In many other cases, because students admitted into doctoral study often already have considerable professional experience and have professional goals similar to their doctoral student colleagues, their cohort is one of the most important sources of learning. In such cases, cohorts provide social and personal support as well as practical help, such as accessing and sharing literature, sharing class notes when an absence cannot be avoided, and assisting in the refinement of research questions and approaches. Doctoral students in the department must be assured that the social and mentorship configuration of their program responds to the demands of the profession and the nature of scholarly enterprise in their field. Courses, or alternative structures, have their own identity and value but there must be a continuity of experience for students that connects them. Further, the nature and value of scholarship and collegial work are learned in a scholarly community where they are experienced.
Doctoral study is a process that requires deep personal commitment.
Therefore, doctoral study must assure adequate time for students to be integrated into an inquiry- oriented community. In order to achieve these goals, the department requires students to spend a substantial portion of their programs in full-time study at the University. Doctoral students must spend at least two consecutive semesters of full-time residency on the Tampa Campus. Full time residency requires enrollment in a minimum of nine semester hours each semester. It is understood that students should be engaged in no more than half-time employment outside of the Ph. D. program during the residency period.