Graduate study in MCDB is a full-time, five- to six-year doctoral program. The first one and a half years are spent laying a foundation for the dissertation through research, course work, independent reading, and preparation of a research proposal.
In the event that a student has not completed the program within the 7th year, the student, after consulting their Thesis Advisor, must file a Petition for Extended Registration. The student must draft an explanation and an update on the work and plans for completion to the DGS. Before this extension is granted, the student will also be required to meet with the School of Arts and Sciences Assistant or Associate Graduate Dean.
The academic requirements that must be satisfied in the Ph.D. program are the following:
- Honors grades in at least two courses
- Presentation of an acceptable research proposal (the Prospectus)
- Satisfactory performance at the Qualifying Exam
- Service as a Teaching Fellow in two courses
- Continuing progress in dissertation research as judged by annual Thesis Advisory Committee meetings
- Submission and defense of a dissertation judged acceptable by the faculty of the Department. These requirements are outlined in detail below.