We encourage on-line submission of the application . These requirements are strictly, but not rigidly, enforced. Only in exceptional cases are course requirements waived completely. Thereafter, progress toward completion of the PhD requirements continues to be monitored by the DGS, but primary responsibility for overseeing study in the major field shifts to the major advisor. A student s general exam is prepared by his or her major advisor, who in most cases also becomes the main thesis director.
Students can petition to change their major advisor at any time.
In addition to the major advisor, students should select a co-advisor by the end of their second year. The co-advisor, who may, but need not, represent the student s declared minor field, plays an important role as a second advisor and faculty mentor. The major field is typically a large subarea of linguistics, such as phonology, syntax, or historical linguistics. Preparation for the exam necessarily involves close consultation with the major advisor, who assists in drawing up an appropriate reading list. A student may petition the department to be excused from a language requirement based on established competence.