Programs of study are tailored to the needs of individual students, based on their prior training and research interests. However, progress to degree is generally similar for all students. Beginning the first summer, the emphasis is on research, although courses of special interest may be taken throughout a student's residency. In the second year, there is a departmental examination, which includes critical discussion of a recent research article. In the third year, students advance to candidacy for the doctorate by defending the topic, preliminary findings, and future research plans for their dissertation.
Subsequent years focus on thesis research and writing the dissertation.
Most students graduate during their fifth year. Sources of support include research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, and training grants. More information is found on our Doctoral Program Support page. If you are ready to apply for Fall 2002 admissions, we recommend you start the process by reading the letter from Dr. Barbara Sawrey, our Vice Chair for Education. Her letter describes what materials are required and how admissions decisions are made, and it provides a link to an on-line request form.