Doctor of Engineering

The Doctor of Engineering (or engineering doctorate) (abbreviated DEng or EngD) is a professional degree awarded in engineering and applied science. An EngD is a terminal degree similar to a PhD in engineering but applicable more in industry rather than in academia. The degree is usually aimed toward working professionals. The DEng/EngD along with the PhD represents the highest academic qualification in engineering, and the successful completion of either in engineering is generally required to gain employment as a full-time, tenure-track university professor or postdoctoral researcher in the field. However, due to its nature, a DEng/EngD graduate might be more suitable for the Professor of Practice position. Individuals can use the academic title doctor, which is often represented via the English honorific "Dr”. DEng/EngD candidates submit a significant project, typically referred to as a thesis or praxis, consisting of a body of applied and practical methods/products with the main goal of solving complex industrial problems. Candidates must defend this work before a panel of expert examiners called a thesis or dissertation committee. Countries following the German/US model of education usually have similar requirements for awarding PhD (Eng) and doctor of engineering degrees. The common degree abbreviations in the US are DEng/EngD, DEngSc/EngScD, whereas in Germany it is more commonly known as Dr-Ing The common degree abbreviation in the Netherlands is Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng), which is equivalent to the EngD (as of 1 September 2022, the PDEng title in The Netherlands will be renamed to EngD). To be admitted as a doctoral student, one must usually hold a Master's degree in engineering or related science subject and pass a comprehensive entrance exam. The student must complete the necessary required course work, be taught examinable courses, perform independent research under the supervision of a qualified doctoral advisor, and pass the thesis defense.