The progress of Ph.D. candidates is monitored at various points in the program. In addition to an interim evaluation, students must pass a set of qualifying examinations and present a dissertation proposal. Once the doctoral dissertation is completed, the candidate must successfully complete an oral final defense. Expertise in a cognate field and appropriate research methods is demonstrated through advanced course work. Most incoming students with good credentials and continuing students demonstrating satisfactory progress will receive some type of financial aid, but the type and amount will vary.
Financial aid is usually a combination of fellowship money and assistantships.
Limited amounts of aid are also available for such things as dissertation field research, internships, and the presentation of papers at professional meetings. The University of Illinois is also a participating member of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, which provides predoctoral grants to facilitate research in developing countries.