Academic Requirements for M.A. and Ph.D.

The Graduate Program of the FSU Department of Religion has four tracks of study, American Religious History (ARH), History and Ethnography of Religion (HER), Religion, Ethics, and Philosophy (REP) and Religions of Western Antiquity (RWA). Each track comprises its own program of study. Satisfying the degree requirements of one of these tracks constitutes getting a degree in Religion from the Department of Religion. Students admitted to one of the four tracks will be advised by faculty in that area. They will also take courses and fulfill some of their degree requirements outside that area. It is a general policy of the department to admit only full-time students to the Graduate Program in Religion. Each track has specific degree requirements; information on these requirements follows below.

The credit hour requirements vary among the tracks of study in the religion department.

American Religious History (M.A.)

Coursework

Hour Requirements: 30 hours, of which 6 hours can be thesis credit (36 hours)

Students pursuing the M.A. degree are required to take 24 hours (6 courses) of graded coursework and 6 thesis hours for a total of 36 credit hours. Each student will be assigned an advisor upon entering the program. The program of coursework, up to nine hours of which may be taken in another religion track, will be developed with the advisor.

The 24 hours of graded coursework should be distributed as follows:

Required Courses:
- RLG 5035: Introduction to the Study of Religion (3 hours)
- RLG 5030: Religion in the Classroom (3 hours)
ARH Seminars: At least 9 hours of graduate seminar courses in American religious history; one course (3 hours) must haven either a pre-1850 chronological concentration, or a post-1850 chronological concentration
Non-ARH Seminars: Up to 9 hours in another religion track or a related area

Languages

Reading knowledge of one language of research is required.

Thesis

Each student will write a thesis. Normally the student will choose a thesis topic and a provisional thesis committee by the end of the first year. Before the end of the third semester the student is expected to submit and defend a prospectus. The prospectus should include a thesis statement, a description of the main sections of the thesis text and argument, and a working bibliography. At times deemed appropriate by the major advisor, students will orally defend both the prospectus and the written thesis.

History and Ethnography of Religions (M.A.)

Coursework

Hour Requirements: 33 hours, of which 6 hours can be thesis credit (36 hours)

In consultation with HER faculty, master's students develop a program of course work allowing both breadth and depth in the historical and anthropological study of religion, specializing in one of three individual areas of specialization:

Religions of Africa & the Caribbean (African Indigenous Religions; African Initiated Churches; Afro-Caribbean religions; Christianity, Islam, and Judaism; New religious movements)
Religions of Asia (Buddhism; Hinduism; Shinto; Religious traditions of India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam)
Religions of Western Europe & the Mediterranean (medieval or early modern Christianity and Judaism; Islam)

Students pursuing the M.A. degree in one of these areas of specialization are required to take at least 33 credit hours (10 courses) of graded course work distributed as follows:

RLG 5035 (Introduction to the Study of Religion; 3 credit hours)
Six courses (18 credit hours) within the primary area of specialization (African and/or Afro-Caribbean religions; Buddhism; Hinduism; Islam; medieval or early modern Christianity; Shinto; Religious traditions of India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam)
Two courses (6 credit hours), which may be inside or outside the HER concentration
Thesis (6 credit hours)
The above requirements may be partially satisfied by up to two courses (6 credit hours) taken in a department other than Religion, with prior approval.
Students are also required to take the pedagogy seminar, RLG 5030 (Religion in the Classroom).

Languages

Students must meet the following minimum language requirement:

Completion of a third-semester course of one language relevant to the student's area of research.
Completion of a grade of "pass" on a reading knowledge exam in another language relevant to the student's area of research is encouraged but not required.

Thesis

Students must write a Master's thesis (6 credit hours) in the primary area of specialization, adhering to the following timetable:

A provisional thesis topic and committee will be chosen by the end of the first year. The faculty thesis committee consists of three members of which two are normally within the HER concentration. The third may be from inside or outside the department. Optionally, there may be a fourth member.
A formal written thesis proposal with bibliography must be approved by the student's advisor during the third or fourth semester, before October 15 (or March 15).
The thesis will be submitted to the committee in the fifth or sixth semester, a minimum of two weeks before the oral defense.
The oral defense will be scheduled in early April for spring completion (in early November for fall completion) in order to meet University deadlines for final submission of the thesis.

University guidelines regarding the thesis can be found in the “Thesis, Dissertation and Graduation” section of this handbook.

Religion, Ethics, and Philosophy (M.A.)

Coursework

Hour Requirements: 33 hours, of which 6 hours can be thesis credit (36 hours)

In consultation with concentration faculty, students will develop a program of thirty credit hours over and above RLG 5035 (Introduction to the Study of Religion). Students must take classes from at least three different REP faculty and no classes taken on an S/U basis can be counted towards REP course requirements. All students are also required to take the pedagogy seminar, RLG 5030 (Religion in the Classroom).

Languages

Reading knowledge of one language of research is required. Classes taken to fulfill this requirement are not counted toward the credit hour requirement for the M.A. degree.

Thesis

Students may petition REP faculty to write an MA thesis under the supervision of an REP faculty member. If this petition is approved, students will take eight classes Religion Department Graduate Student Handbook/8in addition to RLG 5035, leading to a thesis-based MA degree. University guidelines regarding the thesis can be found in the “Thesis, Dissertation and Graduation” section of this handbook.

Religions of Western Antiquity (M.A.)

Coursework

Hour Requirements: 36 hours

Students must take (in addition to RLG 5035) at least 24 credit hours in the area of Religions of Western Antiquity (including ancient languages), and 6 hours of electives.

Of these 30 hours (all of which must be taken for a letter grade), no more than 9 hours may be taken outside the Religion Department. Coursework in the area of Western Antiquity may be done in other departments such as Religion and Art History. All RWA MA students must take the proseminars in Hebrew Bible and New Testament offered in alternate spring semesters.

Up to 9 hours of introductory ancient language work (i.e. courses focusing on grammar) may count toward the required M.A. credit hours. Language courses focusing primarily on the translation and interpretation of texts (such as Intermediate Hebrew and advanced courses in Greek and Latin) can be counted as part of the required RWA coursework, but at least 15 hours of the 36 total required hours, must be in courses that do not have a significant translation component.

All students are also required to take the pedagogy seminar, RLG 5030 (Religion in the Classroom).

All coursework needs to be approved by the RWA Faculty (see below).

Language Requirements

Hebrew and Greek

Students must complete a third-semester course of Classical Hebrew or Classical Greek and a second semester course of the other.

Other Languages

In addition to the above, students must either: (1) pass the language exam or take the equivalent of a third-semester university course in French or German; (2) take one semester of another ancient language (such as Latin, Aramaic, Syriac, or Coptic); or (3) complete a third–semester course in both Classical Hebrew and Classical Greek.

Advising

Upon entering the program, each student will be assigned an advisor from the RWA faculty. At the beginning of each semester, students will discuss possible courses with their advisor and will then submit a list of proposed courses to the RWA faculty for approval. At the end of every spring semester, each student will meet with the RWA faculty as a group to discuss individual plans and progress (see “Annual Evaluations of Graduate Students” below). Although students will have one advisor for administrative purposes, they are encouraged to discuss their interests and plans with all members of the RWA faculty.

American Religious History (Ph.D.)

Coursework

Hour Requirements: At least 30 hours beyond the MA level (27 hours with MA thesis in Religion) and at least 24 hours of dissertation credit.

Students pursuing the Ph.D. degree are required to take 30 hours (10 courses) of graded coursework beyond the Master’s level and 24 dissertation hours for a total of 54 credit hours. As students focus their interests, they might be required to engage in further study beyond the 30 hours if their specialties require it. The completion of a Master’s Thesis in FSU’s American Religious History track qualifies a student for a 3-hour reduction in the Ph.D. coursework requirement.

The 30 hours of graded coursework should be distributed as follows:

Required Courses:
- RLG 5035: Introduction to the Study of Religion (3 hours)
- RLG 5030: Religion in the Classroom (3 hours)
- RLG 6498: Historiography of North American Religions (3 hours)
Seminars: At least 9 hours of graduate seminar courses in American religious history; one course (3 hours) must have a pre-1850 chronological concentration, and a second course (3 hours) must have a post-1850 chronological concentration
Secondary Area: 6 hours of additional courses in religion or a related area
Exam preparation: 6 hours of reading preparation for comprehensive exams

Languages

Prior to sitting for the doctoral exams, a student must demonstrate reading competency in two research languages beyond English, ordinarily French and German. A student may substitute Spanish for one of those languages in cases where projected research requires it. Likewise, depending on the focus of the dissertation, a student may be required to acquire competency in additional languages, such as Creole and Native American languages, Latin and Greek, or Asian languages.

Exams

Comprehensive exams take place at the completion of coursework for the Ph.D. and prior to writing a dissertation prospectus. Students write essays in response to questions in four areas and take an oral exam based on their essays. At least six months prior to sitting for exams, students must establish their comprehensive exam committee. The committee normally will consist of an ARH faculty advisor; two other ARH faculty members; and a fourth member from the department of religion or another FSU department to advise (as necessary) the secondary area. Students construct reading lists for each of their exams in consultation with their advisor and their three-member exam committee. Exam periods are at the end of fall semester and at the end of spring semester. In exceptional circumstances, students may petition for alternative exam formats contingent upon unanimous approval of their committee and the approval of the majority of the ARH faculty. The four exam areas are:

American Religious History: This exam focuses primarily on the historiography of American religion. The exam covers the history of comprehensive scholarly narratives about American religious history as well as historical analyses of major topics and trends.
Theory and Methods in American Religious History: This exam involves explanation and analysis of several different theories and methods useful in historical studies of American religion. Topics discussed in this exam might include, for example, ethnography, gender theory, spatial analysis, and one more or more types of textual, sociological, or psychological analysis. This exam will also test critical use of historical sources.
Secondary Area: Ph.D. candidates are expected to show expertise of an area of study in religion outside American religious history. This exam tests that mastery and is designed to help qualify students to teach at least one course in an area outside their specialization in American religious history.
Dissertation Area: This exam focuses on the subfield within American religious history in which the student will write a dissertation.

Note: Each track in the department maintains its own standards regarding the use of generative AI and LLM tools in the preparation for and completion of comprehensive exams. Students should consult with their examiners and work closely with their committees to ensure they understand the policies of their track and are prepared to meet the expectations of their evaluating committees.

Prospectus

Upon satisfactory performance in the doctoral exams, a student will prepare, in consultation with an advisor, a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus must be delivered to the Graduate Studies Committee in the semester immediately following the doctoral examinations. The prospectus should include a thesis statement, an explanation of how the thesis will be developed and argued from one chapter to the next, and a discussion of the originality of the dissertation thesis with respect to existing scholarly literature. The prospectus should also include a working bibliography. The Committee may require that a candidate revise and resubmit the prospectus. Acceptance of the prospectus signifies the advancement of the student to "Ph.D. candidate" status.

Dissertation and Defense

The dissertation is to be written under the guidance of the student's doctoral advisor. A committee of at least four faculty members, including three from the Religion Department and one from another department, will read the dissertation and set a time for the oral defense. The student will formally defend the dissertation before the committee and peers. University guidelines regarding the dissertation and defense can be found in the “Thesis, Dissertation and Graduation” section of this handbook.

Continuation of Funding

Departmental funding for a doctoral student will expire 24 months after the completion of the doctoral exams.

History and Ethnography of Religions (Ph.D.)

Coursework

Hour Requirements: at least 24 hours beyond the M.A. in Religion or relevant discipline and at least 24 hours of dissertation credit.

In consultation with HER faculty, doctoral students will develop a program of course work and advanced research allowing both breadth and depth in the historical and anthropological study of religion, specializing in one of three individual areas of specialization:

Religions of Africa & the Caribbean (African Indigenous Religions; African Initiated Churches; Afro-Caribbean religions; Christianity, Islam, and Judaism; New religious movements)
Religions of Asia (Buddhism; Hinduism; Shinto; Religious traditions of India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam)
Religions of Western Europe & the Mediterranean (medieval or early modern Christianity and Judaism; Islam)

Students pursuing the Ph.D. degree in one of these areas of specialization are required to take 24 credit hours (8 courses) of graded course work beyond the M.A. level (M.A. level is the equivalent of 33 credit hours of graduate course work) and 24 dissertation hours for a total of at least 48 credit hours. The 24 credit hours of graded course work should be distributed as follows:

Primary area of specialization: Four courses (12 credit hours)
Secondary area of specialization: Two courses (6 credit hours), which may be inside or outside the HER concentration
Theory and method: Two courses (6 credit hours), which may be taken in another department, with prior approval. One must be RLG 5035 (Introduction to the Study of Religion)
Dissertation research (24 credit hours)

For all students RLG 5030 (Religion in the Classroom) is required.

Languages

Doctoral candidates must meet the following minimum language requirements. Languages chosen must be relevant to the field of specialization and approved by the student's faculty committee.

First research language, up through 4th year level or equivalent
Second research language, if required for the area of specialization
Reading knowledge of French, German, Italian, or Spanish, demonstrated by passing the reading knowledge exam (Another language may be substituted with approval).

The languages necessary for advanced research in each field of specialization include the following:

African & Caribbean Religions: To be determined in consultation with advisor*
Buddhism: Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese
Chinese Religions: Chinese, Japanese
Christianity (medieval or early modern): Latin
Hinduism: Sanskrit, Hindi
Islam: Arabic
Tibetan Religions: Tibetan, Chinese and/or Sanskrit

*Students specializing in Religions of Africa and the Caribbean will determine relevant languages for their research in close consultation with faculty. Language requirements for Africa will likely include a historically non-indigenous African language (like Afrikaans, Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Spanish) and an indigenous African language, and, for the Caribbean, a creole or Amerindian language and a European colonial or South Asian language. Students will want to learn where such languages are taught in the United States and Africa and whether or not FLAS grants would fund such study.

Exams

By the end of the semester preceding the completion of course work, a proposal for the content and schedule of the comprehensive exams is worked out between the student and the faculty committee. Comprehensive exams usually begin after all course requirements (including languages) are completed. Exams may be administered in a number of ways; determination of scheduling and format is a matter for student proposals, which then may be modified or approved by the faculty. It is required that all comprehensive exams be completed within one semester. Successful completion of comprehensive exams signifies the advancement of the student to "Ph.D. candidate" status.

Exams will be completed in the following four areas:

Primary religious tradition (African and/or Afro-Caribbean religions; Buddhism; Hinduism; Islam; medieval or early modern Christianity; Shinto; Religious traditions of India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam)
Secondary religious tradition (African and/or Afro-Caribbean religions; Buddhism; Hinduism; Islam; medieval or early modern Christianity; Shinto; Religious traditions of India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam)
Theory and methodology in the study of religion, including theory and method specific to student's dissertation research
Comparative theme, phenomenon, or issue in religious studies (e.g., asceticism, pilgrimage, sacrifice, nationalism, gender, iconography, a philosophical concept, etc. to be chosen in consultation with the committee)

Prospectus

Upon satisfactory performance in the doctoral exams, a student will prepare, in consultation with an advisor, a detailed dissertation prospectus. The prospectus must be delivered to the Graduate Studies Committee in the semester immediately following the completion of doctoral examinations. In the case of students applying for dissertation fellowships with early deadlines, it may be submitted earlier. The prospectus should include a thesis statement, an explanation of how the thesis will be developed and argued from one chapter to the next, and a discussion of the originality of the dissertation thesis with respect to existing scholarly literature. The prospectus should also include a working bibliography. The Committee may require that a candidate revise and resubmit the prospectus.

Dissertation and Defense

Dissertation in area of primary tradition. Extended ethnographic and archival study abroad in a country relevant to the candidate's dissertation research is required as a part of the dissertation preparation.

Continuation of Funding

Departmental funding for a doctoral student will expire 24 months after the completion of the doctoral exams.

Religion, Ethics, and Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Coursework

Hour Requirements: at least 24 hours beyond the MA in Religion and at least 24 hours of dissertation credit.

Students who obtain the Ph.D. in Religion with concentration in religion, ethics, and philosophy will normally complete 24 hours (8 courses) beyond the M.A. The goal of competence is primary, however, and individual students may be advised to take additional hours to ensure adequate preparation. The precise program of courses will be determined in consultation with area faculty. Doctoral students must take, either at the MA or PhD level, RLG 5035 (Introduction to the Study of Religion) and, for all students RLG 5030 (Religion in the Classroom).

Languages

Students will also satisfy language requirements, as follows: reading competence in two languages of research (usually French and German), as shown either by successful completion on a test administered by the FSU Department of Modern Languages, or by prior work (with cases to be determined by area faculty); competence as necessary for the student's area of research (for example, students engaged in comparative analyses of Islamic, Buddhist, or Hindu materials will be expected to show an acceptable level of competence in primary source languages.) Please note: It is expected that students entering the Ph.D. program will show competence in at least one language of research prior to beginning coursework.

Exams

Students write four exams total. The total time spent on exams is not to exceed one calendar year (that is, three consecutive semesters including summer). Students should complete no more than two exams in a given semester. Exams can be submitted in any order. Exams are not time limited and are to be written over the course of the semester. Students should seek feedback and revision guidance prior to submitting the exams.

After submitting their fourth exam, students will meet with their exam committee for a face-to-face conversation about all the exams. In that conversation, the student has the opportunity to clarify points and discuss broader issues in the exams. It should not be considered unusual that students will be asked to make revisions to their work after this defense. Examining committees reserve the right to require students to repeat one or all written exams on the basis of that conversation. Examining committees will also ensure that students have a workable plan to complete their dissertation prospectus in a timely fashion.

The standard format for the exams is as follows. Students may petition faculty for alternative formats.

Exam 1: Theory and Method Statement

The student and exam chair edit the Theory and Method list template as appropriate to the student’s interests. The exam is an essay of not more than 7,000 words in which the student describes their own theoretical and methodological approach, situating themselves in relation to larger theoretical and methodological conversations within both the general discipline of religion and their more specific subfield (e.g., religious ethics, philosophy of religion, history of religions, etc.).

Exam 2: Dissertation Field Review Essay

The student and dissertation chair, along with other faculty as appropriate, generate a reading list germane to the particular area/topic in which the student hopes to focus their dissertation. This area might be more or less narrow depending on how specific a topic the student has identified. The exam is an essay of not more than 10,000 words that offers an assessment of the state of the conversation in this area, including significant historical interventions, topics of debate, and open questions. Ideally, the essay gestures toward where the student hopes to make a contribution to the conversation with their dissertation work.

Exam 3: Primary Tradition

The student and exam chair edit the appropriate tradition list template based on the student’s particular research interests. The student chooses the format of the exam from the following three options: review essay, constructive essay, or historical figure essay. (See descriptions of these formats below.)

Exam 4: Secondary Tradition or Secondary Discipline

The fourth exam is intended to help students establish strategic breadth. If the student has chosen an exam in a secondary religious tradition, the student and exam chair edit the appropriate tradition list template based on the student’s particular research interests. If the student has chosen an exam in a secondary discipline, the student and exam chair may work with a faculty representative from that other discipline to generate the reading list. The student chooses the format of the exam from the following four options: review essay, constructive essay, historical figure essay, or annotated syllabus. The student must choose a different format than that chosen for Exam 3. (See descriptions of these formats below.)

Format Options for Exams 3 and 4

Students must choose two different formats for Exams 3 and 4. Students will work with their exam chair to determine the most appropriate formats for their particular goals.

Review Essay: An essay of not more than 10,000 words (including notes and references) in which the student offers a close review of an academic book published in the last five years, situating that book within the larger field.

Constructive Essay: An essay of not more than 10,000 words (including notes and references) in which the student describes and responds to a problem or question in the field.

Historical Figure Essay: An essay of not more than 10,000 words (including notes and references) in which the student offers an analysis of the work of a figure whose major writings are at least 100 years old, describing the significance of that person’s contributions within the larger field as well as how that figure has influenced or otherwise been received in later scholarship

Annotated Syllabus: A syllabus (reading list and assignment descriptions) for a 15-week course in the field, accompanied by an essay of not more than 5,000 words explaining the narrative and goals of the course. This format may be chosen only for Exam 4.

Exams in any of these formats should demonstrate knowledge of relevant texts from the relevant reading list.

Note: Each track in the department maintains its own standards regarding the use of generative AI and LLM tools in the preparation for and completion of comprehensive exams. Students should consult with their examiners and work closely with their committees to ensure they understand the policies of their track and are prepared to meet the expectations of their evaluating committees.

Prospectus

Dissertation and Defense

Following successful completion of examinations, students work with faculty on a dissertation, understood to be an original contribution to scholarship. University guidelines regarding the dissertation and defense can be found in the “Thesis, Dissertation and Graduation” section of this handbook.

Continuation of Funding

Departmental funding for a doctoral student will expire 24 months after the completion of the doctoral exams.

Religions of Western Antiquity (Ph.D.)

Hour Requirements: at least 24 hours beyond the MA level and at least 24 hours of dissertation credit.

Prerequisites

Reading knowledge of two of the following languages: Greek, Hebrew, Latin, French, or German. One of these must be Greek or Hebrew at the intermediate level. M.A. with a significant concentration in Western Antiquity.

Coursework

Requirements that must be met during the PhD program

At least eight graduate courses must be taken during the doctoral program (not including beginning language work, professional development, supervised teaching, etc.). Four of these must be seminars in Ancient Judaism or Christianity, with at least one seminar in each tradition. In addition to these seminars, students will take two additional courses in the area of their concentration.

Requirements that may be met during an MA Program.

RLG 5035: Introduction to the Study of Religion
RLG 5030: (Religion in the Classroom)
Hebrew Bible Proseminar
New Testament Proseminar
Two advanced surveys dealing with Judaism in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Greco-Roman World: Two graduate-level courses dealing with the Greco- Roman World that do not focus on Judaism or Christianity.
Outside Field: Two graduate level courses in religion (or a field related to religion) that do not deal primarily with the ancient world.

Languages

French and German (third-semester course or university exams)
Classical Greek and Hebrew (third-semester course level of one and fourth- semester course level of the other).
Aramaic/Syriac (one semester)
An additional semester of Aramaic/Syriac or two semesters of Latin
Ancient language and at least one of the modern language requirements must be met before students can begin exams. All requirements must be met before student is admitted to candidacy (ABD).

Exams

Normally exams will be taken during the 3rd year of the PhD program within six months of the completion of course work.

Students will sit for the following four exams, which may be taken in any order:

Greek or Hebrew Language: The exam will be based on a text the student has prepared in advance and must be approved by the RWA faculty. It should not be a text that has been read as part of a Greek or Hebrew course. The Hebrew Exam will be based on approximately 30 BHS pages of a prose text or 20 BHS pages of a poetic text. The Greek Exam will be based on a text of approximately 25 pages (c. 5000 words) from Philo, Josephus, Lucian, Plutarch, Justin, or Eusebius.
Greco-Roman World: Based on a reading list of primary and secondary texts dealing with the history, philosophy, literature and religion of the Greco- Roman world.
Christianity in Late Antiquity (through the mid fifth century): Based on a reading list of primary and secondary texts. More extensive knowledge of the ancient evidence and modern scholarship will be expected for three special areas.
Judaism from the Babylonian Exile through Late Antiquity: Based on a reading list of primary and secondary texts.

The language exam will consist of a written translation exam. The Greco-Roman World, Christianity, and Judaism Exams will each consist of a written and oral component, the latter to be scheduled within two weeks of the corresponding written exam. For each of these three exams, in addition to gaining familiarity with the general content and key issues of all the primary and secondary literature on the reading lists, students will choose: (1) two themes or issues that will require analysis of a broad range of material from the reading list and (2) a special area that will require more extensive knowledge of the ancient evidence and modern scholarship for the subject.

Committee

Soon after a Ph.D. student passes their comprehensive exams, they will, with input from their advisor, form their dissertation committee. The committee will have at least four members and will include at least three RWA faculty members as well as the required University Representative. This person must be a faculty member with tenure at FSU in a department other than Religion. As far as possible, the outside committee member should be familiar with the area and/or methods relating to the dissertation.

Prospectus

Upon satisfactory performance in the doctoral exams, a student will prepare, in consultation with an advisor, a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus should include the following items:

A description of the subject of the dissertation
Research questions driving the project
The proposed project’s original contribution to scholarship
A breakdown and description of each chapter of the dissertation
A bibliography

The prospectus should be 15-20 pages, plus bibliography. Once the student, in consultation with their advisor, has worked out an acceptable prospectus, they will send it to their entire committee for review. The committee may require that a candidate revise and resubmit the prospectus. Once the committee accepts the prospectus, the student advances to "Ph.D. candidate" status. It is not required but the student and/or their advisor may want to have the prospectus workshopped in a RWA Colloquium meeting.

Dissertation and Defense

Advising

Progress Review

There will be a meeting of the RWA faculty and each student toward the end of the Spring Semester, during which the student's progress toward his/her degree will be reviewed (see “Annual Evaluation of Graduate Students” below).

Continuation of Funding

Departmental funding for a doctoral student will expire 24 months after the completion of the doctoral exams.