Ph.D. Degree Program Policies
1. Students are expected to complete the course requirements for each concentration area as indicated in the Ph.D. program. However, under special circumstances when students present themselves with specialized backgrounds and interests, course requirements may be modified with the approval of the Ph.D. committee.
2. A plan of study is developed for full-time students no later than the end of the first semester. This plan of study is updated each semester, and a copy is placed on file in the Office of the Director of the Ph.D. Program.
3. Comprehensive exams are given at least once each year. The comprehensive examinations committee for each student is recommended by the advisor and confirmed by the director of the Ph.D. Program. The comprehensive examinations include an examination on research methods, core courses and students' areas of concentration.
4. After successful completion of the comprehensive examinations, a dissertation committee is appointed to evaluate the dissertation proposal of each student and direct and evaluate the dissertation. The dissertation committee is recommended by the student's supervisor and confirmed by the director of the Ph.D. Program and the dean of Graduate Studies.
5. A research proposal, or prospectus, is carefully prepared and approved by the committee prior to the initiation of thesis research.
6. Applications for admission to the Ph.D. programs are logged in at the Office of the Director of the Ph.D. Program and forwarded to the concentration area coordinator for recommendation of admission or rejection. The director of the Ph.D. Program and the Ph.D. Committee make the final admission decisions. However, no student will be admitted without the approval of the coordinator of the concentration area in which the student applies. Ph.D. applicants should have a GMAT test score of 600 or better and a good academic record. Letters of recommendation and the student's statement of goals are also taken into account. For international students, TOEFL scores and other evidence of English proficiency are considered.