A total of 72 hours is required for the Ph.D. degree. At least 36 of these
hours must be course work, with at least 24 of the 36 hours in EECE. In addition
to the 36 hours, an additional 12 hours must be either course work or independent
study in EECE, as specified by the candidate's committee. Up to 24 credit hours
taken as part of the master's degree program may be applied to the 72-hour total
with the approval of the committee. At least 12 hours of coordinated study must
be in a minor subject, typically outside the EECE program. The 6 minor hours
taken as part of the master's degree may be applied toward the 12-hour requirement,
and the 6 additional minor hours must be taken at or above the 250 level. Up
to 12 total hours of course work numbered at or below 299 may be applied toward
the 72-hour total, including hours taken at this level as part of the master's
degree program and hours taken to fulfill the minor requirement (note that no
course work in the major area may be numbered below 250). The remaining 24 hours
may be in dissertation research hours, special readings, or transfer credit
(if applicable). The candidate must complete at least 24 hours of formal coursework
while in residence at Vanderbilt. The candidate's advisor must approve all courses