Although it is difficult to prescribe a standard length for the prospectus, it should be long enough to include essential information for all proposed topics but concise enough to focus clearly on the subject. About seven pages, including bibliography should be sufficient in most cases. H. Admission to Candidacy Admission to candidacy indicates that the department and the Graduate School consider the student prepared to do original and independent research. Students will be admitted to candidacy when they have completed all predissertation requirements, including the dissertation prospectus. Admission to candidacy will normally take place by the end of the third year of study.
Teaching is required in some departments and is an expectation in all.
A student who has not been admitted to candidacy at the expected time will not be permitted to register for the following term. The dissertation should demonstrate the student's mastery of relevant resources and methods and should make an original contribution to knowledge in the field.