Upon completion of the cumulative exams that student must defend an original research proposal before their Ph.D. committee. One semester of teaching is required. Students are expected to complete the Ph.D. program in about four years. All M.A. students must take two courses in their major and two others in related fields. Nine semester hours of research are also required.
Students give two seminars, one of which is on their research.
Most students complete the M.A. program in two years. Thesis Option Students with extensive professional experience may enroll for a non-thesis M.A. degree. The requirements of this program are as outlined above for the M.A. degree expect that research is replaced by three additional courses and a written comprehensive examination. The School of Business and the Department of Political Science, respectively, should be contacted concerning those programs.