What different steps/components make up a doctoral program?
A doctoral program includes many components that may overlap, but the components will be presented as discrete experiences here. About 2 years of course work is required (e.g., 9 credits for each of 4-5 semesters), with an emphasis on course work in an individual’s area of interest and course work in research design and statistics. Supported research experiences co-occur with this course work and can include required individual research projects, research experiences on the advisor’s funded research program, and rotations through the labs of various faculty members. When course work and required research experiences are completed, PhD students typically complete some sort of examination experience, often referred to as a qualifying examination. The format of this exam varies greatly across universities, but the purpose remains the same-examination of the student’s knowledge and expertise in his or her chosen areas of interest. The examination may be written as well as oral. Once the qu
