Most students commence work on a Masters thesis during the first two years. This is submitted preferably before the start of the third year. The Masters thesis should demonstrate the student's ability to conduct and report independent research effectively, and may form the basis for a dissertation topic. Year 3 onwards. At the start of the third year, students are expected to complete the Qualifying Examination that will allow them to proceed with the program, and with their dissertation research.
Students usually commence planning their dissertation research in their third year.
Most students complete their course requirements by the third or fourth year by taking classes that count as their Minor, and Distribution classes. Some students also attend semester-long internships at various organizations during the third or fourth year. This allows them to concentrate fully on their dissertation research in their final year before graduation. A formal statement of the requirements of the Department may be found here . This funding comes from a range of diverse sources, including NSF Fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and privately funded fellowships.