Why is a doctoral program more demanding than an undergraduate or masters program?
Undergraduate and masters degrees are earned mainly by taking courses. The principal work in a doctoral program, in contrast, is research. Students in our program take three courses each semester during their first four semesters, but even during this time they must attend research seminars, learn to read the research journals in their field, and begin to work on research projects with faculty members. Their remaining time in the program is devoted almost entirely to research. Developing the skills to do academic research is a demanding, apprentice-like activity.
