Doctoral Degree

Research Doctorate

The Ph.D. Academic Advisory Committee and the Ph.D. Research Committee must consist of a minimum of three graduate faculty members, with at least two being from the major department.  The Chair of the Academic Advisory Committee and the Research Committee must be from the major program or have affiliate status.  When a student declares a minor, a faculty member from the minor's home department must approve the proposed degree plan that includes courses required for the minor, contribute to qualifying/comprehensive examination procedures aligned with both the major and minor disciplines, and the Graduate School, serve as a member of the Research Committee, and approve the dissertation.  Larger committees are optional.  The Academic Advisory Committee and the Research Committee may have identical membership.

Clinical Doctorate

The Academic Advisory Committee and the Scholarly Product Committee must consist of a minimum of two members, with at least one being from the major department.  The chair of the Academic Advisory Committee and the chair of the Scholarly Product Committee must be from the major department.  When a student declares a minor, a faculty member from the minor's home department must approve the proposed degree plan that includes courses required for the minor, serve as a member of the scholarly product committee, and approve the final product required by the major discipline.  Larger committees are optional.  The Academic Advisory Committee and the Scholarly Product Committee may have identical membership.

External Committee Member

External Committee Members: A committee chair may request that someone from outside of the university serve on a student's research committee when her/his expertise and/or experience will enhance the quality of the student's research and study experience. The external committee member participates in research meetings but is not a voting member of the committee. The appointment is with great appreciation, but no remuneration is awarded for the service. A copy of the individual's vita/resume must be submitted with the request to the Dean of the Graduate School.

All Doctor of Philosophy degrees are to be completed in eight years. Semester credit hours older than eight years cannot apply toward any doctoral degree. Under extraordinary circumstances, semester credit hours older than eight years may be reinstated with the permission of the Dean of the Graduate School upon request and recommendation of a student’s advisory committee, chair of the department, and dean of the college.