The objective of the doctoral degree program is to develop competence in original research and teaching. Each student's Ph.D. program is individually planned with a faculty counselor. In addition to formal course work, a Ph.D. student devotes time to independent study, participation in seminars, and preparation of a dissertation based on independent and original research. The requirements are:

1. Attendance at a first-year seminar, in which faculty research interests are presented in the first term and students present material in the second term in combination with a 1 to 3 hour directed study course in one of these areas.
   


2. At least two terms, with not fewer than eight credit hours per term, in residence on the Ann Arbor campus.
   


3. Qualifying Examination - Each Ph.D. student must take a written " qualifying " examination and undergo a complete evaluation by the graduate faculty of the student's potential for advanced graduate level study. This examination is normally held at the end of each winter term. A candidate may take the examination after she or he has completed 18 hours of course work in the IOE Ph.D. program and must take the examination as soon as possible after she or he has completed 24 hours and two full terms of course work in the IOE Ph.D. program.
   The student must have a minimum grade point average of 6.0 ( B+ ) to take the qualifying examination and can take the qualifying examination at most once. A student who has accumulated 24 hours of credit in the IOE Ph.D. program without a cumulative grade point average of 6.0 or more cannot continue in the program.
   


4. Preliminary Examination - After passing the qualifying examination and completing an individual research project with written and oral presentation, each Ph.D. student must take a preliminary examination in her or his chosen area of concentration. The preliminary examination is given by the faculty of the chosen area to determine the candidate's ability to conduct doctoral level research. This examination is normally held when the student has accumulated 36 to 48 hours of course credit in the IOE Ph.D. program. It must be taken within three terms of passing the qualifying examination. The faculty of the area determine the structure of the preliminary examination, which includes the student's presentation of general research interests. The examination committee determines whether the student may advance to candidacy and any additional requirements for candidacy. This examination can be taken at most once.
   


5. Candidacy - Upon passing the preliminary examination and meeting any recommendations, the Ph.D. student is officially designated a " Candidate for the Ph.D. degree." As soon as possible after achieving candidacy and at least six months prior to a dissertation defense, the student appoints a dissertation committee and presents a proposal to them.
   


6. Oral Defense of the Dissertation - When the Ph.D. student has completed the thesis research and prepared the dissertation, it is defended before the dissertation committee in accordance with procedures set up by the Rackham Graduate School.

Detailed descriptions of the graduating procedures are contained in the "Handbook for Graduate Students" which can be obtained from the graduate secretary of the department.