A formal plan of studies must be completed prior to enrollment for the semester following successful completion of the qualifying examination. The plan is developed in an Advisory Conference with the student's Committee.

While each plan of studies will be tailored to the individual's needs, certain requirements must be satisfied. The student is responsible for being familiar with the degree requirements as listed in the current Graduate College Catalog. However, the major requirements are:

1. A minimum of 90 graduate credit hours beyond the Bachelor's Degree, of which no more than 42 hours and minimum of 30 hours of credit can be given for the doctoral dissertation.
2. At least 18 hours of coursework must be completed at OU, of which 12 hours must be taken in industrial engineering courses at the 5000 level or above. Nine hours of graduate courses must be taken at the 6000 level, of which no more than 6 hours can be in independent study, and no more than 3 hours may be taken from outside the IE school. The independent study must be IE 6990 and chaired by the student's major advisor.
3. Continuous enrollment in the University during the Dissertation phase of the degree.
4. Application of only those Graduate credits which were earned within seven calendar years of the end of the semester in which the final oral examination was passed.
5. A maximum of 44 graduate credit hours in industrial engineering may be accepted from another institution.
6. A student is normally expected to present minimum residence University credit of three academic years beyond the bachelor's degree. The student must be in residence at the University of Oklahoma at least two full semesters, excluding summer sessions, and be engaged in coursework or research activities prescribed by the IE department.