Ph.D. Degree Programs, Policies

1. Students shall ordinarily be expected to complete the course requirements for each concentration area as indicated in the Ph.D. program. However, in special circumstances when students present themselves with specialized backgrounds and interests, the course requirements may be modified with the approval of the Ph.D. Committee.

2. No later than the end of the first semester, a plan of study shall be developed for full-time students. This plan of study is to be updated each semester and a copy placed on file in the Office of the Director of the Ph.D. Program.

3. Comprehensive exams shall be given at least once each year. The comprehensive examinations committee for each student shall be recommended by the advisor and confirmed by the Director of the Ph.D. Program. The comprehensive examinations shall include an examination over research methods core courses and student's area of concentration.

4. After the successful completion of the comprehensive examinations, a dissertation committee shall be appointed to evaluate the dissertation proposal of each student and to direct and evaluate the dissertation itself. The dissertation committee shall be recommended by the supervisor of the student and confirmed by the Director of the Ph.D. Program and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

5. A research proposal, or prospectus, must be carefully prepared and approved by the full committee prior to the initiation of thesis research.

6. Applications for admission to the Ph.D. programs will be logged in at the Office of the Director of the Ph.D. Program and will be forwarded to the concentration area coordinator for recommendation of admission or rejection. The Director of the Ph.D. Program and the Ph.D. Committee will make the final decision concerning the admission. However, no student will be admitted without the approval of the concentration area to which the student applies. Ph.D. applicants should normally have a GMAT test score of 600 or better and have a good academic record. Letters of recommendation will also be taken into account, as will the student's statements of goals in relation to the student's abilities. In the case of international students, TOEFL scores and other evidence of English proficiency will be considered.