The doctoral degree program consists of three distinct phases which should not be confused. Course work should be designed by the Advisory Conference Committee and the student to ensure a solid, working knowledge of general public health theory and practice, as well as specific competencies in major and minor fields. The student s permanent Doctoral Committee will be assigned by the Advisory Conference Committee, with approval by the Graduate Dean, as early in the student s program as possible but no later than one semester prior to the administration of the General Examination. The Doctoral Committee should reflect the general area of the student s dissertation. Any changes in the report of the Advisory Conference Committee or in the membership of the permanent Doctoral Committee must be approved by the Doctoral Committee and filed with and approved by the Graduate Dean.
General examination is the second phase.
Once course work has been satisfactorily completed, the student s Doctoral Committee may approve a date for the General Examination. Requirements for the General Examination are stated in this Bulletin and in the Graduate College Bulletin. The student s Doctoral Committee will prepare and conduct the General Examination, supervise the preparation of the dissertation, and conduct the final oral examination over the dissertation. In addition, the Doctoral Committee may also handle other assignments such as research tool requirements and qualifying examinations. Members of the student s Doctoral Committee will be responsible for advising, directing, assisting and encouraging the student throughout the student s doctoral experience in the College.