Other Requirements

18-Hour Review

The Graduate Committee reviews the status of students in the Ph.D. program on a regular schedule:

• Students entering with only a bachelor's degree are reviewed at the completion of their master's.
• All students are reviewed at the completion of 18 credit hours of post-M.A. coursework.

For these reviews, there are three possible outcomes: continuation, dismissal, or probation with another review after 6 additional credit hours. After assessing the student's transcripts and other credentials, the Ph.D. Director informs the student of the review's outcome.

Foreign Language

Although students are not required to pass a formal written examination, those who need a foreign language (or languages) for their research must demonstrate to their dissertation advisor that they possess sufficient language skills before they will be allowed to advance to candidacy. There is no foreign language requirement for students whose research materials are entirely in English.

Computer Proficiency

All students must take 6 credits of digital history. These courses assume basic computer literacy, but do not require specialized knowledge. Students seeking to deploy digital methods for their research need to demonstrate sufficient technical skills before they advance to candidacy.

Faculty Support

Students must obtain the support of a HARTH faculty member willing to direct their dissertation. Students who pursue research topics beyond the expertise of HARTH faculty may struggle in this regard. Students should familiarize themselves with AP.6.10.5 Dissertation Committee, which governs who can—and cannot—direct a doctoral dissertation or serve on a dissertation committee.