Ph.D. Program Chronology
This is the typical progression through the program. The Ph.D requires 72 credits. Of these, 30 credits accrue from completion of the M.A. The student takes 8 courses in the Ph.D. program. The dissertation (ENG 699) counts for 18 credits: plan to take these in third (and fourth if a TA) year(s). Students who have a TA position take two courses each semester; others take three. Aim to complete the Ph.D. in four years. (It is possible to complete it in three years if you are studying full-time). The Graduate School requires that you complete the program in 7 years.
First Year
- Take required courses:
- ENG 510/511 Introduction to Professional Study
- ENG 514 Studies in Critical Theories
- Plan your specialization and start to take courses in that area.
- Start to look for a Major Professor in your specialization who will become your mentor.
- Fill out a “tentative” Program of Study at the end of your first semester.
- List the 8 courses that you plan to take for the Ph.D. Pick 8 courses that are relevant for your specialization and list them.
- List 30 credits for M.A. and 18 credits for dissertation research.
- Have the Director of Graduate Studies sign the form.
- Plan to develop course papers into conference papers and/or publications.
- Become familiar with the comprehensive examination process and start reading the works in your area and related areas.
Second Year
- Complete course work.
- Form your Core Committee with your Major Professor.
- Plan the dates for completing your comprehensive examinations next year.
- Start to plan a dissertation; discuss different topic possibilities with your Major Professor.
Third Year
- At the completion of course work and prior to taking comprehensive exams, changes to the Program of Study should be noted by submitting a “final” one.
- Complete the comprehensive examinations this year.
- The oral comprehensive examination must be taken within four weeks of the written.
- Present the dissertation proposal for committee approval.
Fourth Year
- Complete and defend your dissertation.
- Complete the Nomination for Graduation form.
- Check your Program of Study. Any further changes are noted by filing a Petition for Changes in Graduate Program.
- Carefully observe all dissertation related deadlines set by the Graduate School.
NOTES
1. You must be registered for the semester in which you defend your dissertation.
2. You must take 18 credits of dissertation research (ENG 699). Once you have completed these, you must remain enrolled by taking 1 credit of dissertation research (ENG 699) each semester. After you have completed and defended the Dissertation, you may need to enroll for one CRG (continuing registration credit) until you submit the completed dissertation to the Graduate School .
3. You may take 2 graduate courses in another program at URI to count toward your English Ph.D. with approval from your Major Professor and Director of Graduate Studies.
4. A petition for an extension requires: explanation of extenuating circumstances that delayed your progress, a reasonable time-table for completion of degree, approval of Major Professor and Director of Graduate Studies.
