Requirements for PhD degree
Requirements for PhD degree presuppose educational and research background for performing creative and independent research in the chosen field of knowledge. The student must realize the course work, pass successfully the candidacy examination, write and defend the thesis.
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Basic PhD degree requirements
Meeting the basic PhD degree requirements leads to completion of important and unique research in studied area. The results of this research are exposed in a written dissertation. To carry out this work successfully, candidates must attend courses in the main subject and related disciplines. After graduate study a qualifying exam is taken.
Besides the formal requirements for PhD degree, students should contribute to departmental activities. Realization of PhD program promotes particular experience in the main area of study. PhD degree requirements provide the background and addition knowledge necessary to put into practice and teach the specialty at the uppermost level together with conducting important research in the selected field.
Procedural PhD degree requirements
It is necessary that the candidate work with a professor whose research interests coincide with those of the student. The student must as well choose a graduate committee that guides research activity, reviews and approves the study program, and conducts examinations.
Specific requirements for PhD degree
- A bachelor’s degree
- Courses in the main field
- Specialty area course
- Advanced courses
- Summaries of discussions
- Research plans
- Examinations
- Research progress meetings
- Teaching experience
Qualifying examination requirements
The qualifying examination tests the understanding of the main courses. The written part covers themes exposed in the courses and tests the essential knowledge of the subject matter. Passing this examination, students obtain MS degree. The oral part assesses the ability to amalgamate knowledge and basic concepts.
PhD degree requirements for proposal evaluation
The proposal evaluation shows student’s preparation for writing the thesis. Usually within a year after the qualifying examination the student presents the thesis to the Dissertation Committee composed of faculty members who are experts in the dissertation subject matter.
Final examination and dissertation
Ability to carry out an independent research should be demonstrated by presenting a written dissertation. Any candidate must perform creative and free research in the area of studied subject. The thesis should reflect the originality and independence of performed investigation. The dissertation must be embodied in acceptable literary appearance and keep to good scholarly style. The thesis should make a significant contribution to human knowledge. After completion of the dissertation, the candidate must defend the materials before Examining Committee.