Typical Curriculum for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The typical curriculum for the Ph.D. is the same as the M.S. curriculum up to May of the second year. First year courses are not counted towards the 54 hour requirement of the Ph.D. degree.

Most students accepted to the Ph.D. program should be able to start taking second year courses when entering the program. If you are admitted directly into the Ph.D. program you are expected to take an exam by the end of the first year at the latest. Students are encouraged to select their thesis advisor before the start of the third year.

Year III and IV

Year V and VI

By the end of the fourth year, students take the Comprehensive Exam, which is a written and oral test of the coursework taken. You will then concentrate on research in preparation of writing a dissertation, which should take 12-18 months.