Doctoral students are expected to have mastered the methods they will need for their dissertation research prior to advancing to candidacy. To complete the methods requirement, doctoral students must fulfill all of the following components of the methods requirement prior to taking their orals:

1.  Take CY PLAN 204A and CY PLAN 204B or similar but more advanced courses.

2.  Take at least one advanced methods course relevant to their dissertation research.

3.  Take CY PLAN 280A, Doctoral Research Design, which addresses a variety of research methodologies and assists the student in preparing a prospectus.

4.  Take the Doctoral Research Seminar (CY PLAN 280B) at least once. This opportunity for presentation and discussion of research may be taken as many times as the student wishes.

5.  Take CY PLAN 280C, the PhD Colloquium, for at least two semesters. In addition students are encouraged to attend the colloquium whenever they are available.

Advancement to candidacy is contingent upon approval of the student’s methods program by her/his advisor. Students are examined on their methods preparation—particularly as it relates to their proposed dissertation research—during the Oral Qualifying Examination.