A pplicants should have a well defined research interest that is best served by an interdisciplinary degree rather than by a single, traditional discipline based department.
Students pursue the Ph.D. degree through a flexible course of study.
They, in consultation with the program director, their advisor and other faculty members design their own programs. In order to be successful students need to come to the program focused or develop a focus during their first year. Some students in the Program study part time while continuing to work at Syracuse University or in the community. Others come at midcareer seeking a change in profession. Most arrive with Masters degrees.