In addition to the formal doctoral programs, special   interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs may be arranged for students who wish to   pursue subjects that cut across program boundaries. A student who seeks the   Ph.D. in an area requiring the services of two or more program faculties   should consult interested faculty members and then submit a formal proposal   outlining a program of study to the dean of the Graduate School-New   Brunswick. Courses, examinations, the   dissertation topic, and the names of faculty   members who have agreed to serve as the student's committee must have   the approval of the directors of the graduate programs involved. Requests   for special programs normally are considered only after the student has   completed satisfactorily at least one year of work in the Graduate   School-New Brunswick. Upon receiving written approval of the   faculties concerned, the dean appoints an ad hoc committee to   supervise the remainder of the student's program of graduate study   and research. The university transfers the student to the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program (curriculum code 554).