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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program The doctor of philosophy degree is granted primarily for creative attainments. There is no rigid credit requirement; however, the equivalent of at least three years of full-time graduate work beyond the bachelor's degree (at least 108 graduate credits) is required. After admission into the doctoral program, a minimum of one full-time academic year (at least 36 graduate credits) should be devoted to the preparation of the thesis. The equivalent of one full-time academic year of regular non-blanket course work (at least 36 graduate credits) must be included on a doctoral program. The student's doctoral study program is formulated and approved subject to departmental policies at a formal meeting of his or her doctoral committee, which consists of a minimum of five members of the graduate faculty, including two from the major department and a representative of the Graduate Council. If a minor is declared, it must consist of at least 18 credits (15 credits for an integrated minor) and the committee must include a member from the minor department. All committee members must be on the graduate faculty with appropriate authorization to serve on the student's committee. No more than 15 credits of blanket-numbered courses, other than thesis, may be included in the minimum 108-credit program. The student working toward a doctoral degree must pass a comprehensive preliminary examination. The purpose of this exam is to determine the student's understanding of his or her major and minor fields and also to assess the student's capability for research. Students must enroll for a minimum of three credits during terms in which they undertake departmental written or oral preliminary examinations. It is departmental policy to require MS and Ph.D. candidates
to complete Written Comprehensive Examination The first part of the examination takes the form of a research proposal. Each student writes a proposal on a topic approved by his/her graduate committee, and submits it to the committee prior to the oral examination. The committee members read the proposal and prepare questions for the student, which are presented at the oral examination. Oral Preliminary Examination The oral preliminary examination is taken near the completion of the student's course work. The oral examination is conducted by the student's doctoral committee, and should cover the student's knowledge in his or her major and minor subjects. The exam may cover the student's proposed research topic, although no more than one-half the time should be devoted to specific aspects of the proposal. The examination should be scheduled for at least two hours, and the exam date must be scheduled in the Graduate School at least one week in advance. If more than one negative vote is recorded by the examining committee, the candidate will have failed the oral examination. No more than two re-examinations are permitted by the Graduate School . At least one complete academic term must elapse between the time of the preliminary oral examination and the final oral examination. If more than five years elapse between these two examinations, the candidate will be required to take another preliminary oral examination. THESIS Each candidate for the PhD degree must submit a thesis embodying the results of research and giving evidence of originality and ability in independent investigation. The thesis must be a real contribution to knowledge, based on the candidate's own investigation. It must show a mastery of the literature of the subject and be written in creditable literary form. The preparation of an acceptable thesis will require at least one full-time academic year. After completion of or while concurrently registered for all work required by the program, the student must pass a final doctoral examination that may be written in part but must include an oral examination. The final oral examination consists of a public thesis defense followed by a closed session of the examining committee with the candidate. For more information regarding OSU Doctoral Degree Programs, Click Here . |
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