All applications for admission to the program must be approved by the Committee of Graduate Studies (CGS). There are several criteria for admission, none of which will be arbitrarily disregarded, and the best applicants will meet or exceed all of these criteria. However, the Admissions Committee will consider the individual aspects of each application.

The Ph.D. program is developed for students with strong academic skills and research interests. An individual program of study is designed for each Ph.D. student, considering his/her particular academic needs and research interests.

The candidate with a Master Degree admitted to the Ph.D. program is required to take at least 7 courses (32 credits) including a dissertation (10-12 credits) although more credits and courses may be required to satisfy particular aims of the student and the student's advisor. A student should complete the Major Requirements with a G.P.A. of 80 or above. Ph.D. candidates can also earn 6 credits by teaching undergraduate courses within their field of study. In addition, students are encouraged to undertake an internship (3 credits) at relevant organizations. Internships in organizations overseas can also be considered by the CGS if satisfying university and departmental policies.

Upon the satisfactory completion of the course-work and the qualifying examination, students select a dissertation topic. Candidates must demonstrate their ability of independent study in their dissertations performing the original research, and must present themselves at the final oral examination, in which they must defend their dissertations as estimable contributions to the knowledge in their fields and demonstrate mastery in their areas of specialization as related to the dissertation. They must take the final oral examination (defense of the dissertation) within five years after passing the written examination. Any exception to this rule must be approved by theDissertation Committee and the Dean of the School, and may involve repetition of the final examination.

For general policies regarding doctoral studies, please refer to this Catalog's section "Academic Policies." Specific requirements can be obtained from relevant departments.