phd course work subjects

Doctoral Program - Coursework

PhD students register for 10 units in each of the autumn, winter and spring quarters. Most courses offered by the department for PhD students are three units, including the core courses of the first year program. In addition to regular lecture courses on advanced topics, reading courses in the literature of probability and the literature of statistics are available each quarter. Students working on their dissertation may register for up to 10 units of directed research in each quarter. Students should also register for selected courses outside the statistics department in order to fulfill the  breadth requirement .

Prerequisites

Equivalents of Math 113, Math 115; Stats 116, Stats 200; CS 106A. (Descriptions of these courses may be viewed on Stanford's  ExploreCourses  course listings pages.

Previous experience has shown that before starting the core courses students need to have mastered the material in the prerequisite courses (or their equivalents at other universities), as demonstrated by very strong and relatively recent grades. Where this background is missing or not recent, admission to the PhD program will involve working with the Graduate Director to design an individual program to make up the necessary courses.

Core Courses

Statistics 300A, 300B and 300C systematically survey the ideas of estimation and of hypothesis testing for parametric and nonparametric models involving small and large samples.

Statistics 305A is concerned with linear regression and the analysis of variance. Statistics 305B and 305C survey a large number of modeling techniques, related to but going significantly beyond the linear models of 305A.

Statistics 310A, 310B and 310C are measure-theoretic courses in probability theory, beginning with basic concepts of the law of large numbers, and martingale theory.

Although the content of the first year core courses is specified by the department, the order in which topics are studied and details of the presentation are left to the instructor and will vary from year to year. Unusually well prepared students may place out of Statistics 305A. Students who do not have a sufficient mathematics background can, with approval from the Graduate Director, take the 310 series after the first year. All core courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Literature/Work In Progress Course

Stats 319 is a literature course in statistics and probability that is offered each quarter. The course is generally taken by students in the second and third years, and may be taken repeatedly. It serves two connected purposes:

• to expose students to a variety of topics of current research interest, for example, to help identify dissertation topics. Students are expected to read a number of articles and to write a short paper related to the reading that is presented to the class. The paper can be a synthesis of the reading material, or it may mark the beginning of research in the area. Reading assignments are made in consultation with any faculty member, especially the course instructor.
• to fulfill the Work in Progress requirement. Each post-quals and pre-orals student gives a 50 minute talk once a year. This requirement gives the student practice in giving and receiving feedback on talk technique, and keeps the department informed on the student's work. The talk can be on dissertation work in progress, on an ancillary project (consulting, RA work), or on a selection of papers that the student has recently read. The instructor of the literature course, along with the student's course peers, provide feedback on the talk, and can also provide guidance in topic choice where needed.

All students who have passed the qualifying exams but have not yet passed the Dissertation Proposal Meeting must take Stats 319 Literature of Statistics at least once per year.

Advanced Courses (Depth Requirement)

Students are required to complete a depth requirement consisting of a minimum of three courses (nine units) of advanced topics courses offered by the department. Courses for the depth and breadth (see below) requirements must equal a combined minimum of 24 units. Recommended advanced topics courses include the following:

• In troduction to Time Series Analysis (Stats 307)
• In formation Theory and Statistics (Stats 311)
• Advanced Statistical Methods (Stats 314A)
• Modern Applied Statistics: Learning (Stats 315A)
• Modern Applied Statistics: Learning II (Stats 315B)
• Stochastic Processes (Stats 317)
• Modern Markov Chains (Stats 318)
• Machine Learning Methods for Neural Data Analysis (Stats 320)
• Function Estimation in White Noise (Stats 322)
• Multivariate Analysis (Stats 325)
• Topics in Probability Theory (Stats 350)
• Topics in Mathematical Physics (Stats 359)
• Causal Inference (Stats 361)
• Monte Carlo (Stats 362)
• Design of Experiments (Stats 363)
• Statistical Models in Genetics (Stats 367)
• Bayesian Statistics (Stats 370)
• Convex Optimization I (EE 364A)
• Convex Optimization II (EE 364B)

In any given year only some of these courses will be offered.

These courses are normally taken after the first year and may help students to find dissertation topics.

Consulting Workshop

Students taking the consulting workshop, Stats 390, provide a free consulting service to the Stanford community. Researchers from all areas of the University drop in to discuss their problems. This course allows students to assimilate the material from their first year courses, especially Stats 305A/B/C.

The consulting is executed by teams of students, in which inexperienced students are matched with those more experienced. The course is offered each quarter and may be taken repeatedly. Students are encouraged to participate in the formulation of the consulting problems and in any data analysis which may be involved.

• Ph.D. Coursework

The Faculty of the College of Engineering recommends a minimum number of courses for students in the Ph.D. program.  The EECS Department requires that a student, with the approval of their advisor, must choose courses to establish a major subject area, 1 minor subject area, and either two courses for an outside minor or two elective courses (one free and one outside EECS). The minimum number of units to complete the requirement must be at least 24 semester units.  In addition, students will also need to complete  prelim breadth courses .  The courses used in the prelim breadth requirement may be eligible to double count in the major, minor, or electives.

At the discretion of the Vice Chair or Head Graduate Advisor for EECS Graduate Matters, students may receive credit for some units (a maximum of 12 semester units) taken at a comparable institution. Students would need to fill out the Transfer Credit Petition , find a faculty at UC Berkeley to assess the comparison of the courses, then return the form to the staff Graduate Adviser for final review and approval with the Vice Chair. Please note that the approved transfer credits will be used for department purposes and will not appear in the official Berkeley transcript.

Graduate courses used for the Berkeley M.S. degree may be included as part of the Ph.D. coursework. Students may also transfer in coursework taken during their undergraduate career as long as the course was not used towards their undergraduate degree.  These courses must be at least upper division undergraduate or graduate courses.

More details of the Ph.D. coursework can be found in the Graduate Handbook . Students can also view Examples of Previously Approved Courses for EECS students.

There are two issues which students should consider when choosing specific courses for the minor:

• adequate technical content in the minor, and
• adequate breadth provided by the minor, as distinct from the major area.

Students that entered the Ph.D. program in fall 2020 and before, may choose to complete either Plan 1 or Plan 2 for the coursework requirements.

Ph.D. candidates entering in fall 2021 and beyond will be required to follow Plan 2.

Major (all grad (200 level) courses): 12+ units, 3.5+ GPA

Inside Minor (at least 1 grad (200 level) course): 6+ units, 3.0+ GPA

Outside Minor (at least 1 grad (200 level) course): 6+ units, 3.0+ GPA

Minor (at least 1 grad (200 level) course): 6+ units, 3.0+ GPA

Elective courses (at least 100 level): one free elective (any department, any area except for the major) and one outside EECS elective (not in the major and not listed as EECS), 3+ units for each course, 3.0+ GPA

Some things to consider:

• The Minor program must have an orientation different from the major program, and the courses involved should contain concepts not present in the major program.
• The Inside Minor may include one or more classes from outside the EECS department.
• The Inside Minor program must have depth (meaning at least 3 units of graduate course work of the 6 units required).
• The Outside Minor program must consist mainly of courses from outside the EECS Department (at most one course may be cross-listed within EECS).
• The Minors and each of the Elective Courses must have at least a 3.0+ grade point average.
• All courses must be taken for a letter grade (with the exception of courses that may have been taken in spring 2020 due to the Covid-19 accommodations).
• A minimum of 24 semester units must be completed.
• Courses in 298, 299, 301, 375 and 602 units do not count towards the requirement.

These course criteria attempt to constitute a body of knowledge and include courses from several different departments. For example, a student in computer hardware who wishes to have a minor in statistics and stochastic processes could include courses from the Statistics Department, as well as EE 226A.

There are cases where the technical overlap between EECS courses and courses in other departments is so great that a course in another department should be listed as part of the major, rather than as a minor, since they add so little breadth to your program. Examples of this sort of overlap would be Electromagnetics students in EECS taking certain EM courses in Physics or CS Theory students taking some of the theory courses in IEOR. These complications make it essential for students to fill out their Blue Card in the Graduate Office as soon as they have passed the preliminary exam requirement.

• Sample Blue and White Cards

Includes 299 CNs and forms.

• Designated Emphasis

Teaching and Statistics

Ph.D. Student Guide

• Ph.D. Oral Exam
• Ph.D. Breadth Requirement
• Ph.D. Blue Card
• Ph.D. Applications for the Qualifying Exam
• Ph.D. White Card
• Ph.D. Advancement to Candidacy
• Ph.D. Thesis Proposal Defense and Application
• Ph.D. Qual Eligibility
• Qual Deadlines
• Ph.D. Qual Committee
• Ph.D. Qual Format
• Ph.D. Teaching Requirement
• Ph.D. Dissertation Filing Fee
• Giving the Ph.D. Dissertation Talk
• Ph.D. Dissertation Filing Procedure
• Ph.D. Technical Report Submission
• Ph.D. Graduate Division Surveys
• Ph.D. Commencement
• Ph.D. Diploma and Transcript
• Ph.D. Student Review Instructions
• Ph.D. Student Review Forms
• Ph.D. Student Review Frequently Asked Questions

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How the PhD Program Works

Program Overview

Completing your doctorate at Wharton requires 5 years of full-time study. The first 2 years in the program prepare you for admission to candidacy by taking courses, qualifying exams, and starting research projects. In the last few years, you are primarily conducting research full-time including writing and defending your doctoral dissertation.

Admission to candidacy.

You begin by taking courses required for your program of study. All programs requires a preliminary exam, which may be either oral or written.

Some programs may have further requirements, such as an additional exam or research paper. If you enter with a master’s degree or other transfer credit, you may satisfy the formal course requirements more quickly.

Beginning the Wharton PhD Curriculum How the first two years of the Wharton program helped students discover their interests, learn the tools of the profession, and fuel their passion for teaching.

The Doctoral Dissertation

Upon successful completion of coursework and passing a preliminary examination, you are admitted to candidacy for the dissertation phase of your studies.

Your doctoral dissertation should contain original research that meets standards for published scholarship in your field. You are expected to be an expert in the topic you choose to research.

You are admitted to candidacy for the dissertation phase of your studies upon successful completion of coursework and passing a preliminary examination, but you can start thinking about and working on research of relevance at any time.

The dissertation process culminates with a “defense,” in which you defend the proposal orally before your dissertation committee.

While working on your dissertation, you interact extensively with Wharton faculty. Together with interested faculty, you create your own research community that includes your dissertation advisor and dissertation committee.

Policies and Procedures

Get more detailed explanation of course requirements, academic standards, the Teacher Development Program, time limits, and dissertation procedures and requirements.

Sample Program Sequence

Years 1 & 2.

Coursework Examination Research Papers Research Activities Field-Specific Requirements

Directed Reading & Research Admission to Candidacy Formulation of Research Topic

Years 4 & 5

Continued Research Oral Examination Dissertation

Hear From Our Doctoral Community

Faculty expertise in housing economics attracted this phd student to wharton, how this phd student discovered a dynamic research community at wharton, uniting great minds, wharton’s stat bridge ma program takes flight.

• PhD Course Requirements

[Part of the Policies of the CHD, August 2019 with later revisions; see also area-specific guidelines for  Applied Math ,  Applied Physics ,  Bioengineering ,  Computer Science ,  Electrical Engineering ,  Environmental Science & Engineering ,  and   Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering ]

The Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD) approves each graduate student’s program plan (and any revisions to it), and monitors progress towards attainment of the degree. It is the student’s obligation to keep the CHD apprised of any departures from an approved course selection plan in timely fashion.

Note that a Ph.D. student’s program plan must always comply with the requirements outlined here, in addition to complying with any area-specific requirements.  Area-specific Ph.D. requirements (course expectations, oral qualifying exam, dissertation, final oral exam) are also described on the Graduate Program - Degree Requirements pages of each area.

General Requirements

GSAS requires that all Ph.D. students complete at least 16, four-unit courses or their equivalent prior to graduation. SEAS requires that 10 of the 16 be letter-graded courses, at 100-level or higher, which together comprise the student’s Ph.D. Program Plan; c ourses at lower than 100-level, including all General Education courses, may not be included.   The remaining 6 courses beyond the SEAS 10-course requirement may include 300-level research courses and/or other undergraduate- or graduate-level coursework.

All SEAS Ph.D. Program Plans of 10 letter-graded, four-unit courses must be approved by the CHD and satisfy the following:

• No course with a grade lower than B- may be included in the Ph.D. Program Plan.  Also note the minimum average grade of B or better as described in the “GPA Expectations” section.
• a) Note that Physics 223 counts as a 200-level SEAS technical course for students in Applied Physics and in Engineering Sciences.  
• b) For academic years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, Bioengineering students may include a non-SEAS graduate-level technical class in place of one of the 5 such SEAS courses that are normally expected.
• a) Up to 1 disciplinary course may be a 100-level SEAS/FAS course.
• a) Up to 1 breadth course may be a 100-level SEAS/FAS course.
• b) Technical courses on topics adjacent and complementary to the student’s research topic may be breadth courses.
• c) Nontechnical courses, including innovation or communication courses, and courses from other Harvard schools outside SEAS/FAS normally may only be included in the breadth category.
• a)  Applied Math:  294/297/298/299r courses may only appear in the breadth category.
• b)  Applied Physics:  294/297/298/299r courses may only appear in the breadth category. If two 299r’s are taken, they must be taken with two different faculty.
• c)  Computer Science:  294/297/298 courses may only appear in the breadth category.  One 299r course is allowed in the disciplinary category. If two 299r’s are taken, they can be with the same faculty but the topics must be sufficiently different.
• d)  Engineering Sciences (Environmental Science and Engineering track only):  294/297/298/299r courses may only appear in the breadth category.  For students who started the program in 2023 or earlier, one 299r course is allowed in the disciplinary category.
• e)  Engineering Sciences (all tracks except Environmental Science and Engineering track):  294/297/298/299r courses may only appear in the breadth category. If two 299r’s are taken, they must be taken with two different faculty.
• f)  All degree areas : for students who entered the SEAS Ph.D. program prior to 2015, one disciplinary 299r course is allowed.
• a) Neither SEAS/FAS 300-level courses nor courses taken under the auspices of the Harvard Extension School may be included on a Ph.D. Program Plan.
• those who are Teaching Fellows, for at most 4 units per .25 FTE of TF appointment;
• international students who are taking the Derek Bok Center's  English, Culture, and Communicating Science  seminar in order to meet the GSAS English Language Proficiency requirement, for at most 4 units.

Note: 2-unit courses such as AP 299qr count as "half of a course" in the context of these requirements.

Exceptions to these requirements are considered by petition to the CHD via the PhD Program Plan form, which must include a rationale for the exception. Further requirements for including prior graduate-level coursework from Harvard or elsewhere, or courses taken through cross-registration, on the Ph.D. Program Plan are given below.

• a) The student must provide justification why the other institution's course is necessary (e.g., SEAS does not offer the topic or it has not been offered in recent years, etc.).
• b) Only G-level (graduate) MIT courses are acceptable.
• c) The student should attach the course syllabus and catalog description when submitting the Program Plan.
• d) Courses taken at MIT do not count as 200-level SEAS technical courses.
• a) Up to two 200-level SEAS courses, including 200-level FAS courses taught by SEAS ladder faculty, taken as a GSAS Special Student prior to enrolling as a SEAS Ph.D. student can be included in the Ph.D. Program Plan subject to the above general requirements.
• b) SEAS/FAS 100-level courses taken prior to enrolling as a SEAS Ph.D. student cannot be included in the Ph.D. Program Plan.
• c) G-level MIT courses taken via cross-registration while enrolled as a Harvard masters student will be considered by the CHD.
• a) Normally a maximum of 3 Harvard-equivalent courses will be considered by the CHD.  SEAS and FAS 200-level technical courses taken via cross registration while in an MIT graduate program do not count against the 3-course limit.
• b) If the coursework was performed while a candidate for an undergraduate degree, the student must unequivocally demonstrate that the course credit was applied solely to a concurrent graduate degree.
• c) Petitions to the CHD need to demonstrate that the courses in question are comparable to SEAS graduate courses, typically by submission of the course syllabus, requirements, and documentation of grade obtained.  The student should indicate whether each course fits within the 8-course disciplinary category or the 2-course breadth category.
• d) Typically only 1 of the transferred courses can count as part of the five 200-level SEAS technical courses.
• e) Transfer credit must be petitioned for before or upon first submission of the final Ph.D. Program Plan in G2 year.  Students are encouraged to petition for transfer credit on their prospective Program Plan in G1 year.  Coursework cannot be older than four years at the time the student submits the petition to the CHD.  
• f) Grades in courses taken previously elsewhere will not be factored into the Harvard GPA.

G2+ students

In general, students must achieve at least a "B" average grade in the ten courses comprising the Ph.D. Program Plan.  At the end of any term, a student who has failed to maintain a B average or has received any unsatisfactory grade may be required to withdraw from the program. Students who have satisfied the requirements for the S.M. degree en route may still receive that degree.

G1 students

A Ph.D. candidate whose GPA at the end of the first semester is between 2.50 and 3.00 may be warned that continuation as a Ph.D. candidate beyond the second semester is contingent upon achieving a cumulative 3.00 ("B") or better average grade at the end of the second semester. Failure to meet this standard normally will result in the student being expected to withdraw from the program following the third semester, receiving the S.M. degree if its requirements have been met. The student may petition for reinstatement to candidacy for the Ph.D. at the end of the third semester; this petition will be granted only if there is a reasonable expectation that the qualifying examination can be completed on schedule during the fourth semester.

A Ph.D. candidate whose GPA at the end of the first semester is less than 2.50 but who could achieve a cumulative 3.00 GPA or better at the end of the second semester normally will be expected to withdraw after the second or third semester, receiving the S.M. degree if its requirements have been met. Continuation for a third and final semester is contingent upon a marked improvement in performance sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the requirements for the S.M. degree will be completed at the end of the third semester.

A Ph.D. candidate who could not achieve a cumulative 3.00 GPA or better at the end of the second semester normally will be required to withdraw at the end of the first semester, thus terminating degree candidacy.

Area Course Requirements, Guidelines, and Model Programs

In addition to the above requirements, which apply to all SEAS Ph.D. students, each area (Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, and Engineering Sciences) may have area-specific requirements or guidelines, and some areas have provided model programs with suggestions of appropriate courses.  A Ph.D. student’s Program Plan  must always comply  with the requirements outlined in the “General Requirements” section above, in addition to complying with any area-specific requirements.

These programs below form a starting point for a discussion with the faculty about areas of interest. Students should work in close consultation with their advisers to develop an appropriate program plan. Courses provide the background knowledge that is often needed to successfully complete research and allow students to learn more broadly about a field or related fields in a structured fashion.

In Academic Programs

• Non-Resident and Part-Time Study
• CHD Meeting Schedule
• PhD Overview and Timeline
• PhD Program Plans
• Teaching: G2 year
• Qualifying Exam: by end of G2 year
• Research Advisors, Committees, and Meetings
• Dissertation and Final Oral Exam
• SM and ME Course Requirements
• SM and ME Program Plans
• Masters Thesis and Supervisor
• SM degree en route to the PhD
• Graduate Student Forms
• Teaching Fellows
• External Fellowships List
• COVID-19 Graduate Program Changes (archived)

Coursework for the Ph.D. Program

Registration.

Graduate students are expected to enroll in a minimum of 12 units per quarter. Per UC regulations, you may not enroll in more than 12 units of graduate coursework (200-level) or more than 16 units of combined upper division and graduate coursework per quarter (100-, 200- and 300-level). Please refer to the  Academic Calendar  for specific registration dates and deadlines.

Graduate students are not assigned appointment times; you may enroll in courses any time during registration operating hours.

You must enroll and participate in CHE 290 (Seminar) each quarter in residence until you Advance to Candidacy. You must also enroll and participate in CHE 294 (Presentation of Chemistry Research) each Winter and Spring quarter until you Advance to Candidacy.

CHE 262 (Introduction to Chemistry Research) is required only in your first quarter of the program.

The following are the courses required for the Ph.D. in Chemistry by research area. Descriptions of these course are available in the  General Catalog . You may enroll in elective courses outside of the Department with prior approval from your academic adviser. Also, you must consult with your academic adviser regarding any course substitutions and/or waivers.

Students are typically expected to complete their coursework prior to taking their  Qualifying Examination ; however, it is permissible for the QE to be scheduled during the quarter in which you are taking the final one or two courses in your area of study. All core and deficiency courses must be passed with a "B" grade or better.

Analytical Chemistry

• CHE 205: Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Structure
• CHE 240: Advanced Analytical Chemistry
• CHE 241A: Surface Analytical Chemistry
• CHE 241B: Laser and X-ray Spectroscopy
• CHE 241C: Mass Spectrometry
• CHE 241D: Electroanalytical Chemistry
• CHE 241E: Microscopy and Imaging Techniques
• Two Elective Courses in areas outside of analytical chemistry 

Biological Chemistry  (2 tracks)

• CHE 219 and 219L: Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds and Laboratory
• CHE 233: Physical-Organic Chemistry
• CHE 238: Introduction to Chemical Biology or BCB 211: Macromolecular Structure and Interactions
• Three Elective Courses

Biophysical

• CHE 205: Symmetry, Spectroscopy, and Structure
• CHE 210A: Quantum Chemistry: Introduction and Stationary-State Properties
• BCB 211: Macromolecular Structure and Interactions

Inorganic Chemistry

• CHE 226: Principles of Transition Metal Chemistry
• CHE 228A: Bio-inorganic Chemistry
• CHE 228B: Main Group Chemistry
• CHE 228C: Solid-State Chemistry
• CHE 228D: Homogeneous Catalysis 
• CHE 222: Chemistry of Nanoparticles
• Two Elective Courses in areas outside of inorganic chemistry

Organic Chemistry

• CHE 219 and 219L: Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds and Laboratory 
• CHE 231A: Organic Synthesis: Methods and Strategies

Physical Chemistry

• CHE 210B: Quantum Chemistry: Time-Dependent Systems
• CHE 211A: Advanced Physical Chemistry - Statistical Thermodynamics

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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

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• Programs : PhD in Information Studies

PhD Coursework & Plan of Study

Each student will complete at least 39 graduate hours while enrolled in the iSchool doctoral program prior to entering candidacy. A full-time student will ordinarily take two to three years to complete this coursework. To count toward a PhD, all coursework must be no more than six years old when the doctoral student is admitted to candidacy. 

The table below shows the minimum required coursework. Students may take (or be required by their committees to take) additional courses.

Students should review the tentative schedule of  iSchool courses  and the UT course schedule when planning a course of study.

Doctoral Core - 9 Credit Hours

Each student, whether full- or part-time, must take “Survey of Information Studies” in the fall of the student’s first academic year in the program and “Disciplinary Foundations for Information Studies” in the spring of that first year. Students will take “The Research Enterprise” as soon as practical, usually in the fall of their first year.

Research Methods Courses - 9 Credit Hours

Each student must take a minimum of nine credit hours of graduate-level research methods courses beyond the doctoral core:

• One graduate-level course in qualitative methods – three (3) credit hours
• One graduate level course in quantitative methods – three (3) credit hours
• One further graduate-level course germane to building skills to undertake research – three (3) credit hours

This requirement can be met via independent studies with faculty (e.g., INF 391D.06 - Directed Readings , or INF 391D.07 - Directed Research ) or classroom-based courses (e.g., INF 391F - Advanced Topics in Research Methods, Methodologies, and Design ). Research methods courses may be offered and taken within or outside of the iSchool.

The third methods course (beyond the qualitative and quantitative methods courses) can include advanced qualitative or quantitative methods, or coursework in skills necessary to undertake the anticipated dissertation research, including foreign languages, computer programming languages, policy analysis, information systems design, or skills in particular areas, such as chemistry or neuroscience.

All course selections should be discussed with the student’s committee chair, consulting other committee members as appropriate. Prior to enrolling in a course, students must obtain approval from their committee chair, who will confirm the appropriateness of such courses for fulfilling the research methods requirement.

Electives - 21 Credit Hours

The remaining 21 hours of coursework may be completed within the School of Information and/or outside the School of Information. All course choices should be discussed with the student’s committee chair, consulting other committee members as appropriate.

Students are particularly encouraged to take the following courses:

• Advanced Topics in Information Studies (INF 391E) , (aka “topical seminar”) which may be repeated when the individual course topics differ.
• Directed Research (INF 391D.07) in which students work closely with a faculty member, individually or in small groups, to contribute to original research, either in an apprenticeship mode as part of the faculty member’s research agenda or as a student-driven research project.
• Directed Readings (INF 391D.06) , in which students work closely with a faculty member, individually or in small groups, to complete an in-depth examination of the primary research and theory literature of the field in preparation for their qualifying examinations.
• Supervised Teaching in Information Studies (INF 398T) , (aka “the pedagogy course”) and teaching internships in which they work closely with faculty to develop, design, and support implementation of a course plan.
• Doctoral Writing Seminar (INF 391G) which provides an opportunity for students to improve their academic writing skills through a writing studio environment with instructor and peer critique.

Plan of Study

The doctoral student must produce a formal document identified as the Plan of Study prior to their first annual review. The Plan of Study is to be updated each year, prior to the student’s annual review.

The plan of study consists of the following seven components:

• The student’s CV
• One to three paragraph summary of degree progress, including participation in research, teaching, and service
• One paragraph academic plan, including research, teaching, and service, for the next year
• One paragraph description of career goals
• Table of coursework (format is provided below)
• Bullet point list of requested input from the committee
• An appendix with 2-5 recent major outputs (e.g., publications, course papers, etc.)

Coursework Listing

Students should list all the courses they have taken, are currently taking, and those they intend to take to satisfy their requirements for coursework. The format is provided below:

Each course listing should identify: The name of the course, the instructor for the course, the semester in which the course was/will be taken and the number of credit hours and the page number of the appendix where the course details can be found.

Coursework Requirements: Three columns should be used to show whether the course is to be counted towards each section of the coursework requirements. Students should ensure that the plan meets the coursework requirements outlined above.

Doctoral Program Overview

• PhD Degree Requirements
• Committees & Annual Review
• Coursework & Plan of Study
• Qualifying Procedure
• Candidacy & Dissertation

PhD Degree Resources

Student handbook.

• PhD Program Handbook

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Typically, students take four courses per quarter until the course requirements are completed. Students typically complete all coursework in 2-3 years. 

You’ll be required to complete a minimum of courses both in your chosen field and in various other disciplines. Depending on your chosen field, you may take as much as 50% of your coursework outside Stanford GSB. For example, it’s not unusual for students to enroll in a significant number of courses in the Departments of Economics, Engineering, and Sociology .

Because Stanford GSB is close to the center of the university and follows the university calendar , taking courses in other departments is convenient. Your advisor can help you choose such courses.

If you find you’re lacking any prerequisites, you may need to undertake additional preparation before or during your first year to ensure you’re on track to complete all requirements in a timely fashion. If you’ve completed commensurate coursework elsewhere (e.g., at a comparable doctoral program), you may request a waiver for certain coursework.

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PhD Coursework

Coursework refers to the work undertaken by doctoral students before taking their oral exams. It includes the required courses, original research papers, and certification of language proficiency as described below.

Students admitted to the PhD program will obtain an MA as part of the process of completing coursework towards the PhD.

Course Requirements

Students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree take a total of 16 courses for 64 credits, or roughly 4 classes per semester at 4 credits each. Of these, 14 courses (or 56 credits), including the four required courses that all graduate students must take, consist of seminars, lecture courses, directed research, and directed study taken prior to the Qualifying Oral Examination. The remaining 8 credits are reserved for four semesters of a two-credit Dissertation Workshop course (GRS HI 900) taken after the oral exam.

Note that students entering with an approved Master’s degree from another institution are offered 16 credits of transfer courses, or the equivalent of 4 courses; instead of 56 credits, they are expected to take 40 credits prior to taking the Qualifying Oral Examination.

So that our graduates can participate fully in the historical profession, the Department of History familiarizes graduate students with historiographical and methodological paradigms in fields beyond their own area of expertise. All students in the PhD program (including students who have earned an MA at another institution) are thus required to take the following four courses in their first year of graduate study:

• GRS HI 800: European Historiography
• GRS HI 850: American Historiography
• GRS HI 870: African Historiography
• GRS HI 801: The Historian’s Craft

HI 800, 850, and 870 are reading and research courses on historiographical issues and approaches in the areas where the department has special strengths. In contrast, The Historian’s Craft (HI 801) is a research seminar designed to help students move from the original conception of a problem to a publishable article.

Note students must take the historiography courses (HI 800, 850, or 870) in their first year, alongside HI 801, which is offered every year in the spring semester.

• PhD students may take selected courses (numbered at the 500 level) that are open to undergraduates toward their degree requirements. Students are also permitted to take two graduate level courses in relevant disciplines other than history. These courses must be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor. Moreover, PhD students are encouraged to take Directed Reading and Directed Research Studies with their advisors and other faculty members of their choice.
• Students may also take approved courses within the Boston Consortium. Normally these courses are selected in consultation with the student’s advisor and respective Consortium faculty.
• Please note that the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS) expects students to pass their courses with a grade of B- or higher and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. If students earn a grade below a B- in any of their classes, they will automatically be placed on academic probation, which is considered in violation of the definition of “satisfactory academic progress.” Academic probation will endanger their funding. Under GRS policies, students who receive three grades below B- are liable for termination from their graduate studies at Boston University.
• After completing all other course requirements and the qualifying examination, every doctoral student is required to complete four semesters of a two-credit Dissertation Workshop course (GRS HI 900). The eight credits count toward the 64-credit requirement for PhD students. This course, presided over by a departmental faculty member, meets every two weeks for a presentation of a significant work or research related to the dissertation by a current graduate student, a roundtable discussion on an important research issue, or a topic relating to a career in college teaching. Although students in Boston are expected to attend the course regularly, students need not be in residence to enroll in HI 900. However, every dissertation student must present their research once a year, either in person or by some other means when appropriate.

Original Research Papers

Every doctoral student must write two major research papers between 25 and 40 pages. Students with an approved master’s degree from another institution are required to complete only one major research paper. The papers must be based on primary sources and meet professional standards of documentation, citation, argument, and structure. The paper completed in HI 801: The Historian’s Craft qualifies as one of the research papers. The second paper may be developed in a research seminar or directed research study. A copy of each paper must be approved by the student’s advisor and then submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies to determine if it meets these requirements. Approved papers remain in the student’s file. Students may not schedule their oral examination without having completed this requirement.

Language Requirements

The Department aims at graduating world-class scholars capable of conducting research in languages other than English. Students working in African, Asian, and European history must conduct primary research in languages other than English. But given that significant secondary literature is produced outside the English-speaking world, the Department believes that it is important for all of our doctoral students, including Americanists, to demonstrate a genuine ability to read research in foreign languages.  To this end, we require that doctoral candidates in United States history and Asian history demonstrate a graduate-level reading knowledge in one relevant foreign language, and doctoral candidates in European and African history demonstrate a graduate-level reading knowledge in two relevant foreign languages. In exceptional circumstances, doctoral candidates in European history may petition for exemption from the two-language requirement.

Students can demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language in one of three ways:

• Language examinations. Students are given an excerpt from a scholarly text and asked to translate as much as they can as accurately as they can into good English (a dictionary is permitted). These exams are administered during the semester in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. Exams must be scheduled with an administrator at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Language courses. The Department of Romance Studies offers reading courses for graduate students in French (GRS LF 621), Italian (GRS LI 621), and Spanish (GRS LS 621). The Department of World Languages & Literatures offers a reading course for graduate students in German (GRS LG 621). Passing one of these reading courses fulfills the department’s requirement for the language in question. Note that these courses may not be taken for credit toward the degree.
• Prior graduate school certification. If the candidate has passed a reading examination at another accredited graduate school and submits evidence to that effect to the Director of Graduate Studies, the departmental requirement will be waived in most instances.

PhD Students Who Have Already Earned an MA

Incoming PhD students who have already earned an MA receive the following credit upon approval:

• 16 credits toward the 64 credits required to advance to candidacy ( Note: please see the Department Administrator for details ).
• Credit for one of the research papers upon submission of the relevant document to the Director of Graduate Studies. It is worth noting that most students usually write two papers, one in the required course HI 801 and one through a directed study with their advisor.
• Credit for proficiency in one foreign language if certified by another accredited graduate school, contingent on the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Reshaping Teacher Licensure: Lessons from the Pandemic

Olivia Chi, Ed.M.'17, Ph.D.'20, discusses the ongoing efforts to ensure the quality and stability of the teaching workforce

Lost in Translation

New comparative study from Ph.D. candidate Maya Alkateb-Chami finds strong correlation between low literacy outcomes for children and schools teaching in different language from home

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PhD Course Work Syllabus 2020

Syllabus for vtu – etr ph.d./m.sc. ( engineering ) by research 2019-20 , ph.d. 2018 batch syllabus.

PhD Coursework : Latest UGC Guidelines , Syllabus

• by Tanu Bhatnagar
• Published: May 12, 2023, 09:50 IST
• Updated: May 11, 2023, 23:37 IST
• Tanu Bhatnagar
• May 12, 2023

PhD Coursework gives students a thorough grasp of their subject topic and the ability to perform independent research. The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has published new PhD coursework guidelines and syllabus to improve quality and relevance.

The latest UGC guidelines compel institutions to emphasise interdisciplinary and skill-based courses over subject-specific ones. Besides subject-specific courses, the new syllabus emphasises research techniques, ethics, and critical thinking. The guidelines require colleges to allow students to conduct research and speak at national and international conferences.

These new guidelines and syllabus are designed to enhance PhD coursework in India and develop better researchers with the ability to succeed. This article will examine the latest UGC guidelines and syllabus for PhD coursework and how they are projected to affect Indian research.

Also, read  Top 10 PhD admission exams in India Latest List 2023

Is it mandatory for PhD Scholars to complete coursework?

Absolutely, in accordance latest UGC Guidelines After being admitted into the PhD programmes each student must take a minimum of one semester (six months) of pre-PhD courses. Coursework is a crucial component of any doctorate programme since it lays the groundwork for both the Literature Review and the subject selection processes.

The coursework requirements guarantee that students understand their subject area in depth and breadth. The coursework helps students create a research and dissertation topic. Doctoral candidates might narrow their dissertation interests by completing courses that deepen their knowledge of a field.. The level of specialisation they take in their approach will determine the coursework that they enrol in.

A course on research technique, which may include experimental procedures, quantitative and statistical methods, and computer applications, is required to be taken as part of the course work that will be counted as pre-PhD preparation and will be required to be taken.

Ph. D CourseWork: Latest UGC Guidelines

• According to UGC Regulations 2016: Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD. Degree, a research scholar admitted to the PhD programme is required to complete coursework for a minimum of one semester.
• During the first one or two semesters, all candidates accepted to the PhD programme must complete the coursework specified by the Department. In the event of maternity, female applicants may be granted a relaxation of two terms or semesters.
• However, if the student is unable to complete the coursework within the prescribed time limit due to valid reasons, the student may file an appeal and the Vice-Chancellor (VC) may grant an extension of up to one semester based on the recommendation of the Appeals Committee (RAC).
• Failure to complete coursework within the extended time frame may result in revocation of admission.
• The Department may exempt candidates from the PhD coursework who already possess an M. Phil degree and have been admitted to the PhD programme, or who have already completed the M.Phil coursework and have been permitted to proceed to the PhD in an integrated course. All other candidates admitted to the PhD programme must complete the PhD coursework stipulated by the Department.
• Seventy-five per cent (75%) attendance is required in coursework classes.
• The coursework should be evaluated using both continuous assessment and a culminating exam.
• The minimum passing grade for each exam is 55 per cent.
• The objective of the UGC guidelines for PhD coursework is to ensure that doctoral candidates have a solid foundation in research methodology and are endowed with the skills necessary to conduct research in their chosen area of specialisation.

Also, read  Predicted Hot Topics for UGC NET Management Subject 2023

Ph. D CourseWork: Syllabus of General Subjects

PAPER – I RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Unit I : Scientific Research and Approaches to Study Social Phenomena

This unit focuses on the meaning and nature of science, the characteristics of scientific research, and the types of research methods. It also covers the nature of social phenomena, approaches to study social phenomena and ethics of social research.

Unit II : Problem Formation, Research Topic, and Hypothesis

This unit covers problem formation and selection of research topics, sources for selecting research topics, types of variables and their selection, research objectives and purpose, types of research questions and their characteristics, types of hypothesis, and formulation and testing of hypothesis.

Unit III : Research Design and Planning

This unit covers the meaning and types of research design, the advantages of designing research, stages for outlining a research proposal and planning for a good research project.

Unit IV: Sampling Techniques

This unit covers the purposes and principles of sampling, types of sampling and sample size, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and principles of PRA and FRA techniques.

PAPER – II: COMPUTER APPLICATION

Unit I: Data Collection Techniques

This unit covers methods and techniques of data collection, sources of data collection (primary and secondary), schedule and questionnaire, observation, interview, group discussion and key-informant interview, case study, survey, content analysis and projective techniques.

Unit II: Data Processing and Analysis

This unit covers data processing and distribution, tabulation of data, diagrammatic representation, and statistical manipulation of data including frequency of distribution, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, comparison, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and chi-square test.

Unit III : Basic Computer Studies

This unit provides an overview of computer applications.

Unit IV: Computer Application: SPSS

This unit covers an introduction to SPSS software, data entry and manipulation using SPSS, and data analysis using SPSS.

Finally, the recent UGC guidelines and syllabus for PhD coursework will improve doctoral education in India. The guidelines emphasise multidisciplinary and skill-based courses to provide PhD students with a wide variety of abilities and knowledge for their professions. By requiring research involvement and conference presentations, the guidelines encourage students to do research and share their results, helping India’s research ecosystem thrive.

The current UGC guidelines and syllabus for PhD coursework are a great step towards strengthening doctoral education in India, and their proper implementation may help develop better researchers who are skilled in their domains.

Also, read  Difference between NTA UGC NET and JRF

Meet Tanu Bhatnagar, an educational expert with extensive experience in teaching, research and mentoring.With a decade in... (Full bio)

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Finance PhD Curriculum

The Finance Department at the Eller College of Management comprises world-class researchers, scholars and teachers in all areas of finance.

The doctoral program in finance prepares its graduates primarily for careers as university professors, with research agendas in corporate finance, financial institutions and market microstructure and the pricing of financial securities. The faculty members , with degrees from internationally recognized universities, conduct research in these areas.

The following is an outline of the coursework students can expect to complete during the first year of the Finance PhD program. The coursework is subject to change due to the availability of classes.

Prior to the Start of the Program

Three weeks prior to the first semester of study (generally starting late July), entering Finance PhD students will be required to take Economics 519, Math for Economists, a boot camp designed to help prepare students for the mathematical rigors of the program. This course will continue through the fall semester.

Prior to the start of the Math for Economists course, generally in mid-July, students will also be required to complete two SAS workshops hosted by the Accounting and Finance Departments and designed to demonstrate the use of SAS in financial research. 

The First Year focus is on developing a foundation in economics and on acquiring the necessary skills to be a first-rate scholar in finance.

First Semester

Courses students take in the first semester (fall) include:

• Economics 501A, Microeconomic Theory I. A PhD level microeconomics course focusing on individual and firm-level optimization.
• Economics 501B, Microeconomic Theory II. An economics course focusing on general equilibrium and competitive analysis as well as market failure. These subjects are becoming increasingly important in the study of finance.
• Economics 519, Mathematical Economics. Introduction to the theory and methods of mathematical economics and its applications. Designed primarily for entering graduate students majoring in economics.
• Economics 520, Theory of Quantitative Methods in Economics. A statistics course designed to prepare students to study econometrics.

To do well in Economics 501A, 519 and 520, students should be very comfortable with calculus and the principles of optimization, as well as know some linear algebra and analysis. Students with below this level of mathematics background are strongly encouraged to plan to attend courses at The University of Arizona in the summer prior to their enrollment to cover the necessary mathematics topics.

Second Semester

Courses the second semester (spring) will include:

• Finance 601, Financial Decision Making. Theoretical and applied financial economics relating to uncertainty in markets, information and choice.
• Finance 695A, Investments. The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course registrants.
• Economics 522A, Econometrics I. The first course in the econometrics sequence studying the theory of econometric estimation of single and simultaneous equation models. 

Finance 525, Empirical Methods in Finance : This course familiarizes students with the database and various statistical methods needed to undertake research in finance using Python. Students use Python programming to work with data sets, produce statistics and perform tests on data.

Other classes might include:

• Finance 542, Fixed Income. To introduce students to fixed income portfolio management. The course objective is to provide students with a set of tools to analyze fixed income markets.
• Math 522, Advanced Applied Analysis. Review of multivariable calculus, series solutions of differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, introduction to partial differential equations.
• Accounting 696A, Taxation. The development and exchange of scholarly information related to accounting theory, usually in a small group setting.
• Accounting 696D, Accounting Theory. The development and exchange of scholarly information related to accounting theory, usually in a small group setting.
• Available Economics, Finance or Accounting seminars (695, 696 and 697 courses).

Required Economics Minor

Each student is required to meet the requirements of a minor in Economics, which includes the required first year coursework in economics as listed above (ECON501A, ECON501B, ECON520, ECON522A) and passing the first year written qualifying examination administered by the Economics Department faculty in May/June following the first year of study.

Qualifying Examination

The Qualifying Examination is taken by PhD students at the end of the first year in the program, typically in early June. It is a written examination in either theory or quantitative methods and is based on the material taught in the Economics courses taken during the first year of the program. The theory examination covers the material in the microeconomic core courses (ECON 501A and 501B). The quantitative examination covers the material in the statistics and econometrics courses (ECON 520 and 522A). Copies of the questions on earlier preliminary exams can be obtained from the Economics Department Graduate Coordinator.

The goal of the exam is to ensure that students have developed an appreciation for how all of the material fits together in a broader framework of economic reasoning. In addition, the exam will help students solidify their knowledge about the core of economics. The qualifying examination is a requirement for continuation in the program.

If the student does not pass the exam at the end of the first year of the program, the department may elect to dismiss the student from the PhD program, withdraw financial assistance awarded in prior semesters or allow the student to retake the exam in August (around the start of Fall semester of the second year of study, per the Economics Department schedule) at which time the first year qualifying examination must be completed with a passing grade.

Major Advisor

In the student’s first year, the Faculty PhD Advisor serves as student's advisor. By the summer after their first year, the student will arrange for another faculty member to serve as “major professor” and provide advice and guidance on the second year paper. The Faculty PhD Advisor and major professor are jointly responsible for approving the student’s Plan of Study (to be submitted to the Graduate College no later than the third semester). Eventually, the student will arrange for a tenure-track faculty member to serve as dissertation supervisor. The student and dissertation supervisor work together to form a dissertation or examining committee, which provides timely input to the student and ultimately is responsible for approving the dissertation. The dissertation committee should be formed no later than the end of the third year.

Second Year

The following is an outline of the coursework students can expect to complete during the second year of the Finance PhD program. The coursework is subject to change due to the availability of classes.

During the second year of the program, courses tend to be more specialized and are designed to introduce students to a number of different areas in which they potentially could do research. In the second year, courses could include:

• Economics 522B, Econometrics II. The second course in the econometrics sequence studying the theory of econometric estimation of single and simultaneous equation models.
• Economics 597C, Teaching Methods in Economics (required). The purpose of this workshop is to familiarize graduate students with the key skills and understandings that are important in being an effective teacher.
• Finance 602, Dynamic Assets Pricing.  Financial models and empirical tests: asset pricing models, financial behavior; corporate financial decisions.
• Finance 620A, Finance Markets and Corporate Finance. Financial models and empirical tests: asset pricing models, financial behavior; corporate financial decisions.

Other courses could include:

• Economics 549/AREC 549, Applied Econometric Analysis. A course designed to provide students with hands on experience in econometric modeling (using SAS).
• Economics 696A, Experimental Economics. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696E, Econometric Modeling I. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696F, Econometric Modeling II. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696I, Labor Economics II. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696P, Industrial Organization and Regulation I. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696Q, Industrial Organization and Regulation II. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 696W, Environmental and Energy Economics-Empirical. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
• Economics 697B, Applied Economic Analysis. The practical application of theoretical learning within a group setting and involving an exchange of ideas and practical methods, skills and principles.
• Math 522, Advanced Applied Analysis. Review of multivariable calculus, series solutions of differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, introduction to partial differential equations. 
• Available 500-level Mathematics courses.

Second Year Paper

In addition to completing their coursework and qualifying examinations, all students must submit a second-year paper in order to continue in the program. This second year paper could be an extension of a paper discussed in FIN 601, FIN 695A or ACCT 682, a seminar paper presented during the first year, or a faculty member’s current research. The topic must be approved by the PhD Faculty Advisor and the student’s “major professor” by the end of the summer after the first year. Approval will require that the student submit a literature review and hypotheses, and that these be deemed acceptable.

The preliminary second year paper must be presented to the faculty in February of the second year. Satisfactory progress on the second year paper is required in order for a student to take their written comprehensive exam. The completed paper must be presented to the faculty in the summer following their second year.

Summer Funding

Additional summer funding may be available to PhD students and, if available, will be awarded on a competitive basis. This may take the form of summer teaching opportunities, guidance of MSF projects or competitive research grants.

Plan of Study

"In conjunction with his/her major professor or advisor, each student is responsible for developing a Plan of Study during their first year in residence, to be filed with the Graduate College no later than the student's third semester in residence.

"The Plan of Study identifies (1) courses the student intends to transfer from other institutions; (2) courses already completed at The University of Arizona which the student intends to apply toward the graduate degree; and (3) additional course work to be completed in order to fulfill degree requirements. The Plan of Study must have the approval of the student's major professor and department head (or Director of Graduate Studies) before it is submitted to the Graduate College."

(For more information, review the UA Graduate College catalog .

To access the Doctoral Plan of Study form, log in to UAccessStudent with a student UA Net ID and click on "GradPath." Note that dissertation hours are not included on the form as coursework. 

Comprehensive Written Examination

In the beginning of the summer following the second year (usually in early June, shortly after classes end), students will take the comprehensive written examination covering the entire field of finance. Students are expected to be able to answer questions from all areas of finance, although the emphasis will be on topics discussed in the finance courses the students have taken during the first two years of the program and department seminars the students have attended during the same time. 

Students who do not pass the comprehensive examination may, at the discretion of the faculty, be given a second chance to pass the exam prior to the start of the following fall semester, be awarded an MS degree if they have satisfied the Master's requirements and/or be dismissed from the PhD program.

The Graduate Council and the Faculty Senate require that students must complete their degree within five years of passing the Comprehensive Examination. Should a student not finish within that time period, he or she may be allowed to re-take the Comprehensive Examination with permission of the program. 

Master of Science

Students in the doctoral program will not be awarded a master's degree in finance for coursework completed toward the PhD program requirements. However, if a student does not pass the finance comprehensive written examination after the second year of study, the Finance Department Head and/or PhD Faculty Advisor may elect to offer an alternative course of action and plan of study for the student to complete and earn an MSF degree.

Third and Fourth Years

The following is an outline of the requirements students can expect to complete during the third and fourth years of the Finance PhD program.

Credit Requirements

During the third and fourth years of the PhD program, students will complete the required coursework for the degree, including 18 units of dissertation as required by The UA Graduate College. The PhD in Management with a major in Finance will require not less than 66 total credit hours, including at least 36 hours in the major, 12 hours in the minor and 18 hours of dissertation credit.

Dissertation Proposal

No later than the September following the third year, students are required to successfully complete the dissertation proposal and comprehensive oral examination on related topics.

The typical dissertation proposal and oral exam starts with extensive questioning on the student's dissertation proposal and related research and then expands over time into the fundamentals of finance and economics that the student must know to complete their research and also to be considered a good finance researcher. In addition, the comprehensive oral examination will test a student's ability to understand at a deeper level the state of the knowledge on a particular topic and his/her ability to formulate and defend a research proposal on this topic. 

Under the supervision of one or more Finance faculty members (dissertation chair(s)), students are expected to prepare and submit a research proposal at least one month prior to the date of the dissertation proposal for review by the Finance faculty members.

After consulting with the PhD Faculty Advisor and the dissertation chair(s), the student chooses a dissertation committee. The dissertation committee typically consists of three members of the Finance faculty and one member from the department of the student's minor field. The examining committee members are appointed by the Dean of the Graduate College upon the recommendation of the heads of the academic departments involved. 

The dissertation research proposal should demonstrate an understanding of the literature in an area of the student's choosing and should contain a research strategy that has the potential to advance knowledge in the area. This document should contain:

• An introduction, overview and outline of the entire dissertation;
• A relatively polished chapter with results; and,
• A second chapter in-process and demonstrating that the student is relatively far along in the research.

Once the student and dissertation committee members have agreed on a date and time for the dissertation proposal presentation and oral comprehensive examination, the "Comprehensive Examination Committee Appointment" form must be completed in UAccessStudent, GradApp.  Following the committee form, the "Application for Oral Comprehensive Examination for Doctoral Candidate" must also be completed and routed for approval.

Oral Examination

The oral examination typically starts with a 10 to 15 minute presentation and overview of the dissertation proposal that briefly touches on all aspects of the thesis, including overheads for key tables as appropriate. The focus during the examination will be on the student answering the committee's questions, first concentrating on the student's dissertation proposal and the financial and economic issues related to the proposal.

Students will also be asked about the value of such a strategy, as well as its feasibility and limitations. The questioning will expand to address the fundamental knowledge that the student must have mastered to complete their research in the field and the general knowledge that professional researchers in finance should know. This is the occasion when faculty committee members have both the opportunity and obligation to require the student to display a broad knowledge of the chosen field of study and sufficient depth of understanding in areas of specialization. The examining committee must attest that the student has demonstrated the professional level of knowledge expected of a junior academic colleague.

At least three members of the faculty dissertation committee must be in attendance for the entire exam, which should be at least one hour in length, but not exceed three hours. Students should expect the typical length to be roughly an hour and a half to two hours.

If a student fails the oral exam on the first try, a reexamination may be given in certain circumstances. However, any reexamination must be recommended by the examining committee, endorsed by the major department, and approved by the Graduate College. Four months must elapse between the first and second attempt. The Graduate College allows no more than one retake of the oral exam.

Additionally, if the student does not pass the comprehensive oral examination by the start of the fourth year of the program, the department may elect to dismiss the student from the Ph.D. program, withdraw financial assistance awarded in prior semesters and/or set a date (before the end of the Fall semester of the fourth year of study) by which time the comprehensive oral examination must be completed with a passing grade.

If a student does not take the comprehensive oral examination before the Fall semester of the fourth year, the Department may elect to dismiss the student from the PhD program, withdraw financial assistance awarded in prior semesters and/or set a date (before the end of the Fall semester of the fourth year of study) by which time the comprehensive oral examination must be completed and passed.

Advancement to Candidacy

Satisfaction of the course requirements and passing all examinations advances the student to the candidacy for the PhD degree.

"When the student has an approved doctoral Plan of Study on file, has satisfied all course work, language and residence requirements and passed the written and oral portions of the Comprehensive Examination, he or she will be Advanced to Candidacy.

Dissertation of Defense

The PhD degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of the dissertation. An acceptable dissertation is one that the faculty judges to make sufficient contribution to financial knowledge that, with minor revisions, will be publishable in a top academic journal. 

A Final Oral Defense examination of the dissertation (dissertation of defense) in both the major and minor subjects is scheduled upon completion. Faculty committee members will require the student to display a broad knowledge of the chosen field of study and sufficient depth of understanding in areas of specialization. The examining committee must attest that the student has demonstrated the professional level of knowledge expected of a junior academic colleague.

To notify the Graduate College of your scheduled final oral defense examination, complete the "Announcement of Final Oral Examination" form in UAccessStudent, GradPath. The form will be routed for approval through both the Finance and minor departments.

"The exact time and place of this examination must be scheduled with the Graduate Degree Certification Office at least three weeks in advance and announced publicly in Lo Que Pasa at least one week in advance. The dissertation director presides over the examination. The examination is closed to the public, except for an initial seminar portion during which the student presents the dissertation and entertains questions."

(For more information, read the  UA Graduate College catalog. )

The dissertation director presides over the examination. The initial seminar portion during which the student presents the dissertation and entertains questions is open to the public.  The committee's deliberation is closed to the public.

There is no minimum time limit for the Final Oral Examination, but the entire proceedings may not exceed three hours. Members of the committee must be present for the entire examination. More instructions and links to forms are available on the Graduate College website . 

A Ph.D. dissertation represents the student, the department, and The University of Arizona in the international scholarly community. This work is important and worthy of professional presentation. Therefore, The  UA Graduate College website  has resources detailing the required dissertation format to ensure it meets these high standards. Please refer to this page for specifications on the type, title page, table of contents, references and more. A few sample pages (including doctoral approval page and title page) are also available on the UA Graduate College website .

At your final dissertation defense, provide an Approval Page Form to the dissertation committee members to sign. This will be inserted as the second page of your submitted dissertation. Also, please ensure that a Change of Grade form is available to provide to your major advisor. The Change of Grade form indicating your grade (Superior/Pass/Fail) for the dissertation as determined by your committee must be submitted to the Graduate College immediately upon completion of your final defense.

When you have reached this point, the degree requirements have been completed and hearty congratulations are given and well deserved.

2024-2025 Catalog

Doctoral degrees.

The University of Idaho awards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of high achievement in scholarly and research activity. The degree of Doctor of Education is granted for high scholarly attainment and in recognition of the completion of academic preparation for professional practice. See the "Ph.D. and Ed.D. Procedures" tab for more details. The Doctor of Athletic Training is offered through the College of Education and the Department of Movement Sciences (see the "DAT Procedures" tab for more details).

The major professor and program offering a particular doctoral program indicate the general philosophy of the degree program, the objectives of courses and seminars, the research specialties available, and requirements unique to the department. Admission to the doctoral program is granted only to those who have a recognized potential for completing the degree.

Requirements for Doctoral Degrees

Credit requirements.

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D., a minimum of 78 credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required.; At least 52 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 33 of the 78 credits must be in courses other than 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation). A maximum of 45 research credits in 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation) including 6 credits of 599 (Non-thesis Research) or 500 (Master's Research and Thesis) may be in the 45 research credits used toward the degree. For the D.A.T., a minimum of 66 credits is required and follows a prescribed set of courses set by the program.

Courses numbered below 300 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a doctoral degree; courses numbered 300-399 may be used only in supporting areas and are not to be used to make up deficiencies. Individual programs may require additional course work. Applicants having a doctoral degree may obtain a second doctoral degree subject to the approval of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council will establish the requirements for the second degree.

Credit Limitations for Transfer, Correspondence Study, and Non-degree

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees, a student must complete at least 39 of the 78 required credits at the University of Idaho (U of I) while matriculated in the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred to U of I with the consent of the student's major professor, the committee (if required by the program), the program's administrator, and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred only if the institution from which the credits are being transferred has a graduate program in the course's discipline. All credits used toward graduate degrees must be from regionally accredited American institutions or from non-US institutions recognized by the appropriate authorities in their respective countries. Transfer credits are subject to all other College of Graduate Studies rules and regulations. Correspondence study courses may be applied to the degree only with the prior written approval of the College of Graduate Studies. Courses used toward an undergraduate degree, professional development courses, and courses on a professional development transcript are not available to be used toward a doctoral degree.

Time Limits

Of the credits submitted to satisfy the requirements for a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree, a maximum of 30 may be more than eight years old when the degree is conferred, provided the student's committee and program administrator determine that the student has kept current in the subjects concerned. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their preliminary or general examination. These time limitations can be extended only on recommendation of the committee and approval by the Graduate Council.

Awarding Doctoral Degrees to Members of the Faculty

Regulations are outlined in Section 4920 of the Faculty-Staff Handbook.

Particular Requirements for the Ed.D. Degree

A period of professional practice is required for the Doctor of Education degree; the period involved is determined by the student's supervisory committee. While the Ed.D. is a College of Education degree, you should consult with the departments in the College of Education to learn of specific emphasis requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education Degrees

Appointment of major professor and committee.

Refer to " Appointment of Major Professor and Committee for All Degree Seeking Graduate Students " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section. In addition, a doctoral supervisory committee consists of at least four people: the major professor as chair and at least one additional UI faculty member from the program, the balance of the committee may be made up of faculty members from a minor or supporting area, and faculty members from a discipline outside the major. If the committee has a co-chair, the minimum number of committee members is five.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is a program option and serves to assess the background of the student in both the major and supporting fields and to provide partially the basis for preparation of the student's study program. A particular program may or may not require a master's degree as a prerequisite for the qualifying evaluation. As soon as the program's qualifications are met, a supervisory committee is appointed.

Preparation of Study Plan

Refer to " Preparation and Submission of Study Plan " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section.

Preliminary Examination for Ph.D. Degree

The preliminary examination should be scheduled only after the student has completed the majority of the courses on their study plan. The student is required to be registered during the semester the preliminary examination is taken. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the preliminary examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the preliminary examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the preliminary examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified enrollment status and is no longer in the degree program.

General Examination for Ed.D . Degree

When the student approaches the end of their course work, has completed the professional experience requirement, and has outlined the dissertation subject in detail, the supervisory committee approves the holding of the general examination. The student is required to be registered during the semester the general examination is taken. The examination is both written and oral and is intended to assess progress toward degree objectives. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the general examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the general examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the general examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified status and is no longer in the degree program.

See the General Graduate Regulations section regarding application for advanced degree, registration requirements, final defense and dissertation requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Athletic Training

The culminating clinical project.

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.) will engage in research projects during the curricular phase of the program. These project(s) will lead to at least two publication ready manuscripts, and all students must meet professional authorship requirements (regardless of order). See the  Department of Movement Sciences and Doctor of Athletic Training webpages for more information.

The Team (Committee)

All D.A.T. project team committees will have at least four committee members: two members of the athletic training faculty (all with graduate faculty status), the student's attending clinician (who is the student's on-site mentor during the student's residency), and an expert in the student's chosen area of clinical research. The athletic training faculty members will always chair the CCP, provide research guidance, and serve as the experts in the development of advanced practice in Athletic Training. A situation may arise in which one or both of the members of the committee that are outside of the AT program faculty may have a degree less than that of which the student is seeking; however, the intent of the third and fourth D.A.T. committee membership is to provide outside validation of the student's progress toward advanced practice and clinical utility of action research studies.

Culminating Clinical Project Hours

These dissertation hours may be used in instances when the CCP has not been successfully completed and the curricular phase of program has been completed.

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LPUNEST Applications for Ph.D. (Spring Term) are closed. Applications for the next term will be updated shortly. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click here

LPUNEST Applications for Ph.D. (Spring term) will be updated shortly. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click here

COURSE WORK

• a) Course work is mandatory for all the students admitted in Ph.D. Programme.
• b) The course work will have a minimum of 14 credits.
• c) All candidates admitted to the Ph.D. programme will be required to complete the course work prescribed by the university during the initial one or two semesters.
• Course I: Research and Publication Ethics
• Course II: Research Methodology
• Course III: Academic Writing and Presentation Skills
• Course IV: Research Seminar
• e) Minimum 75% Aggregate attendance is mandatory in the course work.
• f) The evaluation parameters will be similar to that of regular programmes of the university.
• g) The minimum passing marks required in course work of Ph.D. programme is 55% aggregate in the individual courses with at-least 40% in final end term examination (Applicable in Course I, Course II and Course IV)
• h) Exemption in course work will be applicable only if scholar has done M.Phil. with 55% or equivalent grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point scale through regular mode from LPU or any other recognized university.
• i) Selected scholars will have option to pursue course work in one of the following modes:
• h) The coursework tentative schedule for non-agriculture programmes is available below:

For Full-Time Ph.D. Scholars

Course Work options for Ph.D. Scholars

• 1. The coursework options listed under preference exercised by the scholar will only be offered subject to fulfilment of minimum number of scholars opting for that given option. If an option lacks sufficient interest, it may not be offered, and scholars must choose from the available alternatives.
• 2. For option II classes are to be conducted Thursday to Sunday of every third week of all 4 months.
• 3. Induction programme will be conducted before the start of every coursework option.

Exemption in course work will be applicable only if scholar has done M.Phil. (regular mode) with 55% or equivalent grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point scale through regular mode from LPU or any other recognized university.

• a) Course work is mandatory for all the scholars admitted in Ph.D. Programme.
• b) The course work will be of 3 semesters containing 30 credits.
• c) All the scholars need to clear non-credited compulsory courses as prescribed by ICAR norms in case they have not studied these courses in their Bachelor and Master degree. For which School of Agriculture and CRDP needs to coordinate after admissions.
• d) Minimum 75% Aggregate attendance is mandatory in the course work.
• e) The evaluation parameters will be similar to that of regular programmes of the university.
• f) The minimum CGPA required in course work of Ph.D. programme is 6.5 with a minimum grade of 6.0 in the individual courses.
• g) Following coursework options with tentative schedule are available for agriculture programmes:
• 1. The contact hours in all these two options will remain same. If number of Research Scholars in any option is less, then that option may not be offered.
• 2. Induction programme will be conducted before the start of every coursework option.

Selected Research Scholar will have option to pursue course work in one of the following modes and tentative schedule is mentioned below:

• 1. The contact hours in all these three options will remain same. If number of Research Scholars in any option is less, then that option may not be offered.

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Integrated b.ed. - m.ed., important information - lpu admissions 2020 update., for b.tech. admissions:.

• Last date to apply has been extended from 31st March, 2020 to 20th April, 2020. Click here to apply
• LPUNEST Test Dates will be informed as and when Government announces JEE Mains schedule in order to provide candidates with clash free schedule. University is also evaluating the options to offer Online proctored LPUNEST remotely.
• Two Schedules of Counselling will be conducted (both online):
• Regular Schedule of Counselling – After the conduct of LPUNEST exam which is dependent upon Government decision on lockdown due to Covid-19.
• Special Schedule of Counseling – Before the conduct of LPUNEST exam, for all those candidates who already have JEE Mains or LPUNEST score (exams conducted in January 2020).
• Special Schedule of Counselling will be conducted online only as per the dates mentioned below:
• This Special Schedule of counselling will help the students with existing score of JEE (Mains) or LPUNEST to confirm their admission and they need not to appear for LPUNEST exam again.
• Regular Schedule of counselling may be conducted only on the basis of LPUNEST exam and not on the basis of JEE (Mains) score so all candidates having JEE Mains (Jan Schedule) score are advised not to wait for Regular Schedule of counselling and try to confirm the admission through Special Schedule of counselling .
• Applicants who do not have LPUNEST score or JEE (Mains) score because they did not appear for exams in January / February shall apply on or before 20th April, 2020. The schedule of LPUNEST exam and counselling / admission process will be informed later.
• Candidates participating in Special Counselling schedule (as per Table mentioned above), if interested, may appear for LPUNEST to improve their score for Scholarship and/or participate in Regular Schedule of counselling again for changing / improving the allotted branch.
• The ranks declared in Special Counselling schedule will not be used for LPUNEST Study Grant.

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LPUNEST Studygrant 4th Edition result declared Result for LPUNEST Studygrant 4th Edition has been declared. Details of the award ceremony will be communicated shortly. Candidates who are eligible to get studygrant can check their result at https://lpu.in/studygrant.

LPUNEST Application Invited for Study Grant Lovely Professional University launched LPUNEST Study Grant 5th Edition to augment the same spirit of expanding the purview of previous Editions of LPUNEST Study Grant i.e. ‘LPUNEST Study Grant 1st Edition, 2019’, ‘LPUNEST Study Grant 2nd Edition, 2020’ and ‘LPUNEST Study Grant 3rd Edition, 2021’ LPUNEST Study Grant 4th Edition, 2022’.

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Applications for academic session 2020-21 are closed. For 2021-22, details will be updated shortly. You may call 01824-404404 or Click here to submit your query.

LPUNEST Applications for 2020-21 will be updated in 2nd week of September. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click here

LPUNEST Applications for 2020-21 will be updated Shortly. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click here

Applications are closed in Post Graduate Agriculture Programmes. If seats remain vacant after the first counselling, we will inform you and will guide you for further process. However to apply for any other Post Graduate Sciences Programme Click Here. For any kind of query please call 01824-404404 or Click Here.

Learn more about the PhD in Innovation in Global Development.

A welcome to the program message.

Learn more about applying to the PhD in Innovation in Global Development program.

If you have questions regarding coursework, dissertation, or procedures, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Students will find this transdisciplinary degree unique, relevant and compelling to advance their professional and personal goals.

Courses and handbook information for the program.

PhD Course Work guidelines: Mandatory for PhD scholars

Compulsory course work:.

As per UGC Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree Regulations 2016, a PhD scholar shall be required to undertake course work for a minimum period of one semester which is compulsory pre-requisite for both full time and part time candidates.

It shall consist of one or more courses on Research Methodology which shall cover areas such as quantitative methods, computer applications, research ethics and review of published research in the relevant field, training, and field work and other areas found relevant to the discipline concerned. Other courses shall be advanced level areas in the subjects concerned for enabling the students to acquire deep knowledge in the preparation for PhD degree.

All the candidates admitted to the PhD program shall be required to complete the PhD course work prescribed by the University & respective Department during the initial / first semester. Research Supervisor along with Research Advisory Committee shall prescribe the courses and recruit faculty to teach candidates prescribed courses.

The concerned Department must be involved in teaching of Course Work, especially related to selection of Title and preparation of Synopsis.

A candidate will complete his Course Work of six months through intensive classes, assignments, review of literature, short studies under the recognized Supervisor & Research Advisory Committee.

After the completion of Course Work, examination will be conducted by Examination section of the University. In case candidate fails or drops in examination, one more chance will be given for the compulsory Course Work Examination.

However, if the student is not in a position to complete the course work in the prescribed time limit as above, due to genuine reasons, may file an appeal and on the recommendation of the Research Advisory Committee, the Dean may grant extension up to additional one semester. Failing to complete the course work within the extended period (within first year of admission) may lead to cancellation of candidature.

Scholars admitted to the PhD program shall be required to complete the course work prescribed by the respective departments during the initial one year from the date of registration, failing which the registration shall be automatically cancelled.

SYLLABUS FOR COURSEWORK: Research Methodology

Objective: To identify and apply appropriate research methodology in order to plan, conduct and evaluate basic research. The Course will enable scholars to develop the foundation for research skills at appropriate levels.

Part A: (Common for all faculties)

1. Basics of Research: Definition of research - Objective of research - Scientific research - Ethics in research, Plagiarism, how to write research proposal.

2. Types and Methods of Research: Classification of Research- Descriptive Research - Diagnostic Research/Study - Evaluation Research/Studies - Experimental Research - Analytical Study of Statistical Method - Surveys - Case Study - Field Studies & others.

3. Review of Literature: Need for Reviewing Literature - What to Review and for What Purpose - Literature Search - Procedure - Sources of Literature.

4. The Planning Process of Research: Selection of a Problem for Research – Formulation of the Selected Problems - Hypothesis Formation - Measurement - Research Design/Plan, Research process.

5. Sampling: Sampling Techniques or Methods - Choice of Sampling Techniques - Sample Size - Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors.

6. Methods of Data Collection: Meaning and Importance of Data - Sources of Data - Use of Secondary Data - Methods of Collecting Primary Data.

7. Quantitative and Qualitative Data: Observation Method - Experimentation - Simulation - Interviewing - Panel Method - Mail Survey.

8. Tools for Data Collection: Types of Data - Construction of Schedules and Questionnaires - Measurement of Scales and Indices - Pilot Studies and Pre-tests.

9. Field Work: The Nature of Field Work - Selection and Training of Investigators - Sampling Frame and Sample Selection.

10. Processing & Statistical Analysis of Data: Editing - Classification and Coding - Transcription - Tabulation - Introduction to Statistical Software: SPSS - Graphical Representation.

Statistical Analysis - Measures of Central Tendency - Measures of Dispersion - Measures of Association/Relationship - Regression and Correlation Analysis - Hypothesis Testing (For Proportion and Means) - Test of Significance.

11. Computer Application in Research: Introduction to MS Excel, Using Formulas and Functions, Hand on to SPSS, Features for Statistical Data Analysis, Generating Charts/Graphs, Introduction to MS Word, Features and Functions, Writing Report in MS Word, Introduction to Open Office or Latex, Creating Presentation in MS Power Point, Introduction to Internet Based Search, Use of Advanced Research Techniques.

12. Report Writing: Types of Reports - Planning of Report Writing - Research Report Format - Principles of Writing - Documentation - Data and Data Analysis in Thesis - Writing of Report - Typing of Report - Briefing - Preparation of Manuscript for Publication of Research Paper - Pictures and Graphs, Citation styles, writing a Review of Paper, Bibliography, Writing Synopsis & Thesis.

13. Ethics in Research:

Course Outline: This course explores techniques for recognizing, analyzing, and resolving ethical dilemmas facing healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers in today's highly regulated environment. Use of humans and animals in research, data acquisition and management, protection of human subjects / animals involved in research programs.

14. Responsible conduct of research & Publication Ethics:

Course Outline: Promotion of academic integrity & prevention of misconduct including Plagiarism, using Plagiarism detection software tools, reference management tools, proper attribution, copyright & intellectual property right policies etc.

Include elements of responsible conduct of research, publication ethics, use of plagiarism detection tools and reference management tools as a compulsory course work for Research Scholars.

Part B: (Research Methodology as per faculty/subject requirement) (Shall be covered by respective supervisor, Research Advisory Committee).

COURSE STRUCTURE: (This may include lectures, seminars, and tutorials).

Course work examination & qualifying marks criteria:

a) A PhD. scholar has to obtain a minimum of 55% of marks or its equivalent grade in the UGC 7- point scale in the course work in order to be eligible to continue in the program and submit the dissertation/thesis.

b) Maximum two chances shall be given to the scholar for clearing the coursework, failing to which may lead to cancellation of admission.

c) 75 % attendance for coursework classes is required.

Evaluation process of coursework:

Paper setting & evaluation: The Controller of Examination section shall appoint paper setters nominated by Vice-Chancellor at his own discretion or from the list recommended by PhD committee.

Research methodology paper of the course work:

The course work is a pre-requisite for PhD program and all admitted candidates shall be required to complete the prescribed course work within the first year of PhD program.

Qualifying Examinations on prescribed Course work will be conducted by the university.

The University will initiate the procedure of Registration subject to fulfilment of all prescribed eligibility criteria relating to qualification of the candidate, availability of recognized Research Supervisors in proposed place of research work, keeping in mind the norms regarding scholar-guide ratio as laid down by UGC.

The University shall maintain a list of registered PhD students on its website on a year wise basis. The list shall include the name of candidate, name of supervisor/ co-supervisor, topic of research and date of registration.

Valid for maximum 6 years for both Full time/part time students.

Course work: Compulsory pre-requisite for all PhD candidates.

Mandatory course work of 6 months must be completed within the first year after PhD Registration.

Research Supervisor along with Research Advisory Committee shall recruit faculty to teach candidates prescribed syllabus of Course Work and certificates stating successful completion of Course work will be communicated by the officiating Supervisor through the Head of Department to the O/o Dean, WBUHS.

Completion of Course work requires minimum 55% qualifying marks or Grade B in assessment as per UGC regulation.

Research proposal / Synopsis: Registered candidates shall submit a detailed research proposal through Supervisor, duly recommended by Research Advisory Committee and Institutional Ethics Committee within six months of date of registration.

Mandatory course work of 6 months must be completed within the first year after PhD Registration.Research Supervisor along with Research Advisory Committee shall recruit faculty to teach candidates prescribed syllabus of Course Work and certificates stating successful completion of Course work will be communicated by the officiating Supervisor through the Head of Department to the O/o Dean, WBUHS.

Synopsis Confirmation Seminar: Candidature will be confirmed on approval of Synopsis / Research Proposal by PhD Committee & successful completion of mandatory course work within the 1 st year of PhD program. If title of thesis and synopsis is approved by the University, his / her candidature will be confirmed. Otherwise the registration is liable to be cancelled administratively.

Half -yearly Progress Report: After confirmation of title of thesis and synopsis, student need to work in association with Supervisor under guidance of the Research Advisory Committee on University approved research project. Progress Report to be forwarded through Research Advisory Committee till submission of Final Thesis.

Two Presentations: Presentations by PhD scholar based on PhD research work in Conference/Seminar. (Presentation Certificate needed)

Research publication: At least one in peer reviewed journal (Proof of publication / acceptance needed).

Conclusion report/Draft Thesis / Final Synopsis: On completion of research work, the PhD scholar has to prepare a draft thesis (final synopsis) and submit soft copy in PDF format to the Dean of Faculty through proper channel.(After 2 1⁄2 years for full time and 4 1⁄2 years for part time candidate).

Recommended panel of experts from related field of research: Prior to submission of draft thesis, Supervisor shall prepare a panel of six experts as examiners in pre-PhD seminar, to evaluate written part of thesis and viva-voce. The panel must include 50% of examiners from outside the state.

Dean of Faculty shall send the recommended panel of experts with publications in related field of research along with their consent to the Vice-chancellor for approval and appointment as examiners / experts.

Pre PhD Seminar: The scholar shall be asked to deliver an open seminar before the PhD Committee in presence of Supervisor and two Experts nominated from approved panel of six experts submitted by the Supervisor.

Candidate must present the draft thesis (final synopsis) in a pre-PhD presentation at least 6 months prior to submission of final thesis for approval.

If the committee is satisfied and finds it suitable for submission as a PhD Thesis, it may advise the scholar to prepare Final Thesis for submission.

Submission of Final Thesis: The completed assigned research work will be submitted in the form of a Thesis along with originality report for plagiarism check by software to be examined by a Board of Adjudicators.

Board of Adjudicators constituted (3 Examiners from the panel out of which 2 will be outside the state) for evaluation of thesis & recommendation for PhD viva-voce.

Evaluation of Thesis and Recommendation for Viva-Voce: If all the three Adjudicator’s reports recommend acceptance of the thesis, the candidate shall be eligible for oral defense. The public viva-voce of research scholar to defend thesis will be conducted only if evaluation report of both external examiners are satisfactory and include recommendation for conducting the viva-voce examination.

Viva-voce and open defense of thesis: Board of Examiners will be constituted on approval of the Vice Chancellor with Supervisor – as Convenor, External Examiner - one, Internal Examiner - one.

During Viva-voce the candidate is expected to successfully defend his / her work before public and Board of Examiners recruited for the purpose by the West Bengal University of Health Sciences to become eligible for award of PhD degree.

Approval of PhD Award & Depository with UGC: The Board of Examiners under Chairmanship of the Dean of the concerned Faculty shall give final recommendations for the award of the PhD degree on the basis of performance in the viva-voce examination and the Examiners’ Report. The result of the viva-voce and defence of thesis after approval by the Vice-Chancellor shall be reported to PhD Committee and Academic Council.

Before announcement of award of PhD degree, the University shall submit an electronic copy of the PhD thesis to the INFLIBNET, for hosting the same to make it accessible to all institutions/ colleges prior to the actual award of degree.

Award of PhD degree in Health Sciences: After fulfilling all the requirements prescribed in the regulations, the degree shall be awarded namely PhD in Health Sciences.The degree certificate shall include name of the subject / discipline concerned / field of specialization, if any and name of concerned Faculty,

Notification for PhD Award: he University shall issue a provisional certificate to the effect that the degree has been awarded with the provisions of extant UGC Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree Regulations & existing procedures framed by the University and in force from time to time.

The Controller of Examinations shall issue a provisional degree certificate in accordance with the decision of the Vice- Chancellor.

Registrar shall upload notification regarding award of PhD degree in the University website after approval by the Vice- Chancellor.

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Plant Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Political Science (Ph.D.)

Precision Nutrition for Human and Animal Health - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Professional Science Master (Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (P.S.M.))

Psychology (M.S.)

Psychology (Ph.D.)

Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Secondary Education (M.A.T.)

Soil and Land Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)

Special Education (M.Ed.)

Statistical Science (M.S.)

Sustainable Soil and Land Systems - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A.)

Technology Management (M.S.)

Theatre Arts (M.F.A.)

Unclassified

Water Resources - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (P.S.M.)

Water Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)

Northeastern University Launches Performance-Based Admissions for Select Graduate Business Programs

May 9, 2024 | Online MBA

Northeastern University is proud to introduce a groundbreaking approach to graduate admissions with the launch of Performance-Based Admissions (PBA). This innovative process revolutionizes traditional admissions methods, providing a streamlined pathway for aspiring graduate students to showcase their skills and dive straight into coursework.

Eligible graduate programs currently include Online MBA & Online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (OGCBA) .

What is Performance-Based Admissions?

Performance-Based Admissions, or "PBA ," aims to simplify the graduate admissions process. Instead of navigating through extensive application requirements, prospective students can demonstrate their capabilities directly through coursework. Upon completing a “ Fast App ”, applicants will receive a link to enroll in two required PBA courses (Pathway Courses). These courses, representing a sample of OMBA classwork, are part of the program curriculum. Students who achieve a B grade or better in both Pathway Courses will progress into the full degree program the following term. The degree program will accept all credits earned from Pathway Courses.

Why Performance-Based Admissions at Northeastern?

As a trailblazer in experiential and innovative higher education, Northeastern University recognizes the evolving needs of today's professionals. Traditional application processes, with their demands for extensive documentation and waiting periods, can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Performance-Based Admissions eliminates these hurdles, empowering adult learners to focus on what truly matters—their academic potential. By using real coursework as the admission benchmark, Northeastern University creates a fair and accessible pathway for individuals to pursue their educational aspirations.

Fast App Requirements

The Fast App process for Performance-Based Admissions is straightforward and efficient. Applicants eligible for the Fast App gain access to the two designated Pathway Courses for the upcoming term. To progress from the Pathway Courses into the full degree program, students must achieve a grade of B or higher in both courses and provide proof of a completed bachelor's degree before the Pathway Courses' completion. This streamlined approach emphasizes merit and readiness for advanced study, paving the way for a successful academic journey.

At Northeastern University, we are committed to fostering excellence and inclusivity in higher education. Performance-Based Admissions represents our dedication to creating accessible pathways for aspiring graduate students, ensuring that talent and determination are the cornerstones of success. Join us in redefining the future of graduate education—one performance at a time.

If you’re ready to take the next steps in your career, start your Fast App today . 

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Upcoming Online MBA application deadlines

Apply by August 12 to start courses September 4.

For technical support or any other inquiries, please reach out to our dedicated support team at [email protected]

Lomonosov Moscow State University

Preparatory course (pre-university programme).

• Duration of study: March 2024 – July 2025.
• Holidays: July – August 2024.
• Start date: 1 March – 30 March 2024.
• Exams: June 2025.
• Tuition: $8900.
• The level of Russian: Beginner.
• Duration of study: September/October 2024 – July 2025.
• Start date: September – October.
• Tuition: $7000.
• The level of Russian: All levels.

• 1 BUSINESS SCHOOL
• 2 FACULTY OF BIOENGINEERING AND BIOINFORMATICS
• 3 FACULTY OF BIOLOGY
• 4 FACULTY OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
• 5 FACULTY OF CHEMISTRY
• 6 FACULTY OF COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND CYBERNETICS
• 7 FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
• 8 FACULTY OF ECONOMICS
• 9 FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
• 10 FACULTY OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
• 11 FACULTY OF FUNDAMENTAL MEDICINE
• 12 FACULTY OF FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL ENGENEERING
• 13 FACULTY OF GEOLOGY
• 14 FACULTY OF GEOGRAPHY
• 15 FACULTY OF HISTORY
• 16 FACULTY OF JOURNALISM
• 17 FACULTY OF LAW
• 18 FACULTY OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
• 19 FACULTY OF MECHANICS AND MATHEMATICS
• 20 FACULTY OF PHYSICS
• 21 FACULTY OF PHILOLOGY
• 22 FACULTY OF PHILOSOPHY
• 23 FACULTY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
• 24 FACULTY OF SOCIOLOGY
• 25 FACULTY OF WORLD POLITICS
• 26 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF INNOVATIVE BUSINESS
• 27 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION
• 28 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINIASTRATION
• 29 HIGHER SCHOOL OF MODERN SOCIAL SCIENCES
• 30 HIGHER SCHOOL OF POLICY IN CULTURE AND ADMINISTRATION IN HUMANITIES
• 31 HIGHER SCHOOL OF STATE AUDIT
• 32 HIGHER SCHOOL OF TRANSLATION/INTERPRETING
• 33 HIGHER SCHOOL OF TELEVISION STUDIES
• 34 INSTITUTE OF ASIAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES
• 35 MOSCOW SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
• 36 SOIL SCIENCE FACULTY
• Admission procedure