Typical Ph.D. program of study for full-time students
Year one: core curriculum and qualifying exam
Students will complete 18 credit hours of study in the first year, usually in combination with a 20 hour per week research assistantship.
| credits | |
| Year 1, fall | 9 |
| A Proseminar (3 cr) A qualitative or quantitative methods course (3 cr) Course in area of specialization (3 cr) |
|
| Year 1, spring | 9 |
| A Proseminar (3 credits) UAPP 801 Processes of Social Inquiry (3 cr) A qualitative or quantitative methods course (3 cr) |
|
| Year 1, summer | 0 |
| Ph.D. Qualifying Examination Formation of Dissertation Proposal Committee |
At the end of the first year, students normally take the qualifying exam. The exam is a take-home format that consists of questions linked to the proseminar courses taken by the student in the first year.
Year two: development of a research area of specialization and dissertation proposal
In the second year, students pursue their research specialization. A plan of study typically includes:
| credits | |
| Year 2, fall | 9 |
| UAPP 863 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (3 cr) Course in area of specialization (3 cr) Course in area of specialization (3 cr) |
|
| Year 2, spring | 6-9 |
| If needed, work continues on dissertation proposal with student registering for UAPP 964 Pre-Candidacy Study. Possible defense of dissertation proposal 2 or 3 courses in area of specialization (6-9 cr) |
|
| Year 2, summer | 0 |
| Evolution of dissertation proposal committee into official dissertation committee. Possible defense of dissertation proposal Dissertation research |
The Doctoral Research Paper helps lay the foundation for the Dissertation Proposal. By the end of the second year, students are expected to submit a dissertation proposal and defend it before a dissertation committee.
Year three and after: preparation and defense of dissertation
| credits | |
| Year 3, fall | 9 |
| If needed, work continues on dissertation proposal with student registering for UAPP 964 Pre-Candidacy Study. (Converts to UAPP 969 if defense occurs this semester). UAPP 969 Dissertation Research (9 cr) |
|
| Year 3, spring and subsequent semesters | 0 |
| UAPP 969 Dissertation Research - continued |
Students are expected to engage in independent research with the guidance of their dissertation committee chair and members. Dissertation work is continued until the student's Dissertation Committee is satisfied with the quality of the research. Upon successful defense of the dissertation and completion of any needed revisions, the Committee submits the dissertation to University authorities for final approval.
