PETITION CRITERIA

Students who have been accepted into the M.S. program may petiton to enter the Ph.D. program in the spring semester of their second year. To be considered for entry into the Ph.D. program students must make exceptional progress in their M.S. program. Several criteria will be examined when the petitions are evaluated. The first criteria is thesis progress. All students wishing to petition should propose their thesis no later than Feb. 1st, and must successfully defend the thesis by August 1st. In addition, students must demonstrate evidence of additional research (either in team or as an individual), and engage in professional activities such as SIOP and IOOB. Having papers accepted at these conferences will be considered as strong evidence of research productivity. Coursework during the M.S. program will be evaluated as well as interpersonal skills and fit with the program ( teamwork, citizenship, etc.). The end of year evaluation will be consulted to determine the standing on these criteria.

PETITION PROCESS

All current Master’s students wishing to enter the Ph.D. program must file a petition to proceed to the Ph.D. program. The petition will demonstrate to the program faculty the student's ability to pursue the Ph.D., i.e. to make a meaningful contribution of original research to the field. This document should describe the candidate's accomplishments ( thesis, conference papers, other preparation for research, honors, etc.) as well as indicate future direction (study and plan, proposed dissertation topic). It should also include a time schedule for these research activities.

Individuals seeking to petition to the Ph.D. program after completing their M.S. at Florida Tech, should prepare a written report that addresses the following questions. Please submit your written response to Lori Sorum by the application deadline, February 1.  No letters of recommendation are necessary.

1. Describe your current research interest.  Discuss your thesis progress to date.  In detail describe your thesis plan, including key dates and details regarding proposing, data collection, and defense.
2. Describe how you see your program of research developing over the next three years.
3. Which faculty member/s do you intend to work with?  Why?
4. What do you intend to do with your degree?  Describe your career goals.

The I/O faculty selection committee will review each petition to determine if the selection criteria have been met.  If the petition is successful, the student will be conditionally accepted.  The student must complete their thesis by the summer of their second year to gain full admittance into the program.