Total Required Hours: 96 (or 64 if master’s degree held)

The PhD in Disability Studies program is designed primarily as a full-time course of study. Students who are full-time will be expected to maintain a course load of at least 12 hours per semester. Students must complete the program within nine years from their date of entry for postbaccalaureate students and seven years for students entering with a master’s degree. Each student will have an adviser chosen from the faculty of the program. The adviser will monitor the student’s progress through the program and serve as chair for the dissertation committee.

Research Project
Students entering the program with a baccalaureate degree are required to participate in a research project approved by their adviser. Students entering the program with a master’s degree may have this requirement waived if they have completed equivalent work in a master’s thesis.

Written Examination
To evaluate the student’s knowledge of the broad area of disability studies and his or her specific content area, all students must take a comprehensive written examination prepared individually by an examination committee following the completion of all required core courses and electives.

Dissertation
A dissertation is required and must be defended at a public session before the dissertation committee and other members of the academic community.