PhD Program

PhD Program Overview

Steps to successful completion of the PhD Degree

Naturally, the time required to complete the requirements of the PhD degree varies from individual to individual.  Past experience indicates that a duration of about four years seems to be typical.  The steps involved in successful completion of the program are listed below:

1. Obtain admission to the program.
2. Student meets with the Associate Dean for Research and Development who temporarily serves as academic advisor until a permanent academic advisor is chosen.
3. A permanent academic advisor is appointed within the first or second semester of study based on the student's area of interest.
4. A PhD Committee chaired by the academic advisor is established.  This committee includes a minimum of three faculty members from each of the two campuses, and is responsible for guiding the student through doctoral course work and research activities.
5. Completion of the course work including the core courses and the courses in the chosen area of concentration.
6. A candidacy (qualifying) exam committee is formed.  The committee includes the academic advisor who serves as chair, and at least one faculty member from each campus.  The members of the candidacy (qualifying) exam committee could be the same faculty members who serve on the PhD committee.
7. Student takes the candidacy (qualifying) exam.  The first part of the exam is in written format, and it is followed by an oral exam administered within two weeks after the written exam.  Following the grading process, the academic advisor reports the results of the candidacy (qualifying) exam to the Associate Dean for Research and Development.  If the student is successful, a request is filed with the Graduate School to obtain candidacy status for the student.
8. Student defends the dissertation proposal. The academic advisor sends the Dissertation Proposal Approval Form and a copy of the proposal to the Associate Dean for Research and Development.
9. Student defends dissertation.  Oral Dissertation Form is completed and forwarded to the Graduate School.  (This form must be printed on 25% cotton fiber paper).