Requirements for the PhD Degree
Completion of ten required core courses and six cognates is required. The grading system
includes Honors, High Pass, Pass, and Fail. Students must maintain a High Pass average
and achieve a grade of Honors in at least two core courses to remain in good standing.
Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Fellow Experience
During the first two years of the program, students are Graduate Research Assistants with faculty
mentors and participate in the mentor's ongoing research. Students are expected to
devote approximately 15 hours per week to their Graduate Research Assistant activities.
In year three, participation in the Teaching Fellowship Program will begin. Two terms are
required. Typically, Teaching Fellows assist with the teaching of larger master's level
courses during their third and/or fourth year of doctoral study after they have completed
their required courses.
Examinations
Successful completion of three examinations is required.
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The Preliminary Examination is taken in June after the first year of course work has
been completed. A grade of High Pass or better in each core course is required.
The Preliminary Examination is intended to allow the student to demonstrate
mastery of doctoral course work. This written examination is taken over two consecutive days.
Passing the Preliminary Examination is a prerequisite for continuing in the second year of
doctoral study.
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The Qualifying Examination typically takes place during the third year of study,
and preferably by the end of the fifth semester, when required course work is completed.
The student prepares a comprehensive dissertation proposal containing a
statement of the problem to be studied, critical review of
relevant literature, design, methods, and plan for analysis. The oral Qualifying
Examination typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. The student gives a 15 minute
formal presentation of the proposed study and answers questions regarding the
research and related topics. Successful completion of the Qualifying Examination
is required for candidacy for the PhD degree.
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The Final Oral Examination is based on the dissertation. The dissertation is
intended to demonstrate that the student is competent in the chosen area of study
and has conducted independent research. The Final Oral Examination typically
lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. The student gives a 15 to 20 minute formal presentation of the
dissertation and answers questions. Successful completion of the Final Oral Examination
is required before the Ph.D. can be awarded.
Minimum requirements for the PhD Degree
The minimum requirements for the degree as set by the Graduate School for Arts and Sciences may be found here.
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General Information
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Links
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