AM Graduate students who have completed two years of residence and who have fulfilled all the course requirements and language requirements for the PhD may, upon petition, receive an AM degree. Teaching The department regards teaching as an essential part of the PhD program, and graduate students beyond the second year are encouraged to apply for teaching fellowships. Advising First-year students are advised by the DGS until they choose a major field, at which time they also choose a major advisor from the regular departmental faculty. 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. Preparation for the exam necessarily involves close consultation with the major advisor, who assists in drawing up an appropriate reading list. The Thesis Prospectus A prospectus of the doctoral thesis must be submitted to the department within six months of passing the general exam, but in no case later than the end of the fourth year. Final membership of the thesis committee is subject to vote of the department faculty.