Major Field A chronologically broad teaching field covering a major civilization. See the department's graduate handbook for additional information. The minor field may be internal or external to the major field depending upon the natue of the program of study. Outside Field An outside field may consist of work in a single discipline, or a series of courses with an interdisciplinary focus appropriate to the major field and dissertation topic. Qualifying Examinations Written and oral qualifying examinations are taken at or near completion of required course work.
Examinations cover the core, major and minor fields, and in some cases the outside field.
Many major fields have additional foreign language requirements. All required couse work to achieve necessary proficiencies must be completed prior to qualifying examinations. The dissertation may comprise from 12 to 18 hours of graduate course work depending upon other characteristics of the program of study.