D.C. Six credits of elective courses are required. If desired, a student may take an internship. This internship can be counted as an elective course if approved by the doctoral program committee. The qualifying examination is taken at the end of the first year of study, after completion of 18 credit hours. The examination covers the course content in the first-year core courses.
Emphasis is placed on the ability to synthesize knowledge.
The student must pass the examination in order to continue in the program. The comprehensive examination is taken upon the completion of all the core courses and special interest area courses. Students are admitted to candidacy after passing the comprehensive examination and receiving the recommendation of the doctoral committee. The candidate is required to present and orally defend the proposal for and subsequently a completed dissertation. Dissertations will be bound.