Course descriptionThe Doctor of Philosophy is conferred in recognition of the mastery of a special field of learning as shown by the satisfactory completion of a prescribed course of study and investigation, the successful passing of general examinations covering the major and minor fields, the preparation of an acceptable dissertation reflecting high achievement in scholarship and independent investigation, and the passing of a final examination on the dissertation and related subjects.
The degree is a research degree. It is not conferred merely upon fulfillment of technical requirements, but awarded in recognition of the ability to think and work independently, originally, and creatively in a chosen field.
Admission
Prospective candidates for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education are admitted under the same procedures and requirements outlined in the General A student must be admitted to a specific doctoral program, but admission does not mean admission to candidacy for the degree, which occurs only after satisfactory completion of the general oral examination.
Course Requirements
The Graduate School requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graded course work (7000-level and above) beyond the bachelor's degreeat least 18 hours of which must be completed as a graduate student. A doctoral student must also complete 30 semester hours of additional course work. A maximum of four hours of 7990 (Research and Thesis) from a completed master's program may be counted.
A doctoral student must enroll for a minimum of 10 hours of 8990. This may be taken at any time the student and the student's advisory committee deem appropriate. A student may enroll during any one semester for as few as one hour or as many as 16 hours of 8990. The requisite 10 hours of 8990 should be included in the Plan of Study. No grade is assigned.