Students have great discretion in planning their academic program. Every student is assigned a Faculty Adviser upon entering the Program. The Adviser helps the student plan out his or her course of study. In addition, the Adviser provides specific advice about faculty, courses and research. The size of the Graduate Program makes it possible for students to enjoy close working relationships with faculty.
Seminars are typically small, often with five to ten students.
Students may also create individual reading courses with faculty working on topics of mutual interest. And there are many other opportunities for close contact between faculty and students, including teaching and research assistantships, dissertation supervision, and informal seminars and lunches. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the extraordinary richness of the Austin campus. Many take courses in related departments such as American Studies, Anthropology, Communications, Economics, History, Law, Philosophy, and Sociology. The University of Texas School of Law and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs offer graduate students valuable resources as well.