institution. Applications must be made
during the prior spring semester for an anticipated spring graduation or the prior fall
semester for an anticipated fall graduation to allow admission before the final semester
as a Civil Engineering undergraduate. For additional information on this program, contact
the Graduate Director.

1.3 Dual Enrollment in Graduate Courses by Undergraduates

Dual enrollment provides an opportunity for academically talented undergraduate

students to enroll in graduate courses and conduct research towards a graduate degree
while completing the last two years of their bachelor’s degree(s) programs.

To be considered for dual enrollment, the student must first file an Application for
Admission to Graduate Study, and be admitted into the CE graduate program.
Subsequent to admission to the CE graduate program, in regular status, the student must
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complete a Request for Dual Enrollment Status form, available from the Office of the
Registrar.

Within the first semester of dual enrollment, the student’s graduate degree program
adviser must be identified and the appropriate graduate degree guidance committee
established. The adviser and committee assist the student in developing a program of
study for the graduate degree. Admission to graduate study must be approved before
work to apply toward a graduate degree program is undertaken. Credits completed prior
to admission to graduate study cannot be applied toward a graduate degree program.

A student will be classified as an undergraduate until the minimum number of credits

required for a first bachelor’s degree is completed. When the student is classified as a
graduate student, eligibility begins for graduate assistantships, other forms of graduate
student financial aid, or those services and prerogatives normally reserved for graduate
students. If approved by the graduate program, a maximum of nine credits, at the 400-
level or higher, from the undergraduate degree program can be applied toward the
requirements for the graduate degree program for credits completed after admission to
graduate study.

1.4 A road map to your degree

Students pursuing the M.S. Degree in Civil Engineering can follow the thesis, project
option or coursework option. Students funded on departmental funds, including
fellowships and research assistantships, are expected to complete the thesis option. The
typical path towards a M.S. Degree in Civil Engineering is as follows:

• Gain admission to the program.

• You will be assigned an advisor upon admission. Once you arrive you should meet
with that academic advisor to plan your first semester schedule. If you find that you
wish to change advisors, you are free to do so unless your advisor is providing you
with a research assistantship on a specific project. If you are supported as a R.A.,
but there are extenuating situations that necessitate changing advisors, you should
meet with your current advisor as soon as you decide this is necessary. As part of
this meeting, you should plan to discuss how you will fulfill the obligations of your
research assistantship. After meeting with your advisor, you should also meet with
the graduate coordinator and your perspective advisor as soon as possible and
complete the Change of Advisor form.
• Design a Program of Study with your advisor. This includes coursework and research
credits necessary to graduate.
• Submit the Program of Study for signatures.
• Complete the required coursework and your thesis or research project (if you choose
the latter two options). Most master’s degree students in our program finish within
two years.
• Additional details are provided in Chapter 3.
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2. PROGRAM COMPONENTS

During the first semester of graduate study, the student is expected to work with the
advisor to develop a Program Plan that meets the academic needs and interests of the
student and complies with the M.S. CE Program requirements. The Program Plan specifies
the courses and optional project or thesis that the student will complete. The initial
consideration for most students is whether to satisfy the degree requirements through a
coursework-only program, or by completing a M.S. project or thesis.

All M.S. programs require that students complete 30 credit hours, including a specified
set of required courses, and elective courses chosen in consultation with the advisor.
Credits that are under the thesis or project option are counted toward the 30 credit
requirement. The thesis is generally a more in-depth and more formal product than a
project, and is recognized as an important accomplishment for students who wish to
pursue research careers.

Students receiving fellowships, teaching assistantships or research assistantships as

financial assistance for a M.S. degree are required to conduct research with a faculty
member in the CEE Department and produce a thesis from their work under Plan A.

2.2 Master’s Plan A (Thesis)

The thesis option is designed for students with a strong interest in research, and who
participate in a research project throughout their M.S. program. It is strongly
recommended for those who wish to continue their graduate education at the Ph.D. level,
and is required for those receiving fellowships, teaching assistantships or research
assistantships.

The Master’s Plan A program consists of (1) prescribed course work, (2) research, (3) a
master’s thesis, and (4) an oral defense of the master’s thesis. For more information
about the prescribed course work, please see Chapter 7. The oral defense is described in
Chapter 6.

The M.S. thesis is based on original research conducted under the guidance of a faculty
committee. A written thesis is prepared according to a set of guidelines established by
the graduate school, and an oral defense of the work is presented to the guidance
committee. The guidance committee must approve both the written product and oral
defense as meeting the standard of high quality research. It is also generally expected
that the M.S. thesis will provide the basis for at least one publication in a scientific or
technical journal.
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2.3 Master’s Plan B1 (Project)

The project option is designed for students with an interest in research, or in conducting
an independent project with a focus on innovative analysis or design. In practice, it can
be essentially the same as a thesis, but allows for greater flexibility and may be less
intensive than a thesis. Students pursuing this option may participate in research projects
over only a discrete portion of their graduate program.

The Master’s Plan B1 program consists of (1) prescribed course work as described in
Chapter 7, (2) a special project involving either research or a design and (3) an oral
defense of the project. The oral defense is described in Chapter 6.

Preparation the project report is based on work conducted under the guidance of a
faculty committee. There is no specific format for the report. The guidance committee
must approve both the written product and oral defense as meeting the standard of
competent research, analysis or design. It is also generally expected that the M.S. project
will provide the basis for at least one report in a suitable publication.

2.4 Master’s Plan B (Coursework)

The coursework option is designed for students who are primarily interested in gaining
specialty knowledge and skills beyond that offered at the B.S. level through advanced
coursework. Requirements are met by completion of approved core and elective courses.

The Master’s plan B consists of 30 credits of approved coursework. There is no

requirement for a thesis, project or creative component.

3. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Meeting Provisional Admission Requirements

International students who are admitted provisionally with a requirement for additional
English language testing must address this before the start of their first semester. The
English Language Center will administer the tests and provide requirements to your
advisor for any language courses you will need as well as guidance on an appropriate
first-semester academic load.
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3.2 Requirements for M.S. CE Plan A

The Plan A master’s degree consists of prescribed course work, research, thesis, and a
final oral examination.

Master’s credit requirements. The student must complete at least 30 credits at the 400
level or higher. At least 20 of these credits, including the thesis credits, must be at the
800 level or higher. In addition, credit requirements for core-courses, supporting courses,
and the master’s thesis must be met. Courses below the 400 level may not be counted
toward the requirements of the degree. Please see Appendix 2 for guidelines to help plan
your course of study for the M.S. in Civil Engineering.

Master’s thesis credit requirements. At least 4 credits and no more than 6 credits of CE 899
are required.

Master’s transfer credits. Graduate course credits from another institution cannot be
transferred to MSU if the credits were previously used to obtain a degree. If graduate
course credits were taken at another institution, but the degree was not completed, they
may be transferred to MSU. The final decision on transferring credits shall be made by the
Chair in consultation with the academic advisor. If applicable, up to 9 semester credits of
graduate course work (excluding research and thesis credits) may be transferred into a 30
credit master’s degree program from other accredited institutions, international institutions
of similar quality, or MSU’s Lifelong learning program, if they are appropriate to a student’s
program and provided they were completed within the time limits for the degree. Please see
the MSU Academic Programs publication for additional information. If you wish to transfer
credits, please see the graduate secretary at the beginning of the program so that an MSU
Credit Evaluation form can be initiated. You will need to provide the title, name, catalog
description and syllabus of the course(s) wanted to be transferred (in English), identify the
MSU equivalent course, and identify the appropriate number of credits. The transferred
credits should be consistent and cohesive with the requirements of an area-specific M.S.
degree as outlined in Section 7. The request requires the review and approval of the
Program Graduate Director.

Master’s Degree Program Plan filing. Each student admitted to the Master’s program must
define and file a Degree Program. The student's program of study must be approved
before the student completes 6 credits of graduate work in order for the student to
continue to enroll in the master's degree program. The subject material and the
instructor must be specified for any independent study or selected topics course that is
included in the student's approved program of study. The academic adviser will assist the
student in planning a program satisfactory to the needs of the student. Changes in
program plans may be made only with the approval of the adviser, the Graduate Director,
and the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies. Please see Appendix 2 for
guidance on planning a program in various specialty areas of graduate study in civil &
environmental engineering. When you are ready to file your program, go to the on-line
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graduate tracking system at https://www.egr.msu.edu/grs/ to complete your program.

After the graduate secretary pre-approves your program you will have to print it out and
collect signatures of your committee members. Once the signatures from the committee
members have been obtained you must return the form to the graduate secretary, who
will obtain the additional signatures needed.

Modifications to the master’s program. None of the following types of changes will be
allowed in the student's approved program of study:
1. Adding or deleting a course for which a grade has already been assigned under any
of the three grading systems (numerical, Pass–No Grade, or Credit–No Credit).
2. Adding or deleting a course for which grading was postponed by the use of the DF–
Deferred marker.
3. Adding or deleting a course which the student dropped after the middle of the
semester and for which “W” or “N” or “0.0" was designated.
4. Adding or deleting a course during the final semester of enrollment in the master's
degree program.

Residency requirement for the Master’s degree. At least 9 credits must be taken in residence
at MSU.

Full time status. Full time status for master’s students is defined as a minimum of 6 credits.
All students defending their thesis in the summer need to be registered for at least one
credit during that Summer, regardless of their being enrolled in the preceding Spring
semester. A waiver for this requirement may be requested, with proper justification, to the
graduate program coordinator. The request should be done before the end of the preceding
Spring semester.

Time limit for the Master’s degree. The time limit for the completion of the requirements for
the master's degree is five calendar years from the date of enrollment in the first course
included for degree certification.

Grade point average for graduation. The Engineering College requires a minimum GPA of
3.0 for courses on the approved Master’s degree program. The University requires a
minimum total GPA of 3.0. The total GPA may be different than the program GPA if classes
are taken that were not listed on the program.

Master’s degree examinations. The student is required to pass an oral examination in

defense of the thesis or project. Section 6 of the handbook describes this examination.

Thesis submission. The thesis and associated materials must be prepared, approved and
submitted according to the requirements of The Graduate School, which can be found at
http://grad.msu.edu/etd/.
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Final semester. The student must complete the diploma card when registering for the final
semester. All deferred grades should be cleared at least two weeks before the end of the
final semester, but must be cleared by the Friday of finals week.

DF-Deferred grades: The required work must be completed and a grade reported within 6
months with the option of a single six-month extension. If the required work is not
completed within the time limit, the DF will become U-Unfinished and will be changed to
DF/U under the numerical and Pass-No Grade (P-N) grading systems, and to DF/NC
under the Credit-No Credit (CR-NC) system. This rule does not apply to graduate thesis or
dissertation work.

3.3 Requirements for M.S. CE Plan B1

The Plan B1 master’s degree consists of prescribed course work, a special project, and a
final oral defense of the project. All requirements from Plan A apply to plan B1 except:
(1) a minimum of 18 credits must be in courses at the 800-900 level;
(2) those requirements specifically related to the thesis do not apply; and
(3) the student must complete a research project or a design project by enrolling in at
least 1, but not more than 3, credits of CE 892 (Research Project Option) The final
report must be approved by the guidance committee and defended in an oral
defense.

3.4 Requirements for M.S. CE Plan B

The Master’s plan B consists of 30 credits of approved coursework, at least 18 credits must
be at the 800-900 level. There is no requirement for a thesis, project or creative
component.

4. THE GRADUATE ADVISOR

Graduate education, research, and creative activities take place within a community of
scholars where constructive relationships between graduate students and their advisors and
mentors are essential for the promotion of excellence in graduate education and for
adherence to the highest standards of scholarship, ethics, and professional integrity.
Initiation and successful completion of independent research requires early and continued
advice and oversight by a faculty advisor.

For students in the civil engineering master’s graduate program, Plan A, the faculty advisor
is the student’s academic advisor and thesis advisor. For Plan B1 master’s students, the
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faculty advisor is the academic advisor. Faculty advisors must be members of the civil and
environmental engineering faculty, appointed at the level of Assistant Professor or higher.

4.1 Advisor Assignment and Selection Process

At the time of admission into the program, all students are assigned an advisor. Students
who are admitted to the graduate program with a research assistantship that is provided by
a particular faculty member will be assigned to that faculty member as their academic
advisor and thesis/dissertation advisor. Other students may be admitted with a graduate
assistantship or fellowship that is from general funds or third-party funds and not explicitly
tied to a particular faculty member. In those cases, the selection of an advisor is based on
mutual research interests, but the student is free to change advisors, if the student and
advisor mutually agree that the change would be beneficial. A common reason to switch
advisors is that the student is more interested in the research done by another faculty
member than that of the advisor to which he/she was assigned.

The Department’s policy is to establish that there is interest from at least one faculty
member in advising the applicant prior to sending a letter of admission. When more than
one faculty member has expressed interest in serving as academic advisor to a student who
was admitted with an assistantship or fellowship from general funds or third parties, the
student should select an advisor within the time frame described in the previous section. A
listing of faculty is provided in Appendix I. Current research projects are described on the
Departmental webpage – https://www.egr.msu.edu/cee/

4.2 Time Line for Selection of a Permanent Faculty Advisor

All students in the civil engineering graduate program must have a faculty advisor. Master’s
degree students should have selected a permanent advisor prior to the completion of 6
credits in their master’s degree program (See Section 1.3).
4.3 Roles and Responsibilities of the Thesis Advisor

The role of the advisor includes the following:

• Ensuring that graduate students receive information about requirements and policies
of the graduate program.
• Advising graduate students on developing a program plan, including appropriate
course work, research or creative activity, and on available resources.
• Advising graduate students on the selection of a thesis or project topic with realistic
prospects for successful completion within an appropriate time frame and on the
formation of a guidance committee.
• Providing training and oversight in creative activities, research rigor, theoretical and
technical aspects of the thesis or project work, and in professional integrity.
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• Encouraging graduate students to stay abreast of the literature and cutting-edge

ideas in the field.
• Helping graduate students to develop professional skills in writing reports and
papers, making professional presentations, establishing professional networks,
interviewing, and evaluating manuscripts and papers.
• Providing regular feedback on the progress of graduate students toward degree
completion, including feedback on research or creative activities, course work, and
teaching, and constructive criticism if the progress does not meet expectations.
• Helping graduate students develop into successful professionals and colleagues,
including encouraging students to participate and disseminate results of research or
creative activities in the appropriate scholarly or public forums.
• Facilitating career development, including advising graduate students on appropriate
job and career options, as well as on the preparation of application materials for
appropriate fellowship, scholarship, and other relevant opportunities.
• Writing letters of reference for appropriate fellowship, scholarship, award, and job
opportunities.
• Providing for supervision and advising of graduate students when the faculty advisor
is on leave or extended absence.

4.4 Roles and Responsibilities of the Student

The student also has responsibilities in the advisor/student relationship. These include the
following.
• Learning and adhering to University and academic unit rules, procedures, and
policies applicable to graduate study and research or creative activities, including
those outlined in the publications Academic Programs, Graduate Student Rights and
Responsibilities, and Academic Freedom for Students at MSU.
• Meeting University and academic unit requirements for degree completion.
• Forming a guidance committee that meets University requirements as well as
requirements that are outlined in the Graduate Handbook of the academic unit.
• Following disciplinary and scholarly codes of ethics in course work, thesis or project
work, and in creative activities.
• Practicing uncompromising honesty and integrity according to University and federal
guidelines in collecting and maintaining data
• Seeking regulatory approval for research in the early stages of thesis or project work
where applicable.
• Keeping the faculty advisor and guidance committee apprised on a regular basis of
the progress toward completion of the thesis or project
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4.5 Roles and Responsibility of the Department

Once a permanent thesis/dissertation advisor is selected, it is unusual to change advisors.

However, if a situation arises where a change seems imperative, the student should consult
with the Department’s graduate coordinator who will facilitate changes of faculty advisor.
The procedures for changing M.S. and Ph.D. advisors are described in Sections 1.3 and 8.2,
respectively.

Should the student’s advisor leave MSU, it is the department chair’s responsibility to
facilitate arrangements that allow the student to successfully complete his/her degree
program.

5. FORMATION OF THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE

Graduate students selecting the Project or Thesis options have the responsibility to form a
guidance committee with the approval and assistance of the student’s advisor, and approval
of the Graduate Program Coordinator. The guidance committee will consist of at least three
Michigan State University regular faculty members, at least two of whom must be on the
faculty of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and must include the
student’s advisor, who normally servers as the committee chairperson. Please see the MSU
Academic Programs publication for additional information regarding definition of regular
faculty.

The responsibilities of the guidance committee include the following:

• Advising graduate students on course work, research, or creative activities.
• Providing, at least annually, feedback and guidance concerning progress toward the
degree.
• Reviewing the thesis or dissertation in a timely, constructive and critical manner.
• Committee chairpersons on leave shall provide for the necessary guidance of their
advisees during their absence.

The responsibilities of the student include the following:

• Identifying, in consultation with the advisor, faculty members with the expertise and
interest in supervising the proposed research, and meeting with them to discuss their
willingness to serve in this capacity.
• Meeting with the guidance committee before the research plan is finalized to review
the proposed work, and modify as appropriate.
• Keeping the committee informed on the progress of the research and soliciting their
input to address unforeseen issues or to improve quality.
• Scheduling the final examination and providing the committee with a copy of the
final written product at least two weeks before the examination.
 19

6. THESIS/PROJECT FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION

6.1 Nature and Scope of the Thesis

The final master’s examination is the culmination of a student’s graduate education and
training and reflects not only the accomplishments of the graduate student but also on the
quality of the graduate program. An approved thesis that is accepted by the graduate
school becomes a single-author publication and contributes to the body of knowledge of the
civil engineering discipline.

6.2 Examination Regulations and Format

The graduate student will present the results of the thesis/project in a seminar open to the
community. The student should arrange a suitable examination date after consulting with
the thesis advisor and members of the examination committee. The student should also
arrange for a suitable room in which to hold the seminar by consulting with the office staff
of the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department. This should be done in
communication with the Department graduate secretary, who will arrange for
announcement of the upcoming defense. The student should also ensure that all necessary
computer equipment, such as a laptop and data projector, is available.

The following regulations apply.

• The final oral examination must be scheduled for a date not earlier than two weeks
after the dissertation and abstract have been submitted to the chairperson of the
guidance committee, other guidance committee members, and any appointed
examiner.
• The student must be registered during the semester in which the final oral
examination is taken.
• The thesis/project and the student’s performance on the final oral examination must
be approved by a positive vote of at least three-fourths of the voting examiners and
with not more than one dissenting vote from among the Michigan State University
regular faculty members of the guidance committee.

For both the thesis option master’s degree candidate, the following format is typical. The
examining committee members may or may not choose to meet before the exam to discuss
the procedure. The candidate presents the results in seminar fashion and responds to
questions and comments from those in attendance. After the general audience has had
opportunity to raise questions and comments, they are excused from the room and the
defense continues with only the examining committee. At the end of the examination, the
student is asked to step out of the room, and the examining committee members each
indicate in writing a pass or fail grade. The student is then asked to reenter the room to
 20

receive the result of the final examination. A summary report of the examination result is
submitted to the Dean of Engineering and the Chairperson of the Department.

6.3 M.S. Degree Examining Committee

The M.S. degree examination committee consists of at least three Michigan State University
regular faculty members, at least two of whom must be on the faculty of the Department of
Civil & Environmental Engineering. The committee is selected by the thesis/project advisor
and student with the approval of the Department’s graduate coordinator. One member of
the committee must be the thesis/project advisor. Other interested faculty members may
attend the examination without vote.

7. AREA-SPECIFIC MS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

7.1 MS CE –Geotechnical and Pavement Engineering (GEOPAVE)

All students wishing to receive an MS degree in civil engineering with emphasis in

geotechnical and pavement engineering must satisfy the college and university
requirements, and the requirements outlined below.

Undergraduate Core Courses

Students who do not have a BS in civil engineering will normally be required to complete
those undergraduate courses that provide appropriate background. Typical remedial
courses may be required in calculus and differential equations, soil mechanics, statistics,
and civil engineering materials. To compensate for deficiencies in the areas noted above,
students may be required to complete a limited number of collateral courses in these
areas for the MS degree. These credits will not count towards the MS degree. The
requirement for remedial courses will be determined on a case by case basis by the
student’s adviser.

MS Core Courses (6 credits)

Basic/core courses (6credits) provide exposure to the various aspects of pavement and
geotechnical engineering. Students must either take minimum 6 credits among the
classes below or show that they have taken equivalent courses in their undergraduate
program or in another graduate program.

CE 418 Geotechnical Engineering

CE 431 Pavement Analysis and Design
CE 432 Pavement Rehabilitation
 21

Required 800-Level Core Courses (15 credits)

In addition to the required courses above, MS students are also required to take at least
fifteen (15) credits from the following list of courses. Minimum six (6) of these credits
should be from Geotechnical engineering, and minimum six (6) of these credits should be
from Pavement engineering.

Geotechnical Engineering Courses

CE 815-1 Selected Topics in Geotechnical Engineering (Slope Stability and
Stabilization Techniques)
CE 815-2 Selected Topics in Geotechnical Engineering (Dynamic analysis of
geotechnical and pavement systems)
CE 818 Advanced Geotechnical Design

Pavement Engineering Courses

CE 831 Advanced Concrete Pavement Analysis and Design
CE 832 Advanced Asphalt Pavement Analysis and Design
CE 837 Advanced Concrete Materials
CE 838 Bituminous Materials

Exemption from Fulfilling Core Course Requirement

An exemption from the core course requirement may be granted to a thesis student with
particular professional needs. However, the student's faculty advisor, the MS committee,
and the Graduate Director must approve the MS program for such students.

Elective Courses
Each student can also choose electives that provide depth in his/her chosen area of
specialization within pavement and geotechnical engineering. These courses are to be
selected in conjunction with and approved by the graduate advisor.

7.2 MS CE – Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials (SEMM)

All students wishing to receive an MS degree in civil engineering with emphasis in the
structural engineering, mechanics, and materials (SEMM) area must satisfy the college
and university requirements, and the requirements outlined below.

Undergraduate Core Courses

Students who do not have a BS in civil engineering will normally be required to complete
those undergraduate courses that provide the required background for an MS degree
emphasizing SEMM. Typically, remedial courses may be required in computing, calculus
 22

and differential equations, introductory structural analysis, soil mechanics and/or civil
engineering materials. To compensate for deficiencies in the areas noted above, students
may be required to complete a limited number of collateral courses in these areas for the
MS degree. The requirement for remedial courses will be determined on a case by case
basis by the student’s adviser.

MS Core Courses
If a student chooses an emphasis in structural engineering, mechanics and materials, and
does not have the required background as explained above, the following courses must
be completed as collateral:

Collateral Courses
CE 305 Structural Analysis and Design 3 cr
CE 312 Soil Mechanics 4 cr
CE 337 Civil Engineering Materials 4 cr

Students must complete at least one course in each of the following core areas as part of
the degree program:

Approved Courses in Core Areas

Core Area Approved Courses Credits
Structural Analysis CE 400 3
Finite Element Analysis CE 804 or CE/ME 872 3
Structural Dynamics CE 802 & CE 803 3
Structural Design CE 805 or CE 806 or CE 808 3
Structural Materials CE 809 or CE407 3
Statistics and STT 421 or STT 422 3
Probability

Courses not listed above may be used to fulfill the core course requirement with the
consent of the student’s advisor and the graduate program coordinator.

In addition to fulfilling core course requirements, all SEMM graduate students are
expected to regularly attend the CE Seminar Series while enrolled as a graduate student.

Exemption from Fulfilling Core Course Requirement

An exemption from the core course requirement may be granted to a thesis student with
particular professional needs. However, the student's faculty adviser, the MS committee,
and the Graduate Director must approve the MS program for such students.

Elective Courses
Each student must also choose electives that provide depth in his/her chosen area of
specialization within SEMM areas and/or appropriate breadth. These courses are to be
selected in conjunction with and approved by the graduate advisor. The number of
 23

electives is reduced if the student elects (or is required) to take the project or thesis
option for the MS.7.3 MS CE – Water Resources

All students wishing to receive an MS degree in civil engineering with emphasis in water
resources must satisfy the college and university requirements, and the requirements
outlined below.

Undergraduate Core Courses

Students who do not have a BS in civil engineering will normally be required to complete
those undergraduate courses which provide the required background for an MS degree
emphasizing the water resources area. Remedial courses may be required in computing,
calculus and differential equations, engineering hydrology (CE421) or applied hydraulics
(CE422). The requirement for remedial courses will be determined on a case-by-case
basis by the student’s adviser.

MS Core Courses
With the consent of the faculty advisor and the MS committee, the student must develop
a coherent, individualized program. The program must expose the student to the core
courses in the areas of groundwater and surface water hydrology and related areas as
shown in the list below.

Approved Core Courses

Number Title Credits
ENE 801 Dynamics of Environmental Systems 3
CE 829 Mixing and Transport in Surface Waters 3
CE 821 Groundwater Hydraulics 3
CE 822 Groundwater Modeling 3

Exemption from Fulfilling Core Course Requirement

An exemption from the core course requirement may be granted to a thesis student with
particular professional needs. However, the student's faculty adviser, the MS committee,
and the Graduate Director must approve the MS program for such students.

Elective Courses
Each student must also choose electives that provide depth in his/her chosen area of
specialization within pavement and transportation engineering and/or appropriate
breadth. These courses are to be selected in conjunction with and approved by the
graduate advisor. The number of electives is reduced if the student elects (or is required)
to take the project or thesis option for the MS. Recommended electives include:

CE 891 Advanced Hydrologic Modeling

 24

7.4 MS CE – Transportation Engineering

All students wishing to receive an MS degree in civil engineering with emphasis in

transportation engineering must satisfy the college and university requirements, and the
requirements outlined below.

Undergraduate Core Courses

Students who do not have a BS in civil engineering will normally be required to complete
those undergraduate courses that provide appropriate background, specifically
“Introduction to Transportation Engineering” (CE 341). The requirement for additional
collateral courses will be determined on a case by case basis by the student’s adviser.

MS Core Courses (9 credits)

The following basic/core courses (each 3 credits) provide exposure to the various aspects
of Transportation Engineering. Students must either take the classes or show that they
have taken equivalent courses in their undergraduate program or in another graduate
program. Students who have already taken such courses have an increased number of
electives that they can take as part of their program.

CE 444 – Principles of Traffic Engineering

CE 448 – Transportation Planning
CE 449 – Highway Design

Required 800-Level Core Courses (15 credits)

In addition to the required courses above, MS students are also required to take fifteen
(15) credits from the following list of courses (each 3 credits).

CE 841 – Traffic Flow Theory

CE 844 – Highway and Traffic Safety
CE 847 – Traffic Analysis and Control
CE 849 – Transportation Research Methods
CE 850 – Intelligent Transportation Systems
CE 851 – Transportation and the Environment

While (any) five of the above courses are required, the sixth may also be taken as an
elective. Courses not listed above may be used to fulfill the core course requirement with
the consent of the student’s advisor and the graduate program coordinator.

Elective Courses
Elective courses allow the student to obtain formal training in areas of interest and also
strengthen the student’s skills for performing the MS thesis or project. Elective courses
that may be appropriate for the student’s program plan and/or are required to complete
 25

the program minimum of 30 credits should be selected in coordination (and with

approval) of the graduate advisor.
 26

PART II – DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM IN CIVIL ENGINEERING (Ph.D.

CE)

8. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

8.1 The Ph.D. Degree and the practice of Civil Engineering

A Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering opens doors that are not otherwise accessible. These
opportunities include research positions at corporations and national laboratories as well
as teaching and research positions in academia. A career at this level brings the
satisfaction of being able to explore your own ideas and fully utilize your creativity. A
graduate degree will allow you to expand your knowledge and acquire new skills in
analysis and problem solving, creating challenging opportunities for a full, rewarding
career.

First and foremost among the talents required to succeed in a graduate program is a
desire to learn, coupled with a natural curiosity and a desire to advance the state-of-the-
art. Graduate students are motivated by the enhanced independence that an advanced
degree brings and the challenge of placing oneself at the forefront of technology.

8.2 A road map to your degree

The typical path toward a doctorate degree in Civil Engineering at Michigan State University
is as follows:
• Gain admission to the program. For most of our admitted students, financial aid is
provided in the form of a graduate assistantship.
• You will be assigned an academic advisor based on your interests. If you receive a
R.A., then your academic advisor will be the faculty member providing your R.A.
support. Your advisor will be a member of the Department faculty and will serve as
the chairperson of your doctoral guidance committee. If you find that you wish to
change advisors, you are free to do so unless your advisor is providing you with a
research assistantship on a specific project. If you are supported as a R.A., but there
are extenuating situations that necessitate changing advisors, you should meet with
your current advisor as soon as you decide this is necessary. As part of this meeting,
you should plan to discuss how you will fulfill the obligations of your research
assistantship. After meeting with your advisor, you should also meet with the
graduate coordinator and your perspective advisor as soon as possible and complete
the Change of Advisor form.
• Pass the doctoral qualifying examination at the beginning of the second semester in
the program. Current master’s students transferring to the Ph.D. should take the
qualifying examination prior to starting the Ph.D. or during the first semester in the
Ph.D. Details about the qualifying examination can be found in Section 9.5. and
Chapter 11.
 27

• Choose your committee after passing the Qualifying Examination.

• Design a program of coursework with your guidance committee. The Program of
Study should be submitted before the end of your second semester, if you passed
the Qualifying Examination in your second semester. If you require an extra
semester to pass the Qualifying Examination, you have until the end of the semester
in which you pass your Qualifying Exam to submit the Program of Study, but no later
than the end of your third semester. (Summer semesters do not count).
• Pass the comprehensive examinations, including a successful presentation of a
dissertation proposal. This is done when coursework is finished, or substantially
finished.
• Complete your research, write your dissertation, and defend it in an oral
examination. Historically, the civil and environmental engineering doctoral programs
at MSU require an average of approximately three to four years (beyond the M.S.
degree) to finish.

8.3 Student participation

The Department’s graduate degree programs have certain course requirements as outlined
in section 10 of this handbook. However, graduate students in the Department quickly
discover that their education is advanced in a number of ways beyond traditional
coursework. One of the major opportunities is the chance to work side by side with faculty
members who are deeply interested in finding answers to research problems. All doctoral
students are involved in dissertation research and are expected to demonstrate mastery of
the subject matter at various levels by passing a qualifying exam and a comprehensive
exam. They also develop a dissertation proposal and present the results of their research in
a dissertation defense. Students are encouraged to participate in professional society
meetings and to publish their research results in society journals, transactions, and
conference proceedings.

Graduate students also have the opportunity to participate in academic governance at the
College, and University level. At the College level, graduate students have representation on
the Engineering College Advisory Council and on the Engineering Research and Graduate
Studies Committee. At the University level, graduate students are selected and have voting
membership on the University Graduate Council, Academic Council, and other such
committees as specified by the University Bylaws for Academic governance.
 28

9. PROGRAM COMPONENTS

9.1 The Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy degree consists of (1) prescribed course work, (2) a qualifying
examination, (3) a comprehensive examination, (4) research, (5) a dissertation, (6)
research publications, and (7) a final oral examination. While these components are the
same for all students, the specific requirements are developed for each student by the
advisor and guidance committee in dialog with the student. The rationale and details of
each element are presented together in Section 10 below.

It should be emphasized that the Ph.D. is a research degree, and the primary objective is
to train students to be competent independent researchers. The research experience is
the heart of the Ph.D. program, and the stated requirements should be considered
primarily as elements supporting this primary objective. Because each student will have
individual research interests and objectives, we attempt to design each student’s program
to best address their needs. As a result there are no formally designated components or
tracks within the Ph.D.

9.2 Concurrent M.S./Ph.D.

Students who do not hold a M.S. degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline) may
pursue a M.S. degree as a part of their doctoral program. These students are expected to
complete the requirements of both degrees, although up to 4 credits of doctoral research
may be used to satisfy the M.S. project requirement (subject to approval by the
department chair).

Students who hold a M.S. degree from an accredited or recognized equivalent institution
of higher learning may pursue a M.S. degree from MSU as part of their doctoral program.
These students are expected to complete the requirements of both degrees.

10. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

10.1 Meeting Provisional Admission Requirements

International students who are admitted provisionally with a requirement for additional
English language testing must address this before the start of their first semester. The
English Language Center will administer the tests and provide requirements to your
advisor for any language courses you will need as well as guidance on an appropriate
first-semester academic load.
 29

10.2 Overview of Ph.D. Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy degree consists of prescribed course work, a qualifying

examination, a comprehensive examination, research, journal paper submission, a
dissertation, and a final oral examination. Each student working toward a Doctor of
Philosophy must conduct research upon which a dissertation that makes a significant
contribution to knowledge is prepared and published. The research is to be under the
direction of and acceptable to the doctoral guidance committee.

Doctoral guidance committee. Each graduate student admitted to the doctoral program
must form a guidance committee in consultation with the adviser. The CE Graduate Director
must approve the guidance committee. Section 13 of the handbook provides additional
information regarding the guidance committee.

Course credit requirements. The doctoral program must a minimum of twenty-four (24) and
a maximum of thirty-six (36) dissertation credits (CE 999) and at least 12 credits of formal
coursework in addition to any coursework taken to satisfy a MS degree. The courses and
ultimate number of coursework credits to be taken are determined by the lead advisor and
the guidance committee.
Students holding a MS degree in Civil Engineering, or related discipline, which meets similar
standards to those of Michigan State University, will normally complete a minimum of 12
credits of formal doctoral coursework. Students who are lacking in traditional MS-level
training in civil engineering will generally be required to complete the MS core courses which
they have not previously completed, in addition to doctoral coursework addressing the
criteria outlined above.

Transfer credits. The guidance committee may, in addressing the department doctoral
course credit requirements, consider courses taken in graduate programs at other
institutions of similar quality if they are appropriate to the student’s program and provided
they were completed within the time limits approved for earning the degree. It is not
necessary to formally transfer such credits and they are not listed on the Program Plan.
Instead, such courses are listed on the department’s Supplement to the Report of the
Guidance Committee.

Doctoral program filing. The student’s plan of degree requirements, including the course
work, shall be submitted as a Guidance Committee Report for approval by the committee,
the Graduate Director and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies by no later than the
end of the student’s fourth semester of enrollment in the doctoral program, and
subsequent to passing the qualifying examination. If the student did not pass the
qualifying examination on the first attempt, an extra semester is allotted for completion
of the qualifying examination and submission of the Program of Study.
 30

The Guidance Committee Report is completed using GradPlan (https://gradplan.msu.edu)

which is a web-interactive system for Ph.D. students to create and store their Ph.D.
degree plans and subsequent graduate program activities. If the on-line system does not
allow something you have agreed to with your advisor, please see the Graduate Secretary
about to handle this. Note that subject material and the instructor must be specified for
any independent study or selected topics courses that are included. When you have
completed and submitted your Guidance Committee Report, it will be reviewed by the
Graduate Secretary, and if acceptable, it will be routed for approval. If it does not meet
Program requirements, you will be contacted.

On approval, the Guidance Committee Report constitutes a formal agreement between

MSU and the student covering the specific requirements for the student to earn the Ph.D.
degree. If the student successfully completes the plan, including the associated
requirements regarding acceptable grades, thesis/project defense, etc., it is the basis
upon which graduation is reviewed and approved. In other words, in order to graduate,
you must either follow your approved Program Plan, or modify it as discussed below,
such that it is identical to the courses and project/thesis you complete.

Modifications to the Guidance Committee Report. It is not uncommon for students to

modify their Program Plans as a result of changes in their interests or changes in course
offerings. To do this, the student should discuss the proposed change with their advisor
and the guidance committee and submit a modified Guidance Committee Report.
Changes in program plans will be subject to the approval of the adviser, the guidance
committee, the Program Director, and the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate
Studies, depending on the nature of the change. The new Guidance Committee Report,
as revised, must meet either the standards in effect when the student first enrolled in the
Ph.D. program or those currently in effect at the time of filing.

Students should note that none of the following types of modifications will be allowed:

1. Adding or deleting a course for which a grade has already been assigned under any
of the three grading systems (numerical, Pass–No Grade, or Credit–No Credit).
2. Adding or deleting a course for which grading was postponed by the use of the DF–
Deferred marker.
3. Adding or deleting a course which the student dropped after the middle of the
semester and for which “W” or “N” or “0.0" was designated.
4. Adding or deleting a course during the final semester of enrollment in the master's
degree program.

Full time status. Full time status for doctoral students is defined as a minimum of 1 credit
for those students who:
a. Have successfully completed all comprehensive examinations and are actively
engaged in dissertation research: or
 31

b. Are doing department-approved off-campus fieldwork related to preparation of

their dissertation.

All students defending their thesis or dissertations in the Summer need to be registered
for at least one credit during that Summer, regardless of their being enrolled in the
preceding Spring semester. A waiver for this requirement may be requested, with proper
justification, to the graduate program coordinator. The request should be done before the
end of the preceding Spring semester.

Residency requirement for the Ph.D. degree. One year of residence, made up of two
consecutive semesters and involving the completion of at least six credits of graduate work
each semester, on the campus after first enrollment is required.

DF-Deferred grades: The required work must be completed and a grade reported within 6
months with the option of a single six-month extension. If the required work is not
completed within the time limit, the DF will become U-Unfinished and will be changed to
DF/U under the numerical and Pass-No Grade (P-N) grading systems, and to DF/NC
under the Credit-No Credit (CR-NC) system. This rule does not apply to graduate thesis or
dissertation work.

Receipt of externally funded fellowships by students who have written their own grant
applications and worth at least $20,000 (direct costs) now makes the students eligible for
in-state tuition rate. The in-state tuition rate applies only to the semesters during which
the student is supported by the fellowship. This policy applies only to grants funded
through a competitive process by a US institution/agency/foundation. Funds obtained
through non-competitive processes (e.g., need-based fellowships) or from international
sources do not qualify the students for in-state tuition rates. For more information
contact Melissa Del Rio ([email protected]) in 110 Linton Hall.

10.3 Prescribed Course Work

Required First-year Course. All Civil Engineering doctoral students are required to take the
seminar course CE 900 – Research Strategies and Methods for Civil Engineering during their
first year of study. This course is only offered during the Spring semester.

Program Plan. A set of courses for a student’s doctoral plan are proposed by the student
and the advisor and presented to the student’s guidance committee for discussion and
approval, normally at the first meeting of the committee (see Section 13 on forming the
guidance committee). A student will normally have completed one or more semesters of
coursework prior to this meeting, so it is important for the student and advisor to draft a
plan early that is well thought out and likely to gain committee approval without major
modification. The student should also provide the committee with a complete listing of
 32

college or university level courses taken previously, and a brief description of their
research focus. The committee reviews the Program Plan using the following criteria.

1) When completed, will the entirety of the student’s coursework include the essential
elements necessary for a graduate degree credential in one of the civil engineering
specialty areas (e.g., structural engineering, pavement engineering, water
resources engineering, transportation engineering etc.)?
2) When completed, will the entirety of the student’s coursework provide a
comprehensive knowledge of a major research field and related subjects?
2) When completed, will the entirety of the student’s coursework include most of the
knowledge and skills available in courses at MSU to support the proposed
research?
3) Are there any other additional courses the student should take because of their
individual circumstances including previous preparation or career considerations?

Students holding a MS degree in Civil Engineering, or related discipline, which meets

similar standards to those of Michigan State University, will normally complete a minimum
of 12 credits of formal doctoral coursework. Students who are lacking in traditional MS-
level training in civil engineering will generally be required to complete the MS core
courses, which they have not previously completed, in addition to doctoral coursework
addressing the criteria outlined above.

The courses prescribed by the student’s guidance committee should be listed on the
student’s Guidance Committee Report. Students may not include courses on their
Doctoral Program Plan that have been counted toward the M.S. degree.

10.4 The Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

The intent of the Ph.D. qualifying examination (the exam) is to assess a student's
potential for successfully completing doctoral-level studies and research in the
Department.

The Departmental Qualifying Examination is the first of three examinations that the Ph.D.
student is required to pass. The Qualifying Examination is usually taken at the beginning
of the second semester in the program. Current MS students transferring to the Ph.D.
should take the qualifying examination prior to starting the Ph.D. or during the first
semester in their Ph.D. program.

The exam is administered by an Examining Committee composed of least three faculty

members from the student’s research area. Since the student’s advisor must approve the
examination areas, students are advised to seek such approval well before their expected
examination date, preferably while planning their graduate studies. Students must
 33

complete an application to take the qualifying exam at least one month prior to taking the
exam.

Although students are not required to take particular courses in preparation for the
qualifying examination, the scope of the scholastic examination is associated with a set of
MSU graduate courses. It is the candidate’s responsibility to review syllabi, and/or discuss
course content with faculty experienced in teaching courses in the areas selected for
examination, in order to develop an understanding of the level of knowledge expected in
the examination. See Chapter 11 for specific requirements concerning the qualifying
exam in each area.

Passing the qualifying examination shall require:

a. Satisfactory performance on the written examination
b. Satisfactory performance on the oral examination

Evaluation of the qualifying examination. The Committee will consider all of the
information available, including an interview with the student to clarify unresolved issues,
and render one of the following decisions:
a. The student passes the exam and, except for identified deficiencies for
which the Committee will prescribe a remedy, the student is encouraged to
finish all remaining requirements at the earliest possible time.
b. The student fails the exam but is given permission to repeat a portion or all
of it after certain conditions are met.
c. The student fails the exam and is asked to withdraw from the program.

Repeats of qualifying examination. At the discretion of the Examining Committee, a

student may be permitted to repeat the examination once.

Communicating the outcome of the exam. Results of the exam will be communicated to
students by their lead advisor. When multiple students take the exam during the same
period, results will be communicated at the end of the examination period.

Appeals of the evaluation. A student may appeal the Examining Committee's decision.
Such an appeal must be made in writing to the Graduate Director. The written appeal
must contain explicit reasons for requesting that the review be conducted. The appeal
must be filed within two weeks from the date the student is notified of the Examining
Committee's decision.

Time limit. If a student leaves the graduate program after passing the qualifying
examination and then wishes to reenter the doctoral program at a later date, a pass is
considered valid for up to 5 years from the time the examination is taken.
 34

10.5 Doctoral Comprehensive Examination

The objectives of the Ph.D. comprehensive examinations are to: (a) identify the student's
proposed areas of doctoral research; (b) assess the adequacy of the student's general
preparation for the proposed research area and related fields and possibly recommend
areas for additional study; and (c) review and evaluate the content and style of the thesis
proposal and the student's ability to present the ideas orally.

The general guidelines for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam are listed below.

Schedule of the comprehensive examination. When the prescribed course work is

substantially complete as defined by the Guidance Committee, the doctoral student is
eligible to take the comprehensive examination. A student must be registered during
the semester that the comprehensive exam is administered. A waiver for this
requirement may be requested, with proper justification, to the graduate program
coordinator. The request should be done before the end of the preceding Spring
semester. The comprehensive examination must be taken at least six months
before the Ph.D. dissertation is defended. The comprehensive examination must
be passed within five years from the time the first class that is used to fulfill the
degree requirements for the doctoral program of study was taken.

The written portion (research proposal) of the comprehensive examination must be

submitted to the faculty advisor by the date agreed upon by the faculty advisor and the
student. Failure to submit the proposal in a timely manner will result in the student failing
the comprehensive examination.

Once the faculty advisor approves the proposal, the student must submit copies of the
proposal to the examiners for evaluation at least two weeks prior to the scheduled exam.

On the scheduled exam date the student will present his/her proposal orally to the
examining committee. A decision of whether the student passes or fails the
comprehensive exam will be made at the end of the questioning period that follows the
presentation.

Passing the comprehensive examination shall require:

a. Satisfactory performance on the oral thesis proposal presentation.

b. A satisfactory written thesis proposal.

Evaluation criteria for the comprehensive examination. The Committee will consider all of
the information available, including an interview with the student to clarify unresolved
issues, and render one of the following decisions:
 35

a. The student passes the exam and is encouraged to finish all remaining
requirements at the earliest possible time.
b. The student passes the exam and, except for identified deficiencies for which
the Committee will prescribe a remedy. The student is encouraged to finish all
remaining requirements at the earliest possible time.
c. The student fails the exam but is given permission to repeat a portion or the
entire exam after certain conditions are met.
d. The student fails the exam and is asked to withdraw from the program.

Passing the comprehensive examination requires approval of at least two thirds of the
student’s guidance committee. A written evaluation must be provided.

Appeals of the comprehensive examination evaluation: A student may appeal the Guidance
Committee's decision. Such an appeal must be made in writing and directed to the
Department Chairperson. The written appeal must contain explicit reasons for requesting
that the review be conducted. The appeal must be filed within two weeks from the date the
student is notified of the Guidance Committee's decision.

Once the comprehensive examination is completed, the faculty advisor should submit the
Record of the Comprehensive Examinations for Doctoral Degree to the
examiners for their signature and further processing.

Should the degree requirements not be completed within the eight-year time limitation,
the comprehensive examination must be retaken.

After having successfully completed the comprehensive written and oral exams, the
minimum enrollment for doctoral students is one credit and the student is considered a
Ph.D. Candidate.

For students who were enrolled in the Spring semester and are taking their
comprehensive exams during the immediate Summer semester, the department can
request a waiver of the requirement that the student be enrolled for at least one credit
the semester of the comprehensive exam. These requests are to be directed to the
Graduate School and must be endorsed by the student’s department and college.

10.6 Doctoral research

Each student working toward a Doctor of Philosophy must conduct research upon which a
dissertation that makes a significant contribution to knowledge is prepared and published.
The research is to be under the direction of and acceptable to the doctoral guidance
committee. The research is to be under the direction of and acceptable to the doctoral
guidance committee. The doctoral program must include a minimum of twenty-four (24)
and a maximum of thrity-six (36) dissertation research credits (CE 999).
 36

10.7 Doctoral dissertation

An approved thesis/dissertation that is accepted by the graduate school becomes a

single-author publication and contributes to the body of knowledge of civil and
environmental engineering. Again, for more information, please see section 6 of this
handbook.

10.8 Research publications

All Ph.D. students are expected to publish multiple peer-reviewed papers in high-quality
journals. Students must have submitted at least one paper to a peer-review scholarly
journal as a condition for graduation. A paper that has not been published or accepted
for publication must be reviewed and approved by the student’s dissertation committee.

10.9 Final examination – Dissertation defense

The graduate student will present the results of the dissertation research in a seminar
open to the community. The guidance committee evaluates the seminar and defense of
the thesis. For more information, see section 6 of this handbook. The student should
arrange the examination time and place with the graduate secretary at least two weeks in
advance, and provide her with the dissertation title and abstract. The Graduate Secretary
will publicize the defense at least one week in advance of the examination date.

11. THE GRADUATE ADVISOR

Graduate education, research, and creative activities take place within a community of
scholars where constructive relationships between graduate students and their advisors and
mentors are essential for the promotion of excellence in graduate education and for
adherence to the highest standards of scholarship, ethics, and professional integrity.
Initiation and successful completion of independent research requires early and continued
advice and oversight by a faculty advisor.

For students in the civil engineering doctoral graduate program, the faculty advisor is the
guidance committee chairperson as well as the academic advisor. That faculty member is
the ‘major professor’ for the student. Faculty advisors must be members of the civil &
environmental engineering faculty, appointed at the level of Assistant Professor or higher.

11.1 Advisor Assignment and Selection Process

At the time of admission into the program, all students are assigned an advisor. Doctoral
Students who are admitted to the civil engineering graduate program with a research
 37

assistantship that is provided by a particular faculty member will be assigned to that faculty
member as their academic advisor and thesis/dissertation advisor. Other students may be
admitted with a graduate assistantship or fellowship that is from general funds or third-
party funds and not explicitly tied to a particular faculty member. In those cases, the
selection of an advisor is based on mutual research interests, but the student is free to
change advisors, if the student and advisor mutually agree that the change would be
beneficial. A common reason to switch advisors is that the student is more interested in the
research done by another faculty member than that of the advisor to which he/she was
assigned.

The Department’s policy is to establish that there is interest from at least one faculty
member in advising the applicant prior to sending a letter of admission. When more than
one faculty member has expressed interest in serving as academic advisor to a student who
was admitted with an assistantship or fellowship from general funds or third parties, the
student should select an advisor within the time frame described in the previous section. A
listing of faculty is provided in Appendix I. Current research projects are described on the
Departmental webpage https://www.egr.msu.edu/cee/

11.2 Time Line for Selection of a Permanent Faculty Advisor

All students in the civil engineering graduate program must have a faculty advisor. Doctoral
students must select a permanent advisor prior to the completion of two semesters (See
Section 8.2).

11.3 Roles and Responsibilities of the Advisor

The role of the advisor includes the following:

• Ensuring that graduate students receive information about requirements and policies
of the graduate program.
• Advising graduate students on developing a program plan, including appropriate
course work, research or creative activity, and on available resources.
• Advising graduate students on the selection of a thesis or dissertation topic with
realistic prospects for successful completion within an appropriate time frame and on
the formation of a guidance committee.
• Providing training and oversight in creative activities, research rigor, theoretical and
technical aspects of the thesis or dissertation research, and in professional integrity.
• Encouraging graduate students to stay abreast of the literature and cutting-edge
ideas in the field.
• Helping graduate students to develop professional skills in writing reports, papers,
and grant proposals, making professional presentations, establishing professional
networks, interviewing, and evaluating manuscripts and papers.
 38

• Providing regular feedback on the progress of graduate students toward degree

completion, including feedback on research or creative activities, course work, and
teaching, and constructive criticism if the progress does not meet expectations.
• Helping graduate students develop into successful professionals and colleagues,
including encouraging students to participate and disseminate results of research or
creative activities in the appropriate scholarly or public forums.
• Facilitating career development, including advising graduate students on appropriate
job and career options, as well as on the preparation of application materials for
appropriate fellowship, scholarship, and other relevant opportunities.
• Writing letters of reference for appropriate fellowship, scholarship, award, and job
opportunities.
• Providing for supervision and advising of graduate students when the faculty advisor
is on leave or extended absence.

11.4 Roles and responsibilities of the student

The student also has responsibilities in the advisor/student relationship. These include the
following:
• Learning and adhering to University and academic unit rules, procedures, and
policies applicable to graduate study and research or creative activities, including
those outlined in the publications Academic Programs, Graduate Student Rights and
Responsibilities, and Academic Freedom for Students at MSU.
• Meeting University and academic unit requirements for degree completion.
• Forming a guidance committee that meets University requirements as well as
requirements that are outlined in the Graduate Handbook of the academic unit.
• Following disciplinary and scholarly codes of ethics in course work, thesis or
dissertation research, and in creative activities.
• Practicing uncompromising honesty and integrity according to University and federal
guidelines in collecting and maintaining data
• Seeking regulatory approval for research in the early stages of thesis or dissertation
work where applicable.
• Keeping the faculty advisor and guidance committee apprised on a regular basis of
the progress toward completion of the thesis or dissertation

11.5 Roles and responsibility of the department

Once a permanent thesis/dissertation advisor is selected, it is unusual to change advisors.

However, if a situation arises where a change seems imperative, the student should consult
with the Department’s graduate coordinator who will facilitate changes of faculty advisor.
The procedures for changing M.S. and Ph.D. advisors are described in Sections 1.4.1 and
1.4.2, respectively.
 39

Should the student’s advisor leave MSU, it is the department chair’s responsibility to
facilitate arrangements that allow the student to successfully complete his/her degree
program.

12. AREA-SPECIFIC Ph.D. QUALIFYING EXAM STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

12.1 Pavement Engineering

All students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree within the pavement engineering area
must take and pass the qualifying examination as described herein. The examining
committee is to be composed of four faculty members, three of whom must be faculty
members of the CEE Department pavement engineering group.

The guidelines for the two parts of the examination are as follows:

Scholastic Evaluation Component

• The student must satisfy a breath of knowledge pertaining to two of the areas of (a)
materials, (b) analysis and (c) design, by identifying and being examined on four
approved graduate courses in these areas with at least one course from each of the
selected areas.
• The student’s advisor and the qualifying examination coordinator for the pavement
engineering group must approve the selected courses; therefore students are advised
to seek such approval well before their expected examination date, preferably while
planning their graduate studies.
• Although students are not required to take particular courses in preparation for the
departmental examination, the scope of the examination is associated with MSU
graduate courses or their equivalents.
• Example courses for each focus area are:
o Materials
§ CE 837 – Advanced Concrete Materials
§ CE 838 – Bituminous Materials

o Analysis
§ CE 802 – Soil Dynamics
§ CE 804 – Advanced Mechanics for Civil Infrastructure
§ CE 831 – Advanced Concrete Pavement Analysis and Design
§ CE 832 – Advanced Asphalt Pavement Analysis and Design
§ ME 872 – Finite Element Method
§ CE 838 – Bituminous Materials

o Design
§ CE 818 – Advanced Geotechnical Design
§ CE 831 – Advanced Concrete Pavement Analysis and Design
 40

§ CE 832 – Advanced Asphalt Pavement Analysis and Design

• A candidate who plans to be examined without taking the selected focus area
graduate courses can develop a sense of the level of knowledge expected to be
demonstrated during the examination by studying the appropriate syllabi and/or
discussing the course content with faculty experienced in teaching the courses
involved.

Research Potential Component

• The student must demonstrate independent research ability through the preparation
of a short research paper on two areas.
• Two research topic questions will be prepared by two faculty members in the
committee (different than the student’s graduate advisor) and provided to the student
3 weeks prior to the oral examination date (scholastic evaluation component)
• The student should provide a copy of the research papers to each of the committee
members at least one week before the examination date (scholastic evaluation
component).
• All members in the committee will evaluate the research paper.
• The student will be examined on this part by review of the submitted paper and by
oral examination during the scholastic evaluation component exam at the discretion of
the committee.

At the discretion of the committee, the student may be allowed to retake the qualifying
examination once at a date specified by the committee.

12.2 Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials

All students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree within the Structural Engineering,
Mechanics and Materials (SEMM) area must take and pass the qualifying examination as
described herein. The Examining Committee will be composed of four faculty members,
three of whom must be faculty members in the CEE Department SEMM group.

The guidelines for the two parts of the examination are described below.

Scholastic Evaluation Component

• The student must satisfy a breath of knowledge pertaining to two focus areas within
the student’s field of research by identifying and being examined on four approved
graduate courses in these areas, with at least one course from each of the selected
areas.
• The student’s advisor and the qualifying examination coordinator for the SEMM area
must approve the selected courses. Therefore students are advised to seek such
 41

approval well before their expected examination date, preferably while planning their
graduate studies.
• Although students are not required to take particular courses in preparation for the
examination, the scope of the examination is associated with MSU graduate courses
or their equivalents. The student is responsible for becoming acquainted with the
courses they have chosen for examination by consulting with MSU faculty on the
content and/or syllabi for those courses.
• Example courses for SEMM traditional focus areas are:

o Materials
§ CE 809 – Advanced Composite Materials and Structures
§ CE 837 – Advanced Concrete Materials
§ ME 426 – Introduction to Composite Materials
§ ME 826 – Laminated Composite Materials

o Mechanics
§ ME 820 – Continuum Mechanics
§ ME 821 – Linear Elasticity
§ ME 823 – Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue
§ ME 824 – Plasticity
§ ME 825 – Experimental Mechanics
§ ME 828 – Advanced Strength of Materials

o Analysis
§ CE 400 – Structural Mechanics
§ CE 802 – Structural Dynamics
§ CE 804 – Advanced Mechanics for Civil Infrastructure
§ ME 872– Finite Element Method
§ ME 828 – Advanced Strength of Materials

o Design
§ CE 805 – Advanced Steel Design
§ CE 808 – Structural Fire Engineering

• A student may also define, take, and be examined on a course sequence in an

emerging area, such as advanced materials, sensing technology, nanotechnology, etc.
Course sequences in emerging areas need to be defined by the student in
consultation with the advisor.
• A candidate who plans to be examined without taking the selected graduate courses
at MSU should review syllabi, and/or discuss course content with faculty experienced
 42

in teaching the courses, in order to develop an understanding of the level of

knowledge expected in the examination.

Research Potential Component

• The student must demonstrate the ability for critical thinking by reviewing a research
paper and answering questions posed by the Examination Committee.
• The topic research paper and associated questions must be prepared by one or two
members of the Examination Committee, but different than the student’s graduate
advisor.
• The student should provide a copy of the written response to each member of the
Examination Committee members.
• All members in the Examination Committee will evaluate the written response.
• The student may be examined orally on this part during the scholastic evaluation
component exam at the discretion of the committee.

At the discretion of the Examination Committee, the student may be allowed to retake
the qualifying examination once at a date specified by the committee.

12.3 Transportation Engineering

All students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree within the transportation engineering
area must take and pass the qualifying examination as described herein. The examining
committee is to be composed of at least three faculty members from within the CEE
Department transportation engineering group.

The guidelines for the two parts of the examination are as follows:

Scholastic Evaluation Component

• The student must satisfy a breath of knowledge pertaining to two focus areas
within the student’s field of research by identifying and being examined on four
approved graduate courses in these areas, with at least one course from each of
the selected areas.
• The student’s advisor and the qualifying examination coordinator for the
transportation engineering area must approve the selected courses; therefore
students are advised to seek such approval well before their expected examination
date, preferably while planning their graduate studies.
• Although students are not required to take particular courses in preparation for the
departmental examination, the scope of the examination is associated with MSU
graduate courses or their equivalents.
• Example courses for each focus area are:
o Analysis/Operations
§ CE 444 – Principles of Transportation Engineering
§ CE 841 – Traffic Flow Theory
 43

§ CE 844 – Highway and Traffic Safety

§ CE 847 – Traffic Analysis and Control
§ CE 849 – Transportation Research Methods
§ CE 850 – Intelligent Transportation Systems
o Planning/Design
§ CE 448 – Transportation Planning
§ CE 449 – Highway Design
§ CE 844 – Highway and Traffic Safety
§ CE 849 – Transportation Research Methods
§ CE 850 – Intelligent Transportation Systems
§ CE 851 – Transportation and the Environment

• A student may also define, take, and be examined on a course sequence in an

emerging area or from the suggested transportation MS elective courses listed in
Section 7. Such course sequences need to be defined by the student in
consultation with the advisor.
• A candidate who plans to be examined without taking the selected graduate
courses at MSU should review syllabi, and/or discuss course content with faculty
experienced in teaching the courses, in order to develop an understanding of the
level of knowledge expected in the examination

Research Potential Component

• The student must demonstrate independent research ability through the following:
o Review a research paper and prepare written answers to questions
prepared by members of the Examination Committee, exclusive of the
student’s graduate advisor.
o Prepare a 6-8 page short research paper or proposal on the subject of
his/her choosing.
• The student should submit a printed copy of the above to each of the Examination
Committee members in advance of the oral component of the qualifying
examination.
• All members of the Examination Committee will evaluate the submissions.
• The student may be examined orally on this part during the scholastic evaluation
component exam at the discretion of the Examination Committee.

At the discretion of the committee, the student may be allowed to retake the qualifying
examination once at a date specified by the committee.
 44

12.4 Water Resources

All students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Environmental Hydrology must take and
pass the qualifying examination as described herein. The objective of qualifying exam is
to assess the student's scholastic aptitude and his/her ability to conduct independent
research.

The examining committee must be set up and the exam must be administered in the first
year of a student's Ph.D. program. The committee must consist of at least three tenure-
stream faculty members, all of whom will normally be faculty in the Department of Civil
and Environmental Engineering. Examination topics are drawn from areas in
environmental hydrology (e.g., groundwater and surface water hydrology, applied
hydraulics, computational methods, conceptual modeling etc.).

The qualifying exam will be focused on critical thinking skills associated with the student's
research interests. The examination will be individually formulated and may include an
assessment of the student's ability to critique a research paper or proposal, analyze data,
and/or formulate a hypothesis and design an experiment to test that hypothesis. Each
examiner, in collaboration with the student's advisor, will write and submit one or more
questions to the student's advisor. The student's advisor, serving as examination
coordinator, will compile the questions and administer the exam to the student. The
student must complete the exam within three weeks after receipt from his/her major
advisor. The student will provide a sufficient number of copies of the completed
examination to his/her advisor for distribution to the committee. Within two weeks after
completing the exam, the student will meet with his/her examining committee for an oral
exam, which will focus on, but not be limited to, the written questions and answers. To
pass the exam, the committee must unanimously agree that the student has both the
scholastic aptitude and ability to conduct independent research at the doctoral level. The
results of the exam will be determined in a meeting without the student present
immediately following the oral exam.

At the discretion of the committee, the student may retake the qualifying exam once, but
not in the same semester and before completion of the student's third semester in the
program.

13. FORMATION OF THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE

Each graduate student admitted to the doctoral program has the responsibility to form a
guidance committee with the approval and the assistance of the student’s advisor, and
the approval of the Department chairperson. The guidance committee should consist of
at least four Michigan State University regular faculty members, including the committee
chairperson. The committee chairperson is also the student’s academic advisor. At least
 45

two members of the guidance committee shall be from the Civil & Environmental
Engineering Department and a least one member shall be from a different academic
Department at Michigan State University. Please see the MSU Academic Programs
publication for additional information regarding definition of regular faculty.

Persons who are not MSU regular faculty may serve as an additional committee member
(e.g., a fifth member) provided that the number of such persons does not exceed the
number of regular faculty. An exception may be granted by the dean of the graduate
school to allow a non-tenure stream faculty member or an academic specialist to serve on
your doctoral guidance or dissertation committee as one of the four required faculty
members or as the chairperson of your doctoral guidance or dissertation committee.

An emeritus faculty member may serve as one of the four MSU regular faculty members
on your doctoral guidance committee, with the approval of the department chairperson.
In addition, an emeritus faculty member may continue to serve as chairperson of your
doctoral guidance committee.

The responsibilities of the guidance committee include the following:

• Advising graduate students on course work, research, or creative activities.
• Providing, at least annually, feedback and guidance concerning progress toward the
degree.
• Administering the comprehensive exams and the final oral defense in a fair and
professional manner.
• Reviewing the thesis or dissertation in a timely, constructive and critical manner.
• Committee chairpersons on leave shall provide for the necessary guidance of their
advisees during their absence.

14 DISSERTATION DEFENSE AND FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION

14.1 Nature and Scope of the Dissertation

The final doctoral examination is the culmination of a student’s graduate education and
training and reflects not only the accomplishments of the graduate student but also on the
quality of the graduate program. An approved dissertation that is accepted by the graduate
school becomes a single-author publication and contributes to the body of knowledge of the
civil engineering discipline.

14.2 Examination regulations and format

The graduate student will present the results of the dissertation in a seminar open to the
community. The student should arrange a suitable examination date after consulting with
the thesis advisor and members of the examination committee. The student should also
arrange for a suitable room in which to hold the seminar by consulting with the office staff
 46

of the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department. This should be done in

communication with the Department graduate secretary, who will arrange for
announcement of the upcoming defense. The student should also ensure that all necessary
computer equipment, such as a laptop and data projector, are available.

The following regulations apply:

• The final oral examination must be scheduled for a date not earlier than two weeks
after the dissertation and abstract have been submitted to the chairperson of the
guidance committee, other guidance committee members, and any appointed
examiner.
• The student must be registered during the semester in which the final oral
examination is taken.
• The dissertation and the student’s performance on the final oral examinations must
be approved by a positive vote of at least three-fourths of the voting examiners and
with not more than one dissenting vote from among the Michigan State University
regular faculty members of the guidance committee.

The following format is typical of the final oral examination. The examining committee
members may or may not choose to meet before the exam to discuss the procedure. The
candidate presents the results in seminar fashion and responds to questions and comments
from those in attendance. After the general audience has had opportunity to raise questions
and comments, they are excused from the room and the defense continues with only the
examining committee. At the end of the examination, the student is asked to step out of the
room, and the examining committee members each indicate in writing a pass or fail grade.
The student is then asked to reenter the room to receive the result of the final examination.
A summary report of the examination result is submitted to the Dean of Engineering and
the Chairperson of the Department.

14.3 Doctor of Philosophy Degree Examining Committee

The doctoral final oral examination committee consists of the student’s guidance committee.
According to University policy, at the discretion of the Dean of Engineering, the guidance
committee may be augmented by one appointed faculty member. Other interested faculty
members may attend the examination without vote.
 47

PART III – DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES

15. ADADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout the

course of study. If a student failed to satisfy the prescribed requirements as measured
through grades in each course or cumulative grade point average, notice will be issued as
outlined in Appendix V1 and Appendix VI. Full details on academic performance
requirements for MS and PhD students are outlined below.

15.1 Academic Standards for the M.S. Program

Grades. The student must earn a grade of 2.0 or higher in each course in the approved
program of study. The student must repeat any course for which the grade earned was
below 2.0.

Cumulative Grade-Point Average. The student must maintain a cumulative grade–point

average of at least 3.0 in the courses in the approved program of study.

Probationary Status. A student is placed on probationary status if the student's

cumulative grade–point average for the courses in the approved program of study is
below 3.0. A student in probationary status is not allowed to carry more than 7 credits
per semester or to enroll in any course for which the primary focus is independent study.
Unfunded international M.S. students who are placed on probationary status will be
required to petition the Graduate School, with permission from their advisor, the
department, and their College, for approval to enroll in an additional two credits, for a
total of nine credits to meet visa requirements set by the Department of Homeland
Security.

Retention and Dismissal from the Master’s Program.

• Should a student's cumulative grade–point average fall below 3.0, the student may be
enrolled in probationary status in the master's degree program for one additional
semester. If at the end of the additional semester the student's cumulative grade–
point average is 3.0 or higher, the student may continue to enroll in the master's
degree program. If at the end of the additional semester the student's cumulative
grade–point average is still below 3.0, the student will be dismissed from the
program.
• Each student’s academic progress and professional potential are evaluated by March
15 of each year. A student who in the judgment of the faculty is making satisfactory
academic progress and has professional potential may continue to enroll in the
master’s degree program, provided the grade point average is within the acceptable
range as previously described. A student who in the judgment of the faculty is not

1
Flowchart do not cover the situations where students may not be making adequate research progress
 48

making satisfactory academic progress or lacks professional potential will be notified

in writing by his/her faculty advisor, that he/she will be placed on a six-month
probationary period. Unless deficiencies are corrected within this six-month period,
the student will be dismissed from the program.

15.2 Academic standards for the Ph.D. Program

Grades. The student must earn a grade of 2.0 or higher in each course in the approved
guidance committee report, including collateral courses and courses accepted in transfer
or used as part of the minimal number of doctoral credits. The student must repeat any
course for which the grade earned was below 2.0.

Cumulative Grade–Point Average. The student must maintain a cumulative grade–point

average of at least 3.0 in the courses in the approved guidance committee.

Probationary Status. A student is placed on probationary status if the student's

cumulative grade–point average for the courses in the approved program of study is
below 3.0.

Retention and Dismissal from the Doctoral Program.

• Should a student's cumulative grade–point average fall below 3.0 after having
completed2 semesters or 9 course credits (excluding research/project credits)
whichever is earlier, the student may be enrolled in probationary status in the doctoral
degree program for one additional semester. If at the end of the additional semester
the student's cumulative grade–point average is 3.0 or higher, the student may
continue to enroll in the doctoral degree program. If at the end of the additional
semester the student's cumulative grade–point average is still below 3.0, the student
will be dismissed from the program.
• Should a student accumulate more than 3 deferred grades in courses other than those
courses the primary focus of which is independent study, the student may be enrolled
on probationary status in the doctoral program for one additional semester. If at the
end of the additional semester the student has no more than 3 deferred grades, the
student may continue to enroll in the doctoral degree program. If at the end of the
additional semester, the student still has more than 3 deferred grades, the student
will be dismissed from the program.
• Each student’s academic progress and professional potential are evaluated by March
15 of each year. A student who in the judgment of the faculty is making satisfactory
academic progress and has professional potential may continue to enroll in the
doctoral degree program, provided the grade point average and number of courses
with deferred grades is within the acceptable range as previously described. A student
who in the judgment of the faculty is not making satisfactory academic progress or
lacks professional potential will be notified in writing by his/her faculty advisor, that
he/she will be placed on a six- month probationary period. Unless deficiencies are
corrected within this six-month period, the student will be dismissed from the
 49

program.

Note that the grading procedure for the qualifying examinations and the comprehensive
examinations, and the policy for repeats of this examination are described in section 2 of
this handbook.

15.3 Graduate Student Evaluation

Annual graduate student evaluations are conducted to provide feedback to the students
and also used by the department to assess the student’s progress. The evaluation is done
by the faculty advisor and reviewed by the Graduate Director. Part of the evaluation
includes a self-assessment from the student. The evaluation can be a valuable
mechanism for the student to get feedback on his/her progress from the advisor and can
also serve as an opportunity for the student to discuss career goals and the steps being
taken to reach them. It is therefore important that the student takes this opportunity to
provide an honest and evaluative assessment and detailed comments of their progress
and status and have a discussion of their self-evaluation with their advisor.

The following points are elements that will be considered in the evaluation by the
advisor:

• Progress: An assessment of the student’s progress in his or her courses, and

progress on research, if appropriate. The advisor will comment on strengths and
areas needing improvement. Comments on the student’s progress towards key
examinations, graduation and on the funding strategy for the next academic year
are also expected.
• Professional Potential: The advisor is expected to comment on the professional
development plan (e.g., professional practice, academia, research laboratory, etc.)
developed with the student and their progress in this plan. An assessment of the
student’s potential to work in their profession of choice will be made. Comments
on strengths and areas needing improvement for professional competence are also
expected.

15.4 Academic Grievance Hearing Procedures

Students are encouraged to address problems relating their academic performance by

first speaking informally with their advisor. This may be followed by presenting the issue
to the CE Graduate Program Director, the Department Chairperson, and the Associate
Dean for Graduate Studies, generally in this order. If the problem cannot be resolved
informally, students’ rights and responsibilities, including grievance procedures are
detailed in the Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University (AFR).
Procedures more specifically designed for graduate students may be found in the
publication Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities (GSRR). In accordance with the
AFR and the GSRR the Hearing Board procedures for adjudicating academic grievances
 50

and complaints, can be found at https://ombud.msu.edu/Academic%20Grievance-

procedures/index.html.

15.5 Student Records

The Department maintains an academic record for student’s that is kept on file until 5
years after graduation. Graduate students have the right to inspect any of their own
educational records, barring confidential letters of recommendation, including their official
transcript. Students also shall have the right to inspect reports and evaluations of his or
her academic performance.

Students can challenge the accuracy of their student file. To do so, they must write a
memo stating their perspective, which will be inserted into their file.

A typical inventory of the Department record is as follows.

• College of Engineering Master’s Plans and Doctoral Plans.

• Guidance Committee reports.
• Results of qualifying examinations, comprehensive examinations, and final oral
examinations.
• Grade reports from the Office of the Registrar.
• Annual evaluation forms.
• Other forms filed by the student or on behalf of the student.
• Items from the student’s application for admission, including transcripts, test scores,
and reference letters.

The Department maintains a separate personnel file for teaching assistants, as prescribed
by the GEU/MSU contract (https://hr.msu.edu/contracts/documents/GEU2015-2019.pdf).

15.6 Student Awards

There are a number of awards given to graduate students at MSU, including two
departmental awards – the Outstanding CE and Outstanding ENE Graduate Student Awards.
Students majoring in Civil Engineering degree programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) are eligible for the
Outstanding CE Award. Students enrolled in Environmental Engineering degree programs
(M.S. and Ph.D.) are eligible for the Outstanding ENE Award. A student can receive this
award only once in his/her career at MSU.

The criteria for this award are 1) manuscripts published or accepted in journals, 2)
manuscripts published in proceedings, 3) manuscripts submitted to journals, 4) GPA (in
order of importance). If all else is equal, the Graduate Studies Committee will evaluate the
 51

broader impact of the student on the department. This includes participation in student
groups and assisting other students.

Nominations for these awards are made by a faculty member and submitted in mid-January
to the Department Chair. The nomination packet consists of a letter of endorsement from
the student’s faculty advisor and the student’s curriculum vitae.

16. INTEGRITY AND SAFETY IN RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

16.1 The MSU perspective

Each graduate student shall have the document Guidelines for Integrity in Research and
Creative Ideas https://grad.msu.edu/sites/default/files/content/researchintegrity/guidelines.pdf
The conduct of research and creative activities by faculty, staff, and students is central to
the mission of Michigan State University and is an institutional priority. Faculty, staff, and
students work in a rich and competitive environment for the common purpose of
learning, creating new knowledge, and disseminating information and ideas for the
benefit of their peers and the general public. The stature and reputation of MSU as a
research university are based on the commitment of its faculty, staff, and students to
excellence in scholarly and creative activities and to the highest standards of professional
integrity.

As a partner in scholarly endeavors, MSU is committed to creating an environment that

promotes ethical conduct and integrity in research and creative activities. Innovative
ideas and advances in research and creative activities have the potential to generate
professional and public recognition and, in some instances, commercial interest and
financial gain. In rare cases, such benefits may become motivating factors to violate
professional ethics. Pressures to publish, to obtain research grants, or to complete
academic requirements may also lead to an erosion of professional integrity.

Breaches in professional ethics range from questionable research practices to misconduct.

The primary responsibility for adhering to professional standards lies with the individual
scholar. It is, however, also the responsibility of advisors and of the disciplinary
community at large. Passive acceptance of improper practices lowers inhibitions to violate
professional ethics.

Integrity in research and creative activities is based not only on sound disciplinary
practice but also on a commitment to basic personal values such as fairness, equity,
honesty, and respect. These guidelines are intended to promote high professional
standards by everyone — faculty, staff, and students alike.
 52

16.2 Key Principles

Integrity in research and creative activities embodies a range of practices that includes:
• Honesty in proposing, performing, and reporting research
• Recognition of prior work
• Confidentiality in peer review
• Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
• Compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements
• Protection of human subjects and humane care of animals in the conduct of
research.
• Collegiality in scholarly interactions and sharing
• Adherence to fair and open relationships between senior scholars and their
coworkers

Honesty in proposing, performing, and reporting research. The foundation underlying all
research is uncompromising honesty in presenting one’s own ideas in research proposals,
in performing one’s research, and in reporting one’s data. Detailed and accurate records
of primary data must be kept as unalterable documentation of one’s research and must
be available for scrutiny and critique. It is expected that researchers will always be
truthful and explicit in disclosing what was done, how it was done, and what results were
obtained. To this end, research aims, methods, and outcomes must be described in
sufficient detail such that others can judge the quality of what is reported and can
reproduce the data. Results from valid observations and tests that run counter to
expectations must be reported along with supportive data.

Recognition of prior work. Research proposals, original research, and creative endeavors
often build on one’s own work and also on the work of others. Both published and
unpublished work must always be properly credited. Reporting the work of others as if it
were one’s own is plagiarism. Graduate advisors and members of guidance committees
have a unique role in guiding the independent research and creative activities of
students. Information learned through private discussions or committee meetings should
be respected as proprietary and accorded the same protection granted to information
obtained in any peer review process.

Confidentiality in peer review. Critical and impartial review by respected disciplinary peers
is the foundation for important decisions in the evaluation of internal and external
funding requests, allocation of resources, publication of research results, granting of
awards, and in other scholarly decisions. The peer-review process involves the sharing of
information for scholarly assessment on behalf of the larger disciplinary community. The
integrity of this process depends on confidentiality until the information is released to the
public. Therefore, the contents of research proposals, of manuscripts submitted for
publication, and of other scholarly documents under review should be considered
privileged information not to be shared with others, including students and staff, without
explicit permission by the authority requesting the review. Ideas and results learned
 53

through the peer-review process should not be made use of prior to their presentation in
a public forum or their release through publication.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. There is real or perceived conflict of interest

when a researcher has material or personal interest that could compromise the integrity
of the scholarship. It is, therefore, imperative that potential conflicts of interest be
considered and acted upon appropriately by the researcher. Some federal sponsors
require the University to implement formal conflict of interest policies. It is the
responsibility of all researchers to be aware of and comply with such requirements.

Compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements. Investigators are granted broad
freedoms in making decisions concerning their research. These decisions are, however,
still guided, and in some cases limited, by the laws, regulations, and procedures that
have been established by the University and sponsors of research to protect the integrity
of the research process and the uses of the information developed for the common good.
Although the legal agreement underlying the funding of a sponsored project is a matter
between the sponsor and the University, the primary responsibility for management of a
sponsored project rests with the principal investigator and his or her academic unit.

Protection of human subjects and humane care of animals in the conduct of research.
Research techniques must not violate established professional ethics or federal and state
requirements pertaining to the health, safety, privacy, and protection of human beings, or
to the welfare of animal subjects. Whereas it is the responsibility of faculty to assist
students and staff in complying with such requirements, it is the responsibility of all
researchers to be aware of and to comply with such requirements.

Collegiality in scholarly interactions and sharing of resources. Collegiality in scholarly

interactions, including open communications and sharing of resources, facilitates progress
in research and creative activities for the good of the community. At the same time, it has
to be understood that scholars who first report important findings are both recognized for
their discovery and afforded intellectual property rights that permit discretion in the use
and sharing of their discoveries and inventions. Balancing openness and protecting the
intellectual property rights of individuals and the institution will always be a challenge for
the community. Once the results of research or creative activities have been published or
otherwise communicated to the public, scholars are expected to share materials and
information on methodologies with their colleagues according to the tradition of their
discipline.

Faculty advisors have a particular responsibility to respect and protect the intellectual
property rights of their advisees. A clear understanding must be reached during the
course of the project on who will be entitled to continue what part of the overall research
program after the advisee leaves for an independent position. Faculty advisors should
also strive to protect junior scholars from abuses by others who have gained knowledge
of the junior scholar’s results during the mentoring process, for example, as members of
 54

guidance committees.

Adherence to fair and open relationships between senior scholars and their coworkers.
The relationship between senior scholars and their coworkers should be based on mutual
respect, trust, honesty, fairness in the assignment of effort and credit, open
communications, and accountability. The principles that will be used to establish
authorship and ordering of authors on presentations of results must be communicated
early and clearly to all coworkers. These principles should be determined objectively
according to the standards of the discipline, with the understanding that such standards
may not be the same as those used to assign credit for contributions to intellectual
property. It is the responsibility of the faculty to protect the freedom to publish results of
research and creative activities. The University has affirmed the right of its scholars for
first publication except for “exigencies of national defense”. It is also the responsibility of
the faculty to recognize and balance their dual roles as investigators and advisors in
interacting with graduate students of their group, especially when a student’s efforts do
not contribute directly to the completion of his or her degree
requirements.

16.3 Required Training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

All students involved in research must complete a minimum of 5 hours of training in

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in their first year of research, and 3 hours every
year thereafter. In the first year this must include a one-hour introductory briefing
offered by the College of Engineering, and every year it must at least one hour in which
the student meets with his/her advisor. The remaining training can be satisfied by
completing appropriate on-line training courses, training sessions offered by other units,
or participation in CE/ENE 900. The minimum requirement for training hours must be
satisfied during the period beginning August 15 for any year the student is involved in
research using an on-line tracking tool found at
https://www.egr.msu.edu/secureresearchcourses/
When the required number of hours has been completed, the form "Responsible conduct
of Research Data Courses Report" must be printed from this site, signed by the student’s
advisor, and submitted to the Graduate Secretary by August 15 for the previous year’s
requirement. Failure to complete the required training will result in a loss of research
privileges.

16.4 Misconduct in Research and Creative Activities

Federal and University policies define misconduct to include fabrication (making up data
and recording or reporting them), falsification (manipulating research materials,
equipment or processes, or changing or omitting data such that the research is not
accurately represented in the record), and plagiarism (appropriation of another person’s
ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit). Serious or
continuing non-compliance with government regulations pertaining to research may
 55

constitute misconduct as well. University policy also defines retaliation against whistle
blowers as misconduct. Misconduct does not include honest errors or honest differences
of opinion in the interpretation or judgment of data.

The University views misconduct to be the most egregious violation of standards of

integrity and as grounds for disciplinary action, including the termination of employment
of faculty and staff, dismissal of students, and revocation of degrees. It is the
responsibility of faculty, staff, and students alike to understand the University’s policy on
misconduct in research and creative activities, to report perceived acts of misconduct of
which they have direct knowledge to the University Intellectual Integrity Officer, and to
protect the rights and privacy of individuals making such reports in good faith.

16.5 Research involving human subjects

The University Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (UCRIHS) is an

Institutional Review Board (IRB). Federal regulations and University policy require that all
research projects involving human subjects and materials of human origin be reviewed
and approved by an IRB before initiation. Research is defined as “a systematic
investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to
develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge”. The “generalizable knowledge” criteria
may include developing publications/papers, theses/dissertations, making public
presentations, etc. A human subject of research is a) a living individual from whom an
investigator obtains data by interaction or intervention or b) identifiable private
information.

All research involving human subjects and/or data collected from living human subjects
(including preexisting data) is subject to UCRIHS review and all information can be found
at https://education.msu.edu/cepse/mqm/handbook/research-human-subjects.asp .

16.6 Research involving animals

The use of vertebrate animals in research, teaching, and outreach activities is subject to
state and federal laws and guidelines. University policy specifies that: all vertebrate
animals under University care (that is, involved in projects under the aegis or sponsorship
of the University) will be treated humanely; prior to their inception, all vertebrate animal
projects receive approval by the All University Committee on Animal Use and Care
(AUCAUC); Michigan State University (MSU) will comply with state and federal regulations
regarding vertebrate animal use and care.

Responsibility for assuring compliance with state and federal regulations belongs to the
Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. The Vice President has designated the
Assistant Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies to be the "Institutional
Official" as defined in federal regulations.
 56

The AUCAUC works closely with the Institutional Official, and has responsibility and
authority under federal law for specific actions.

University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR), which reports to the Vice President for
Research and Graduate Studies, provides a comprehensive program of animal care for all
laboratory animal colonies, as well as training for researchers. ULAR also participates in
developing institutional policies designed to insure humane treatment of vertebrate
animals and to assist investigators in maintaining high quality care of animals used in
MSU projects.

An animal use form (AUF) must be submitted to the AUCAUC for review prior to the start
of the project, regardless of the source of funding for the project. The AUF can be
obtained from the AUCAUC office; the completed form will include descriptions of
experimental protocols, plans for animal care, available facilities, and any other matters
relevant to the project. Some granting agencies require review and approval of the AUF
before a grant application will be processed. An agency-approved grant will not be
accepted by the Board of Trustees, nor will an account number be assigned, unless the
AUF has been approved by the AUCAUC. For an animal use application form contact:
Candy Flynn at 432-4151, email [email protected] .

16.7 Office of Radiation Chemical and Biological Safety (ORCBS)

The use of hazardous materials in research, teaching, and outreach activities is subject to
state and federal laws and guidelines. The Vice President for Research and Graduate
Studies has been assigned responsibility to see that appropriate practices are followed
where hazardous materials are involved, to maintain a safe environment for campus
personnel, to protect the surrounding community, and to assure that MSU meets its
obligations under the law.

Oversight of activities involving hazardous substances is provided by the ORCBS. ORCBS

is assisted by faculty committees in the areas of radiation safety, chemical safety, and
biological safety. The Radiation Safety Committee has responsibility and authority under
federal law for specific actions.

It is University policy that faculty members and principal investigators (PIs) are
responsible for the day-to-day safety and well-being of all personnel engaged in activities
under their aegis. Administrative officers, and ORCBS, are responsible for making
available to faculty information needed to maintain a safe working environment, for
providing safety training, for keeping project directors informed about changes in
regulations, and for assaying laboratories and work areas for radiation, chemical, or
biological hazards.

All individuals who work with hazardous substances must accept shared responsibility for
operating in a safe manner once they have been informed (a) about the extent of risk
 57

and (b) about safe procedures that should be followed.

The ORCBS provides live and on-line training classes throughout the year to educate the
employees and students of Michigan State University on safe work practices. Completion
of these courses by MSU personnel ensures that the university is fulfilling local, state and
federal requirements in radiation, chemical, biological, hazardous waste, and
environmental safety.

Your training requirements will depend on your specific job duties. Some general
guidelines are listed below:

• Required for all laboratory employees engaging in the use of hazardous chemicals
(and supervisors of the employees): Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety;
Hazardous Waste Refresher (required annually after completion of Chemical Hygiene &
Laboratory Safety course) and Security Awareness.

• Required for all employees working with radiation: Radiation Safety Initial;
Radiation Safety Refresher (required annually following completion of the Radiation
Safety Initial course).

• Required for all employees with a reasonable anticipated risk of exposure to

blood-borne pathogens/human blood/bodily fluids: Blood-borne Pathogen
Initial; Blood-borne Pathogen Refresher; (required annually following completion of
the Blood-borne Pathogen Initial course)

If you would like assistance determining which courses you should complete, please
contact the ORCBS at 355-0153.

17. STUDENT CONDUCT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

17.1 Student Conduct

The University expects student conduct and behavior to reflect qualities of good citizenship.
The out-of-classroom activities of Michigan State University students should reflect favorably
upon the institution and should indicate the personal integrity of the individual. See Spartan
Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide (http://splife.studentlife.msu.edu/) for specific
policies, ordinances and regulations that define some of the relevant University
expectations.
 58

17.2 Conflict Resolution

Conflicts involving a graduate student may be handled informally or, at the request of a
party or parties, formally. Student’s rights and responsibilities, including grievance
procedures, are detailed in the document: Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan
State University. Procedures more specifically designed for graduate students are to be
found in the publication Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities. Grievance procedures
outlined in these documents shall be followed and the CEE Advisory Committee shall be
responsible for the interpretation and execution of these procedures in the College.

Setting Expectations and Resolving Conflicts – a program for graduate students and faculty
to develop skills in conflict resolution, can be found at the following website:
http://studentlife.msu.edu/sccr/conflict-resolution-services.

18. WORK RELATED POLICIES

18.1 Overview

This section provides current and prospective graduate students in civil & environmental
engineering with information regarding work related policies, information regarding financial
support, and information regarding tuition and fees. Financial support for graduate students
takes different forms and might include one or more of the following: a fellowship, a
research assistantship, or a teaching assistantship. Specific awards change with time to
reflect changes in tuition, fees, and the general cost of living. The Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering has a number of fellowships and assistantships available for
qualified graduate students. Applicants for admission into either the M.S. (with
thesis/project) or Ph.D. programs in civil & environmental engineering are automatically
considered for financial support. Admission to the Ph.D. is linked to the availability of such
support.

Sources of financial support include the University itself, the College of Engineering, the
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and off-campus organizations in both the
public and private sector. Qualifications for receiving specific types of aid vary depending
upon the funding source. Some financial aid packages place certain
restrictions/responsibilities upon the recipient. For example, a half-time graduate
assistantship would require the recipient to perform an average of twenty (20) hours per
week of duties in service on the average to the University during the appointment period.

Many financial-support packages require that the student make satisfactory progress toward
completing a degree of study. The Department's criteria for satisfactory academic progress
includes: course credits completed per semester, the nature of these courses, the grades
received, successful completion of required qualifying/comprehensive examinations, and
 59

progress in completing M.S. or Ph.D. dissertation research. In addition to satisfactory

progress toward completing the degree, continuation of graduate support would depend
upon the following: the recipient has performed the assigned duties satisfactorily; past level
of support and total number of semesters of support; the availability of funds to continue
the current level of financial assistance; the needs of the Department for the particular
services for which the recipient is qualified to perform. When resources for financial aid are
limited and the demand of aid exceeds the amount of funds available, continuation of
financial aid for an individual will depend upon merit relative to others requesting aid and
the needs of the Department to fulfill its overall mission of teaching, research and outreach.

The in-state tuition rate applies only to the semesters during which the student is
supported by a fellowship. This policy applies only to grants funded through a competitive
process by a US institution/agency/foundation. Funds obtained through non-competitive
processes (e.g., need-based fellowships) or from international sources do not qualify the
students for in-state tuition rates.

18.2 Teaching Assistantship Selection Criteria

In considering the assignment of CEE Teaching Assistantships, the Graduate Admissions,

Recruitment and Financial Aid Committee has adopted a set of criteria as a guideline for
selecting applicants for TA positions. These are intended to support the Department's
teaching mission and research mission. The ranked criteria for TA appointment decisions
are:

1. Those students to whom the Department has a prior commitment to provide support,
such as students who have received recruitment offers upon admission or who have
received a multi-year support offer.
2. New Ph.D. students with outstanding research potential and current Ph.D. students
actively involved in research who do not have a research assistantship, fellowship, or like
support. This would be considered an unusual and time limited situation because the
normal expectation is that a doctoral student would have a research assistantship or
other non-TA support. Appointments would usually be limited to no more than a year
unless there were extenuating circumstances.
3. M.S. students doing a thesis who do not have a research assistantship, fellowship, or
like support.

Academic performance and qualifications to teach a particular course will also be

considered in TA appointment decisions. For students for whom English is not the official
language of their home country, a minimum score of 50 on the SPEAK/TSE test is
required. Please note that ETS has been rapidly phasing out the Test of Spoken English
(TSE). Although MSU still accepts TSE scores as an alternative to the SPEAK test, the
score report cannot have been issued more than two years prior to the student’s
 60

appointment as a TA. Also note that the spoken section of TOEFL does not substitute for
the SPEAK test.

18.3 Research Assistantship Selection Criteria

Research assistants are generally selected from among the graduate student body and
from among qualified applicants by individual faculty members. Research assistants are
often selected to work on a specific research project or projects for which the faculty
member has funding. Often, but not necessarily always, the work is related to the thesis
work of the student. Renewal of research assistantships is based on satisfactory
performance and availability of funds.

18.4 The Graduate Employees Union (GEU)

Teaching assistants should be aware of their rights and responsibilities under the current
version of the contract between MSU and the GEU. You may obtain the agreement, and
other information about the GEU, at the web site http://geuatmsu.org/ .

18.5 University Graduate Assistantship Policies

Graduate Assistants (including research assistants and teaching assistants) are available
only to graduate students who are making satisfactory progress toward their degrees,
including maintaining at least a 3.00 grade point average. Graduate assistants are
appointed on a quarter-time, half-time, or three-quarter time basis. The academic year
encompasses two appointment periods – August 16 – December 31 and January 1 – May
15. Summer appointments cover the period from May 16 – August 15. During each
appointment period a graduate assistant’s duties to the University require an average of:
• 10 hours per week for a quarter-time stipend.
• 20 hours per week for a half-time stipend.
• 30 hours per week for a three-quarter time stipend.

The student is expected to be available during the appointment period. Any absences,
including for attendance of professional meetings, must be arranged with the supervising
faculty member and the Department.

Graduate assistants must be registered each semester in which they hold assistantships.
For quarter-time appointments, the minimum enrollment is 6 credits for master’s degree
students and 3 credits for doctoral students prior to completion of the comprehensive
examination (including credits in 899 and 999) and the maximum enrollment is 16 credits
(excluding credits in 899 or 999). For half-time appointments, the minimum enrollment is
6 credits for master’s degree students and 3 credits for doctoral students prior to
completion of the comprehensive examination (including credits in 899 and 999) and the
 61

maximum enrollment is 12 credits (excluding credits in 899 or 999). For three-quarter

time appointments, the minimum enrollment is 6 credits for master’s degree students and
3 credits for doctoral students prior to completion of the comprehensive
examination.(including credits in 899 and 999) and the maximum enrollment is 12 credits
(excluding credits in 899 or 999). The minimum enrollment for doctoral students who
have successfully completed all comprehensive examinations is 1 credit for all graduate
assistantship levels.

International students should also be aware of minimum credit enrollments to satisfy visa
requirements. The MSU Office of International Students and Scholars is an important
resource of information in this regard.

18.6 Graduate Assistants Covered by the GEU

For GEU covered assistantships, please see the current MSU/GEU agreement for
information regarding stipends, tuition and fee benefits, and health insurance coverage.
Teaching Assistants will be provided with the required training that is specific to the
assigned course at the start of Fall and Spring semesters, as well as throughout the
semester as necessary.

18.7 Graduate Assistants not covered by the GEU

Please consult The Graduate School home page for the latest information on stipends,
tuition and fee benefits, health insurance and other relevant information
(http://www.grad.msu.edu ).

18.8 Teaching Assistant Evaluation-

Teaching assistants are evaluated twice each semester the student serves as a TA by
their faculty supervisor. The evaluations are considered for future re-appointment and TA
award selections.

18.9 Graduate Student Evaluation

Annual graduate student evaluations are conducted to provide feedback to the students
and also used by the department to assess the student’s progress. The evaluation is done
by the faculty advisor and reviewed by the graduate program director. Part of the
evaluation includes a self-assessment from the student. The evaluation can be a valuable
mechanism for the student to get feedback on his/her progress from the advisor and can
also serve as an opportunity for the student to discuss career goals and the steps being
taken to reach them. It is therefore important that the student takes this opportunity to
 62

provide an honest and evaluative assessment and detailed comments of their progress
and status and have a discussion of their self-evaluation with their advisor.

The following points are elements that will be considered in the evaluation by the
advisor:
• Progress: An assessment of the student’s progress in his or her courses, and
progress on research, if appropriate. The advisor will comment on strengths and
areas needing improvement. Comments on the student’s progress towards key
examinations, graduation and on the funding strategy for the next academic year
are also expected.
• Professional Potential: The advisor is expected to comment on the professional
development plan (e.g., professional practice, academia, research laboratory, etc.)
developed with the student and their progress in this plan. An assessment of the
student’s potential to work in their profession of choice will be made. Comments
on strengths and areas needing improvement for professional competence are also
expected.

18.10 Safety Compliance

According to university policy, the CEE Department aims to ensure the safety of all its
students by requiring knowledge and understanding of safety hazards and, if required,
providing the appropriate training so that their work can be conducted safely.

The CEE department monitors compliance with safety requirements of all graduate
students by requiring the completion of Safety Training Forms every semester. All
graduate students will be provided with such a form and are expected to complete it with
the help of their graduate advisor and return it to the CEE Graduate Secretary within the
first 2 weeks of each semester. Failure to complete and submit the safety training form
will result in an enrollment hold being placed on the student.

The safety training form should be completed even if the student is not actively working
in a laboratory environment. In such cases, the advisor must note that no safety training
is required. If this changes, the form must be updated.

Your training requirements will depend on your specific job duties and they may include
University-wide or laboratory-specific training. Evidence of compliance with the safety
training requirements identified in the Safety Training from must be provided to the
graduate secretary as soon as they are completed so that they can be included in the
student’s safety record.
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18.11 Use of Department facilities and supplies

Graduate students in the civil engineering programs are provided with a campus mailbox
in the Engineering Building. Graduate students in the environmental and water-resources
engineering programs are provided with a campus mailbox in the Research Complex-
Engineering. All students have access to computer systems under the supervision of the
Division of Engineering Computing Services (DECS), and server storage and email
accounts, also via DECS. Most graduate students find it well worth their while to purchase
their own personal computer, to supplement the services provided by DECS. Graduate
assistants are provided with office space and telephone access for local and campus calls.
Copy machines are available in the Engineering Library with a customary charge per
page. Teaching assistants may have material copied that is required for their teaching
duties by the office copying machine without charge, up to a per-semester allotment.

18.12 Fees and Rates

For current information regarding fees and rates associated with enrolling in the Graduate
Programs in Civil & Environmental Engineering, please see the following website for
tuition rates and housing fees -
www.ctlr.msu.edu/COStudentAccounts/Tuition_Fees_MainMenu.aspx .

18.13 Outside work for pay

The assistantship represents an obligation for the student to perform various duties of
benefit to the department in return for financial assistance. It is assumed that these
duties in combination with the normal course of studies will amount to a full-time load.

Outside work for graduate assistants is discouraged. Before beginning outside

employment the assistant should discuss with the assistantship supervisor the outside
employment and how the assistantship obligations will be fulfilled.

18.14 Traveling Abroad

Students traveling abroad should visit the “Travel Smart” website

(http://grad.msu.edu/travel/) before their trip. When students appointed as TAs or RAs
travel outside the U.S. to conduct required thesis or dissertation research or to collaborate
with investigators conducting research abroad, the department or research grant supporting
the work will pay for all needed vaccinations and or medications (e.g., anti-malarials) as
determined by the MSU Travel Clinic. Students may include those costs in applications for
 64

funds from the Research Enhancement or Travel Grant programs administered by the
Graduate School.

19 TRAVEL FUNDING REQUESTS

The following general guidelines apply to funding requests for graduate student travel.
• M.S. students can apply for travel funding once during their degree program
• Ph.D. students can apply for travel funding once every year
• Faculty advisor is expected to contribute a minimum 25% of the total estimated
cost of the travel
• Student applying for the funding needs to have a paper, presentation or a poster
at the event
• Travel authorization form needs to be submitted at least one week before the
event
 65

APPENDIX I – NEW STUDENT CHECK LIST

University Picture ID – 150 Administration Building (Registrar’s Office)

353-3300.

University email account – see https://netid.msu.edu/ for instructions

on how to set up your university email account. This must be done before
your Engineering College computer accounts can be set up.

Engineering College computer account and email – Division of

Engineering Computer Services, 1325 Engineering Building

Apply for social security card – Applications are available at the office
for International Students & Scholars, 103 International Center, 353-1720.

Complete I-9 Form (TA/RA graduate assistants ONLY) – Forms are

available online at https://www.hr.msu.edu/ua/i9/index.html . Students
will fill out Section 1 then see the department Graduate Secretary to finish
Section 2.

Graduate Employees Union deduction/authorization

form/membership card – All teaching assistants, except for those
teaching assistants specifically excluded by the MSU/GEU agreement,
must fill out this card and check-off of the option of either union
membership dues or representation fees

Vehicle Registration –Parking permits are available for graduate

assistants from the Department of Police and Public Safety located at 87
Red Cedar Road (355-8440). Graduate assistants may apply for a parking
permit on-line at www.dpps.msu.edu. Your appointment form must be
finalized on the system before you will be allowed to purchase a parking
permit.

Housing – 355-7457 (Student is responsible for housing arrangements)

Contact Advisor

Name: _____________________________ Room:___________

Phone: ___________________ Email: _______________________

Enroll for classes – see https://reg.msu.edu/roinfo/enrollment.aspx

 66

APPENDIX II – DESIGNING YOUR M.S. PROGRAM

This appendix is intended to provide assistance in designing your M.S. Program

in Civil Engineering. The program is to be filed before 6 credits are finished.

1. After you and your advisor agree on a program of courses, go to the on-line
graduate tracking system to complete your program
https://www.egr.msu.edu/grs/
2. The graduate secretary will pre-approve the program and generate the form
for signature.
3. The secretary will contact you when the plan is ready for your signature.
After you sign it, it is to be signed by your advisor, the graduate coordinator,
and the Associate Dean of Engineering to indicate that they all approve it.

With reference to the student’s approved program of study, none of the

following types of changes will be approved:

1. Adding or deleting a course for which a grade has already been assigned
under any of the three grading systems (numerical, Pass-No Grade, or Credit-No
Credit).
2. Adding or deleting a course for which grading was postponed by the use of
the DF-Deferred marker.
3. Adding or deleting a course which the student dropped after the middle of a
semester and for which a ‘W’ or ‘N’ or ‘0.0’ was designated.
4. Adding or deleting a course during the final semester of enrollment in the
master’s degree program.

See Appendix 3 Department Areas of Specialization for templates to assist you

with planning your MS program in civil and environmental engineering at
Michigan State University

Check to make sure your program meets the University, College, and
Department requirements as listed in the ECE Graduate Student Handbook and
the MSU publication Academic Programs. Some important check list items are:
• My advisor approves of these courses.
• I will have the necessary prerequisites.
• The courses are to be offered in the terms in which I plan to take them.
• The total number of credits is at least 30.
• All courses are at the 400 level or higher.
• If Plan A (with thesis), the number of CE 899 credits is between 4 and 8.
• If Plan A (with thesis), the number of 800 level credits is at least 20.
• If Plan B1 (project) or Plan B (coursework), the number of 800 level
credits is at least 18.
 67

APPENDIX III – DESIGNING YOUR Ph.D. PROGRAM

This document is intended to provide assistance in designing your Ph.D. Program

in Civil Engineering. The program is to be filed within the first two semesters.

1. After you and your advisor agree on a program of courses, go to the on-line
graduate tracking system to complete your program. -
https://www.egr.msu.edu/grs/
2. The graduate secretary will pre-approve your program and generate the form
for signatures.
3. The secretary will contact you when the plan is ready for your signature.
After you sign it, it is to be signed by your advisor, the graduate coordinator,
and the Associate Dean of Engineering to indicate that they all approve it.

With reference to the student’s approved program of study, none of the

following types of changes will be approved:

1. Adding or deleting a course for which a grade has already been assigned
under any of the three grading systems (numerical, Pass-No Grade, or Credit-
No Credit).
2. Adding or deleting a course for which grading was postponed by the use of
the DF-Deferred marker.
3. Adding or deleting a course which the student dropped after the middle of a
semester and for which a ‘W’ or ‘N’ or ‘0.0’ was designated.
4. Adding or deleting a course during the final semester of enrollment in the
master’s degree program.

Check to make sure your program meets the University, College, and
Department as listed in the CEE Graduate Student Handbook and the MSU
publication Academic Programs. Some important check list items are:
• My advisor and the other members of my guidance committee approve of
these courses.
• I will have the necessary prerequisites.
• The courses are to be offered in the terms in which I plan to take them.
 68

APPENDIX IV - FLOWCHARTS ILLUSTRATING WARNING AND

PROBABTION TRIGGERS
Warning and Probation Flowchart-Master’s Program A & B
 69

Warning and Probation Flowchart-PhD Program2

2
Flowchart does not cover the situations where students may not be making adequate research
progress
 70

APPENDIX V – SAMPLE LETTERS FOR WARNING AND DISMISSAL

To: Student
From:
Date:
Re: Unsatisfactory grade in your graduate program
Your student record indicates that you have earned a grade below 2.0 in one or
more classes in your approved program of study (If you have not yet filed a
program of study, it is assumed that courses taken to date will be on the
program).
In accordance with the Academic Standards of the Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, you are required to repeat this course. Please note
that, when a course is repeated, only the latter grade is used to calculate the
GPA, but all grades show on the transcript.
Should you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact me.

To: Student
From:
Date:
Re: Academic warning and probation notice for cumulative GPA below 3.0, MS
program
Your student record indicates that your cumulative GPA at the end of your first
semester is below 3.0. In accordance with the Academic Standards of the
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, you are being placed on
Academic Probation for one semester. You will have one semester to raise your
GPA above 3.0, or you will be dismissed from the program.
Students on probationary status are not permitted to carry more than seven
credits per semester or enroll in any course for which the primary focus is
independent study. Unfunded international MS students who are placed on
probationary status will be required to petition the Graduate School, with
permission from their advisor, the department and the college, for approval to
enroll in an additional two credits, for a total of nine credits to meet visa
requirements set by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Should you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact me to
discuss.

To: Student
From:
Date:
Re: Academic warning for cumulative GPA below 3.0, PhD program, first
semester
Your student record indicates that your cumulative GPA at the end of your first
semester is below 3.0. Should you attain 9 completed credits in your approved
 71

program of study or complete 2 semesters (whichever is earlier) and still have a

GPA below 3.0, you will be placed on academic probation. Once placed on
probation, you will have one semester to raise your GPA above 3.0, or you will
be dismissed from the program.
Also, students on probationary status are not permitted to carry more than seven
credits per semester or enroll in any course for which the primary focus is
independent study. Unfunded international MS students who are placed on
probationary status will be required to petition the Graduate School, with
permission from their adviser, the department and the college, for approval to
enroll in an additional two credits, for a total of nine credits to meet visa
requirements set by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Should you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact me to
discuss.

To: Student
From:
Date:
Re: Probation notice: cumulative GPA below 3.0, PhD program
Your student record indicates that you have either completed either 2 semesters
or 9 course credits in your approved plan of study, and your cumulative GPA is
below 3.0 for these courses. In accordance with the Academic Standards of the
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, you are being placed on
Academic Probation for one semester.
If at the end of the next semester your cumulative GPA is greater than 3.0, your
probation will be removed and you may continue to enroll. If your GPA is still
below 3.0, you will be dismissed from the program.
Students on probationary status are not permitted to carry more than seven
credits per semester or enroll in any course for which the primary focus is
independent study. Unfunded international MS students who are placed on
probationary status will be required to petition the Graduate School, with
permission from their adviser, the department and the college, for approval to
enroll in an additional two credits, for a total of nine credits to meet visa
requirements set by the US Department of Homeland Security.
In addition, you are requested to meet with me to discuss your situation
as soon as possible, but no later than the fifth day of your next term in
attendance.

To: Student
From:
Date:
Re: Notice of dismissal from your graduate program
 72

You were previously sent a notice that you were on probationary status due to
your unsatisfactory academic performance. Your student record indicates that
you have not met the conditions in that letter related to removing your
probation.
Accordingly, I regret to inform you that you are hereby dismissed from your
graduate program.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

To: Student
From:
Date:
Re: Requirement to complete an approved plan of study
The academic requirements of the Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering and the College of Engineering require that you complete a plan of
study in consultation with your academic advisor and obtain the required
approvals prior to completing six credits. Our records show that this has not yet
been done.
Please take action to complete your plan as soon as possible. If you do not have
an approved plan on file before the middle of the next semester, a hold will be
placed on your future enrollment.
 73

APPENDIX VI – SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. Michigan State University Academic Programs

https://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Default.aspx
2. Michigan State University Description of Courses Catalog
https://reg.msu.edu/Courses/Search.aspx
3. Michigan State University Schedule of Courses
https://schedule.msu.edu/
4. Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities
https://grad.msu.edu/sites/default/files/content/gsrr/GSRR.pdf
5. Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships
https://grad.msu.edu/sites/default/files/content/researchintegrity/guidelines.pdf
6. Guidelines for Integrity in Research and Creative Activities
https://grad.msu.edu/sites/default/files/content/researchintegrity/guidelines.pdf
7. Responsible Conduct of Research
http://grad.msu.edu/rcr
8. MSU/Graduate Employees Union Contract
https://hr.msu.edu/contracts/documents/GEU2015-2019.pdf
9. Graduate Employees Union website
http://www.geuatmsu.org/
10. Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide
http://www.vps.msu.edu/SpLife/index.htm
11. Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University
http://www.vps.msu.edu/SPLife/acfree.htm
12. Tuition, Fees, and Housing Calculator
http://ctlr.msu.edu/COStudentAccounts/TuitionCalculatorFall.aspx
13. The Graduate School
http://www.grad.msu.edu/
14. Council of Graduate Students (COGS)
http://cogs.msu.edu/
15. Office for International Students and Scholars at Michigan State University
http://oiss.isp.msu.edu/
16. Graduate Students Professional Development
https://grad.msu.edu/prep
17. Office of the Ombudsperson
http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud
18. Fellowship Opportunities
https://www.egr.msu.edu/graduate/funding-opportunities
 74

APPENDIX-VII - New Courses for International Teaching Assistants

(AAE 451, 452, and 453)

• Enrollment in any of these courses requires approval of the English

Language Center (ELC). Approval is granted by the Director of the ELC.
• Only students who have failed to achieve a passing score of 50 on the
MSU Speaking Test or the ITAOI may enroll in 451 or 452. Students who
score a 45 are eligible to enroll. A student with a 40 may be eligible with
permission of the ITA Program Coordinator.
• Students need referrals from their departments to enroll in any of these
courses.
• A student who has received a partial waiver on appeal may request
enrollment in 451 or 452. A student with an unconditional waiver may not
request enrollment in 451 or 452.
• AAE 453 is an in-service course. Any ITA with an appointment involving
oral communication with undergraduates may request enrollment in 453.
• A student may take each course only once (unless he or she has received
a grade of “N” in the course).
• There is no required sequence of courses for 451 and 452, but any ITA
eligible for 453 is no longer eligible to take either 451 or 452.
• Receiving a grade of “P” in 451 or 452 (based on assignments, tests, and
other measures) does not qualify a student to serve as a TA. A student
must pass the ITAOI (administered separately by the ELC Testing Office)
or receive a score of 50 on the MSU Speaking Test to be cleared for TA
duties involving oral communication with undergraduate students.
• The decision about whether to place a student in 451 or 452 will be made
by the ITA Program Coordinator in consultation with:
1) the ELC’s Head of Testing, as necessary;
2) the student.
For further information about ITA courses, contact one of the ITA Program
Coordinators--either Alissa Cohen or Laura Ramm ([email protected] ).
For further information about the MSU Speaking Test or the ITAOI, contact the
ELC’s Head of Testing, Dr. Daniel Reed ([email protected]).
 75

APPENDIX VIII - Reminder of Current Policy for Issuing I-20s for

Provisional Admission

If international students are admitted on a provisional basis because of language

proficiency requirements, they can be issued an I-20 for language studies
only. This I-20 is limited to a maximum of 2 years. The student would need to
be tested at the English Language Center upon arrival and begin studying in the
English level determined by that test. Once the student meets the departmental
requirements for language, the student may be issued a degree-seeking I-20. If
the student has not met the stated language proficiency requirement for
department/program admission at the end of two years, the student cannot
continue to enroll for courses.

Provisional admission for international students can be granted ONLY for

language deficiencies. Regulations will not allow the issuing of an I-20 for
provisional admissions for academic reasons.
 76

Appendix – IX: Dual Major Doctoral Degrees

The following information about dual major doctoral degrees is taken from the
graduate school web page: https://grad.msu.edu/interdisciplinaryprograms

Interdisciplinary Programs

Dual Majors Doctoral Degrees

Michigan State University offers doctoral students the exceptional opportunity to

work in conjunction with faculty mentors to develop a dual major doctoral
program. Such a program will reflect the required courses and standards for both
of the departments with a single dissertation. All dual major doctoral degrees
must be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. A request for the dual
major degree must be submitted via GradPlan within one semester following its
development and within the first two years of the student’s enrollment at
Michigan State University. In order to receive a dual major, the following
conditions must be met:
• The intent to receive the degree in two areas must be outlined in the
guidance committee report.
• The Ph.D. Degree Plan must reflect the required standards for both
departments.
• The integrated course work must be satisfactory to both departments.
• The comprehensive examination must be passed to the satisfaction of
both departments.
• A guidance committee including members from both departments must be
satisfied that the dissertation represents a contribution meeting the usual
standards in both areas.
• There must be a single dissertation that represents an integration of the
disciplinary areas.
• Responsible Conduct of Research requirements will be as defined and
approved by the guidance committee.
 77

CE GRADUATE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – SUMMARY

M.S. CE
Plan A (Thesis) Plan B1 (Project) Plan B (Coursework)
• 30 credits • 30 credits • 30 credits
• ≥ 20 credits at 800- • 1 to 4 research project • ≥ 18 credits at 800-
level or higher credits (CE 892) level or higher
• 4 to 6 research credits • ≥ 18 credits at 800-
(CE 899) level or higher
• Prepare and defend MS • Prepare and defend
Thesis. Project Report.
• MS Program Plan must be filed before end of 1st semester.
• Must maintain GPA ≥ 3.0
• Courses below 400-level may not be used
• Up to 9 credits may be transferred (note: restrictions apply)

Ph.D. CE
Prescribed Coursework
• ≥ 12 credits at 800-level or higher beyond MS degree.
• Must maintain a GPA ≥ 3.0
Research Requirements
• ≥ 24 dissertation credits (CE 999)
• Must submit at least one paper to a peer-reviewed scholarly journal as a condition
for graduation.
Qualifying Examination
• Must be taken no later than end of 2nd semester.
• Two parts: oral and written examinations (taken in same period).
Comprehensive Examination
• Must be taken at least 6 months before dissertation defense.
• Must pass before 5 years from the date of the first course in doctoral program
• Must prepare and defend PhD proposal.
Dissertation Defense
• Must prepare and defend PhD Dissertation.
• Must take place not earlier than two weeks after the dissertation and abstract
have been submitted to the guidance committee.
General
• Ph.D. Guidance Committee must be formed before submission of PhD Program
Plan.
• Ph.D. Program Plan must be approved before end of 2nd semester.
• Student must be registered during the semester that the qualifying,
comprehensive and defense examinations are administered.
• Courses below 400-level may not be used