Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program requires candidates to complete a minimum of 60 hours of course credit and 30 credit hours of research beyond the Bachelor's degree. Alternatively, candidates with a Master's degree must complete at least 24 hours of course credit and 30 credit hours of research.

Program Requirements

• The credit hours to be counted toward a Ph.D. are dependent upon approval of the student's thesis committee.
• Students who enter the Ph.D. program with a Bachelor's degree may transfer up to 33 graduate credit hours from another institution with the approval of the graduate advisor.
• Students who enter the Ph.D. program with a Master's degree may transfer up to 45 credit hours of course and research work from another institution upon approval by the graduate advisor.
  • The transfer of credits is subject to the approval of the graduate advisor.
• Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of their required course credit in a minor program of study.
  • The course selection must be approved by the student's faculty advisor, thesis committee, and the department head.

Academic Guidelines

The program's academic guidelines emphasize the importance of approval from the thesis committee, faculty advisor, and department head for various aspects of the program, including credit hours and course selection. This ensures that each student's program is tailored to their research goals and academic background.