The purpose of constructing a proposed program of study and having it approved is to establish early a set of courses and a possible thesis/dissertation topic that enable one to meet degree-related scholarly and professional goals.

 

The proposed program of study:

 

1. articulates the student’s objectives;

2. establishes the courses that the student should take to meet his or her objectives;

3. provides a means for assessing the student’s capability to complete the proposed program of study;

4. is a gateway to candidacy for the degree sought; and, accordingly,

5. represents an important rite of passage in one’s progress toward the degree objective.

 

The responsibility for constructing the program of study and arranging for its review are with the student. I suggest the following steps:

 

1. find a permanent advisor who can help you identify and achieve your goals;

2. discuss with your advisor potential committee members and courses;

3. prepare your proposed program of study proposal and revise it according to your advisor’s recommendations;

4. submit the proposal to your committee at least two weeks in advance of the meeting (which you will need to arrange with the members and notify Wendy Clark);

5. meet with your committee at the time set and answer all questions concerning the proposed program, as well as related matters as directly as possible; and,

6. following the meeting, revise your program of study to reflect any changes required by the committee.

 

The proposed program of study can be a relatively short document, usually no more than 5-10 pages in length. The content of programs of study varies among students and advisors; however, at minimum, it should include:

 

1. a clear statement regarding your scholarly and professional goals (often including a brief history);

2. completed and planned courses (number, title, and semester taken or to be taken) that help you meet your goals;

3. a discussion of the relationship of the courses to your scholarly and professional goals; and

4. a possible thesis/dissertation topic.

 

Your program of study remains a proposal until you have had a meeting with your advisory committee. If the committee approves the proposed program of study (with or without modification), you will become a candidate in the department for the degree you specified in your application. Please realize that your program of study represents a plan—it can be changed with the approval of your committee. Each of us has preferences regarding what the program of study involves. So, be sure to discuss the content of your program proposal with your advisor before setting a meeting with all committee members. Finally, be sure that the proposal, as developed, satisfies all Departmental and Graduate School requirements relating to the particular degree objective of interest.