Program Overview

PhD Degree Program

The doctoral degree is given primarily for high attainment in a particular field of scholarship and for demonstrated power of independent research. The PhD is usually completed in four years following the MA.

Program Requirements

The doctoral student is expected to be capable of critical thinking encompassing the information obtained in courses and from the works in his/her specialization. PhD students should also be familiar with critical works of major scholars, diverse theoretical approaches, and the journals and trends in their areas of specialization.

Credit Requirements

• The PhD requires a minimum of 90 hours of graduate credits.
• Up to 45 hours of graduate credits may be transferred from another accredited institution or your MA program.

Coursework

• PhD students are required to take between 27 to 36 hours of coursework (three or four semesters).
• Students can pursue a graduate minor or take courses in other departments and programs such as:
  • Women's and Gender Studies
  • Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education
  • Ethnic Studies

Dissertation and Exams

• At the end of their second semester, PhD students choose a faculty member as dissertation director, who also serves as chair of their committee.
• They also complete the PhD Supervisory Committee form and Program of Studies form with the Office of Graduate Studies.
• After their coursework, starting in their fourth or fifth semester, PhD students will take 3 written take-home exams:
  • An exam on their field of specialization
  • An exam on their dissertation
  • An exam on a second specialization (literature/culture or linguistics)
• They will also defend the prospectus of their dissertation to become doctoral candidates.