The program prepares students for research and for teaching. While
it does offer an M.A. degree, the program is designed primarily for
students who are seeking a Ph.D. The M.A. degree is seen as a
stepping-stone to the Ph.D.
Requirements for the Ph.D.
include 21 research credits, a writing seminar worth 3 credits, and 48
credits of approved coursework. To meet the course requirement,
students may include courses that were taken to satisfy requirements
for the M.A. degree. Students may transfer as many as 24 credits from
other institutions. Of the 48 credits, 6 must be in theory, 6 in
methods, and 6 in statistics.
In addition to coursework,
students must complete three qualifying papers of publishable quality
or submit two such papers and take a qualifying examination in one area
of specialization. They also are required to take a writing seminar,
defend and win approval of a dissertation proposal, and submit and
defend a finished dissertation.
Students generally receive
the M.A. degree when they have completed 30 credits of approved coursework. Required courses include 3 credits in methods, 3 credits in
statistics, and 6 credits in theory. Finally, students must submit one of
the qualifying papers for the Ph.D. Upon approval, students may
transfer as many as 12 credits earned from other institutions.
Applications for September admission should be submitted no later than
