Doctoral study consists of the independent mastery of a field of knowledge and the successful execution of research. For this reason, doctoral students act, in large measure, on their own responsibility, and doctoral programs are more flexible and varied than those leading to lower degrees. A minimum of 90 semester hours is required for the doctoral degree. However, it is not unusual for students to complete a larger number of credit hours depending on the topic of concentrated study, the supervisory committee, the dissertation, and the student him/herself.
Requirements of the graduate program are divided into five broad categories: (1) core courses; (2) an independent study component; (3) seminar, regular research meetings, and individual study/special problem courses; (4) concentration courses; and (5) dissertation hours. A complete written outline of the program of study must be approved by the Supervisory Committee not later than the fifth semester following the student's admission to the program.
Core requirements for the Ph.D. program are listed below. Course numbers may change and courses may be added or deleted upon approval of the Faculty. Substitutions in the core requirements must be approved by the student's supervisory committee. Students may also be required to take prerequisite coursework if needed. Such courses will not replace the core courses or specialty coursework in the student's plan of study.
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Starting in the second year, the order in which courses are taken becomes more individualized. The specific course of study for a student will be determined by the student's major professor and supervisory committee.
Additional Core Courses
Other Departmental or Focus Area Courses