Student of Chemical Engineering department interacting with a professor
Students of chemical engineering department celebrating their graduation and getting their pictures clicked
A student of Chemical Engineering department standing next to a an informative board showing their work
Students in white lab boats working in a lab

Ph.D. Advising

PhD Student Advising

Welcome to the Ph.D. Program at the Mork Family Department! PhD advising is a team effort between your faculty advisor and your academic advisors, William Wences and Brenda Ornelas. PhD students will primarily be advised by their faculty advisor, whereas academic advisors can assist with administrative processes.

Your Faculty Advisor Can Assist With:

  • Course Recommendations and Approvals
  • PhD Research Guidance
  • Guidance for Screening, Qualifying Exam, Dissertation Defense
  • Ensuring Steady Progress Toward Degree Completion

Academic Advisors Can Assist with:

  • Understanding PhD Program Requirements and Graduation Timeline
  • Submitting Forms (Qualifying Exam, Defenses, Petitions, etc)
  • Understanding STARS Report and Addressing Issues Therein

Please note that questions regarding international student processes (Maintaining Status, F-1, I-20, Program Extension) should be directed to the Office of International Services.

Office of Graduate Advising and Student Affairs
Hedco Chemical Engineering (HED), Suites 202 & 204 
Ph.D. Advisors: William Wences



Ph.D. Student Path to Graduation

Degree Completion: Broadly speaking, completion of the PhD program requires the following:

  • Completion of 60 Units, Including Seminars, and Core Course Work
  • Completion of Screening Exam
  • Completion of the Qualifying Exam
  • Successful Dissertation Defense and Dissertation Upload

MFD PhD Student Handbook:

  • All PhD students are responsible for reviewing and understanding the PhD Student Handbook. The PhD Handbook provides a comprehensive understanding of all Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Petroleum Engineering PhD Programs and is the authority for all program requirements.

Student STARS Report

  • All USC students, including PhD, are responsible for knowing and understanding the student STARS report. Regularly review your STARS report at least twice a semester, including after course registration. Please see this link for assistance with understanding the STARS report. Additionally, log in to my.usc.edu and verify in OASIS that all your requirements are fulfilled and that your mailing details are accurate.

Note for International Students: All F-1 and J-1 international students must adhere to U.S. government immigration regulations, including those pertaining to course and degree requirements, to maintain their student status. For further information, please consult with the Office of International Services.

Note for Graduating Students: For commencement-related inquiries, please refer to the following:


Steps to Graduation



Registration Requirements



Degree Program Requirements



FAQ


Published on July 16th, 2024Last updated on September 26th, 2024