The student's progress is followed by a faculty adviser in the first year and by the thesis adviser and committee thereafter. Near the end of the second year, Ph.D. students are required to pass a comprehensive examination that emphasizes the development of an original research proposal. Full financial aid is available to first-year graduate students. The stipend for 1999-2000 is anticipated to be somewhat higher. Available on the basis of a University-wide competition are a limited number of Mellon fellowships.
All students receiving stipends, as described above, are exempt from tuition.
Cost of tuition may be higher in 1999-2000. Living and Housing Costs Off-campus housing is available near the campus and in surrounding communities. Rents vary, depending on the type of accommodations selected. Many opportunities to share expenses are also available. Student Group Forty-one of the department's 52 graduate students are currently in the MCDB program.