Doctoral Degree Requirements

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Academic Residency Requirements

The Office of Graduate Studies has established an academic residency requirement for the purpose of ensuring that the doctoral program should be reasonably compact, continuous, and cohesive; and that a substantial portion be in fact done at and under close supervision by the University. The academic residency requirement is part of the student’s approved program.

For a student beginning a doctoral program in the University of Nebraska system with a bachelors degree, the academic residency requirement for the PhD is 27 hours of graduate work within a consecutive 18-month period or less, with the further provision that 15 of these 27 hours must be taken after receiving the masters degree or its equivalent.

For a student beginning a doctoral program in the University of Nebraska system with a masters degree, the academic residency requirement for the PhD is 27 hours of graduate course work within a consecutive 18-month period or less.

For 1) a member of the University staff who is engaged at least half time in instruction or research in their major area, or 2) a person employed in their major field, the residency requirement is 24 credit hours of graduate work within a consecutive two-year period with the further provision that they take at least 12 of these after receiving the masters degree or its equivalent. For important restrictions, refer to “University Staff Exemption.”

In exceptional circumstances, where it is clear that the purpose of residency will be fulfilled although the above formal conditions are not met, the student’s supervisory committee may, with the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies, designate an alternative procedure for satisfying the residency requirements.

A minimum of three full years of graduate study is normally required to complete a program for the degree of doctor of philosophy. Neither the courses taken nor the time spent in study determines the granting of the degree. It is given primarily for high attainment in some special field of scholarship and for demonstrated power of independent research in a subdivision of this field.

The time limit on granting the doctoral degree is eight years from the time of filing the student’s program of studies in the Office of Graduate Studies. The Supervisory Committee will determine what course work taken prior to filing of a program of studies, including hours earned toward the masters degree(s), will be accepted as part of the 90-hour program. The Committee is not obligated to reduce the doctoral program of studies by applying course work taken toward a previously earned masters degree(s). Prior course work should be assessed in relation to its contribution to framing a research foundation for the doctorate. Each course accepted must be determined to be current and relevant in relation to the desired degree.

Students who have earned a previous doctoral degree at any institution, including the University of Nebraska, may seek additional doctoral degrees. The subsequent doctoral degree(s) may be in the same discipline as the previously earned degree(s), or in a different discipline. However, no graduate credits will be accepted as transfer credit toward a subsequent doctoral program if the course work has been applied toward a previously completed doctoral degree at any institution, including UNL. Course work applied toward a previously earned masters degree may be considered for transfer to a subsequent doctorate at the discretion of the Supervisory Committee.

Appointment of Supervisory Committee

In order to assure that students are under careful advisement and mentoring throughout their careers, a Supervisory Committee is established before a doctoral student has accumulated 45 credit hours including any transfer hours but excluding research or language tools. Upon recommendation of the departmental or area Graduate Committee in the student’s major, the Dean of Graduate Studies appoints, for each student, a supervisory committee of at least four Graduate Faculty. All professors on the supervisory committee must either be on the Graduate Faculty or be non-Graduate Faculty approved to perform specified Graduate Faculty duties. At least one Graduate Faculty member external to the academic department or area in which the doctorate is to be granted must be included on the committee responsible for supervising the student’s doctoral program of studies. The representative of the minor department on the committee may serve as the outside representative. The establishing of a supervisory committee is based upon the student’s:

1. Demonstrated ability in the fundamental subject matter of his/her major field, and

2. Professional promise. The minor or related fields, if applicable, will be represented on the committee.

See Doctoral Degree Forms and Deadlines on the Graduate Studies website: http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/degrees#doctoral

Changes to the Supervisory Committee

If the chair of a PhD supervisory committee leaves the employ of the University or retires, the Office of Graduate Studies must be notified immediately and a change in the supervisory committee made as follows:

a. Graduate Faculty who have retired and been appointed to emeritus status may co-chair the supervisory committees of doctoral students with a resident Graduate Faculty member.

b. Retired faculty members not appointed as emeritus, relinquish their Graduate Faculty status and must be replaced on doctoral supervisory committees.

c. If the student has already achieved Candidacy, the former chair who has left the employ of the University (not through retirement) may be permitted to continue as co-chair of the supervisory committee, with the concurrence of the departmental Graduate Committee and the UNL Dean of Graduate Studies. A second co-chair must be appointed who is a resident Graduate Faculty member.

d. If the student has not yet achieved Candidacy, a new chair of the supervisory committee who is a resident Graduate Faculty member must be appointed immediately, with the concurrence of the departmental Graduate Committee and the UNL Dean of Graduate Studies.

If a member of the supervisory committee other than the chair leaves the employ of the University or retires, a replacement should normally be appointed who is a resident Graduate Faculty member. Faculty who have been appointed to emeritus status may continue as committee members. In certain circumstances where a special and needed continuing expertise is involved and the faculty member is willing to continue serving, he/she may continue as a member of the supervisory committee, with the approval of the Supervisory Committee Chair and the concurrence of the UNL Dean of Graduate Studies.

Courtesy Members of Doctoral Supervisory Committees

(Policy change approved by UNL Graduate Council, 2-12-2009)

The UNL graduate faculty welcome associations with faculty members from other institutions who might contribute unique expertise to our doctoral programs. These external experts, who must hold a doctoral degree appropriate to the discipline and have academic accomplishments comparable to the criteria for UNL Graduate Faculty, are eligible for appointment as “courtesy” members of doctoral supervisory committees. Courtesy faculty are appointed as voting members of the supervisory committee and must be willing to participate in the student’s doctoral program in a manner consistent with this role. The courtesy member may serve as one of the two appointed readers; but may not serve as committee chair, co-chair, or outside representative.

1. A courtesy association is not granted as a blanket status and must be approved separately for each supervisory committee upon which the individual is nominated to serve.

2. Only one courtesy member may serve on each supervisory committee, and the committee must include a minimum of four members of the University of Nebraska Graduate Faculty.

3. Appointment of a courtesy member is accomplished by the submission of the “Courtesy Committee Member” form signed by the supervisory committee chair and graduate committee chair. A current CV from the courtesy member should be submitted with this form (the CV may be e-mailed to ebachman1@unl.edu).

See Doctoral Degree Forms and Deadlines on the Graduate Studies website: http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/degrees#doctoral

Program of Studies

Within the semester of its appointment the committee will meet to designate and subsequently to file in the Office of Graduate Studies a complete program of studies, including any language or research tool requirements, and the general area of research for the dissertation. The student’s program of study must conform with one of the following plans:

1. The student chooses a major from the list of approved doctoral programs. At least half of the graduate work, including the dissertation, will be done in this field. The remaining work, subject to the approval of the supervisory committee, may include either:

a. supporting courses in the same or in related departments, or

b. a minor field of study outside of the major department. The minor must include at least 15 semester hours with 6 hours in courses open exclusively to graduate students (900 level or 800 level without 400 level or lower counterparts). It may be taken in any department which has been approved to offer a major leading to a masters degree. In addition, the minor for the PhD may, in certain departments, be completed in a subdivision of the administrative department. Approved fields of study, which may be selected within each administrative department, must be approved by the Graduate Council for use as a minor and are indicated in this bulletin in the sections of the programs for the respective departments.
2. The student may select a field of study which integrates material offered in two or more departments without meeting the specific major requirements as outlined under 1. Such a program of study must be in an approved interdepartmental area for which a special area Graduate Committee representing the departments concerned has been appointed by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

The committee is not obligated to accept credits beyond the masters degree which were completed prior to its appointment. At least half of the total program of courses and dissertation research must be completed following submission of the program to the Office of Graduate Studies. Any subsequent change in the program or in the dissertation topic is approved by the supervisory committee and the action reported to the Office of Graduate Studies.

The minimum amount of graduate credit is 90 semester hours, including a dissertation. Not fewer than 45 semester hours must be completed at the University of Nebraska after the filing of the program of studies. The PhD program will normally include a minimum of 12 hours and a maximum of 55 hours of dissertation research. The time limit on granting the doctoral degree is eight years from the time of filing the student’s program of studies in the Office of Graduate Studies.

See Doctoral Degree Forms and Deadlines on the Graduate Studies website http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/degrees#doctoral

Language and Research Tool Requirement

There is no uniform language or research tool requirement for UNL Graduate Studies. However, certain departments have specific research tool requirements and/or language requirements, which are explained in the sections of this bulletin describing the program in the department or interdepartmental area.

Prior to admission to Candidacy and at least seven months before the final oral examination the student must have satisfied the language and research tool requirements for their department as noted in the bulletin.

Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy

When a student has substantially completed studies in the doctoral program (PhD, EdD, DMA), he/she must pass a written comprehensive examination, in major and minor or related fields. The written comprehensive examination is not a repetition of course examinations but is an investigation of the student’s breadth of understanding of the field of knowledge of which his/her special subject is a part.

At the discretion of the supervisory committee, the student may also be required to pass an oral comprehensive examination. The oral examination may include the minor or related fields in addition to the major field of study. The supervisory committee arranges for written or oral examinations.

When the student has passed the comprehensive examination, satisfied language and research tool requirements of her/his approved program, and removed any provisional admission requirements, the committee will recommend to the Office of Graduate Studies the doctoral student’s admission to Candidacy by filing the Application for Admission to Candidacy for the doctoral degree, noting the dates of completing the comprehensive examination(s). The application must be filed at least seven months prior to the final oral examination (dissertation defense).

Following admission to Candidacy the student must register for at least one credit hour during each academic-year semester until he/she receives the doctoral degree, even if the student has already met the total dissertation hours on their approved program of study. Failure to register during each academic-year semester will result in termination of the program of study.

NOTE: Should the Supervisory Committee determine the student has failed the comprehensive examination, a letter must be submitted by the chair of the supervisory committee to the Dean of Graduate Studies stating the conditions under which the student may attempt another examination, or part thereof, not earlier than the following academic term. Typically, but upon the discretion of the supervisory committee, only two attempts to pass the comprehensive examination will be permitted.

For the Application for Admission to Candidacy form, see doctoral deadlines and forms at http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/degrees#doctoral

Final Examination

The final examination for the doctoral degree is oral and open to members of both the University community and the public. During the dissertation presentation and general questioning all persons may be present. However, at the end of the public hearing there will be a closed questioning portion of the examination where all persons except the Candidate, doctoral supervisory committee, and invited faculty must be excused. It is given by the supervisory committee after the Candidate’s studies have been completed and the dissertation accepted. The committee also determines its character and length. The examination may be devoted to the special field of the dissertation or to the Candidate’s general knowledge, or it may be designed to test judgment and critical powers.

The final oral examination for the PhD will not be scheduled unless a majority of the supervisory committee, including the chair, are available for the examination. Exceptions may be made only by permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies. In any event, the supervisor of the dissertation must have seen and approved the completed dissertation before the examination will be scheduled.

The final oral examination over the dissertation may be waived only with the consent of the Graduate Dean. The committee reports the results of the final oral examination to the Office of Graduate Studies.

In the event that members of an oral examining committee are not unanimous regarding passing a Candidate, the student is to be approved for the degree if only one examiner dissents. However, in each case, the dissenting member of the committee will be expected to file a letter of explanation in the Office of Graduate Studies.

If a student fails to pass the final oral examination for an advanced degree, his/her committee must file a report on the failure in the Office of Graduate Studies and indicate what the student must do before taking another examination. Another examination may not be held during the same semester or the same summer session in which the student failed.

See Doctoral Degree Forms and Deadlines on the Graduate Studies website: http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/degrees#doctoral

Dissertation

The dissertation is of no fixed length. It should treat a subject from the Candidate’s special field, approved by the supervisory committee. It should show the technical mastery of the field and advance or modify former knowledge, i.e., it should treat new material, or find new results, or draw new conclusions, or it should interpret old material in a new light. Each candidate for the degree shall submit with the dissertation an abstract of the same, not exceeding 350 words in length including the title. A guidebook for dissertation preparation is available on the Office of Graduate Studies Web site. For specific formatting guidelines, the Guidebook should be consulted.

Research activities involving human subjects or live vertebrate animals may not be conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) unless the research activities have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate board or committee. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews projects involving human subject research and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) reviews the use of animals in research. These reviews are in accordance with Federal regulations and UNL assurance documents to the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP). The IRB New Protocol Submission form must be completed on-line at http://nugrant.unl.edu; the Application to Use Animals is available at http://research.unl.edu/orr/qa.shtml. Note that the IRB and IACUC will not review projects already in progress; approval must be secured prior to the initiation of the research. Evidence of IRB/IACUC approval must be submitted at the time the final version of the thesis or dissertation is filed.

Reading Committee

The dissertation and abstract are reviewed by a reading committee of two members from the supervisory committee, excluding the chair/co-chair. The manuscripts must be presented to members of the reading committee in time to permit review and approval, which must be indicated at least three weeks in advance of the final oral examination. The application for the final oral examination and a rough draft of the title page and abstract must be presented to the doctoral program specialist in the Office of Graduate Studies for preliminary review at least three weeks before the final oral examination.

Depositing the Dissertation

Following the successful completion of the oral examination, the student should consult the instructions received at the time of filing the Application for Final Oral Exam before submission of required items in the Office of Graduate Studies, 1100 Seaton Hall.

Only abstracts/dissertations that meet all published requirements can be approved and stamped for depositing in 318 Love Library.

Before the degree is granted, each Candidate pays a processing fee, and if desired, an additional fee to cover the cost of registering a copyright.

Summary of Procedure for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

This summary of procedure should be studied carefully in connection with the Graduate College calendar. See Doctoral Degree Forms and Deadlines on the Graduate Studies website
http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/degrees#doctoral

1. Admission to UNL Graduate Studies by the evaluation of official transcripts presented in person or by mail before registration.

2. Registration after consultation with advisers in major and minor departments.

3. Submission to the Office of Graduate Studies of an Appointment of the Supervisory Committee form approved by the departmental or area Graduate Committee before 45 hours of credit have been accumulated toward the degree.

4. Submission to the Office of Graduate Studies of a Program of Studies form approved by the supervisory committee setting forth the complete plan of study for the degree with a minimum of 45 hours exclusive of language and/or research tools remaining to be taken. The time limit on granting the doctoral degree is eight years from the time of filing a student’s program of studies in the Office of Graduate Studies.

5. Satisfactory completion of foreign language or research tool requirements set forth in the approved program and passing of comprehensive examinations in major and minor or related fields when the student’s program of courses is substantially completed.

6. Admission to Candidacy for the PhD degree by filing an application in the Office of Graduate Studies of the passing of the comprehensive examinations and the completion of language and research tool requirements (at least seven months before the final oral examination).

7. Filing of an application for the degree at the Office of Registration and Records, 107 Canfield Administration Building. This application is effective during the current term only. It must be renewed at the appropriate time if requirements for graduation are not completed until a later term.

8. Presentation of the dissertation and the abstract to the members of the reading committee in sufficient time for review and approval, which must be obtained at least three weeks before the final examination.

9. At least three weeks prior to the date of the oral examination, presentation to the Office of Graduate Studies of the application for final oral examination and a copy of the title page and abstract for preliminary review.

10. Passing of the required final oral examination.

11. Deposition of the required documents as detailed in the instructions received at the time of filing the application for Final Oral Exam with the Dean of University Libraries after approval by the doctoral programs specialist in the Office of Graduate Studies. Delivery of the Report on the Completion of the Doctoral Degree form, signed by members of the supervisory committee, the Dean of University Libraries, and the Comptroller, to the Office of Graduate Studies. In addition, one bound copy of the dissertation is to be deposited with the student’s major department.

Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts

The residency and time requirements and the regulations pertaining to appointment of supervisory committees and submission of programs of studies for the doctor of musical arts are the same as those for the doctor of philosophy degree, refer to “Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree.” Establishing the supervisory committee will depend upon the student’s demonstrated ability in the fundamental subject matter of his or her field and on professional promise.

After admission requirements have been fulfilled, conferral of the DMA degree is contingent on a high level of attainment in the candidate’s major area. In composition, this will include performances of compositions composed after acceptance into the doctoral program. Work submitted for approval must include one work for chamber ensemble and one work for orchestra or its equivalent. In performance and jazz studies, this will include four full recitals and one lecture recital. The literature performed at these recitals must be representative of all major schools and styles within the performer’s chosen discipline. In conducting, three full recitals are required.

In addition, proficiency in music scholarship must be demonstrated by the completion of a doctoral document or, as determined by the composition faculty, other options for composition students, and completion of academic studies in music.

When a student has successfully completed the required coursework (excluding the final recital, applied music, ensemble and/or document), the student may petition for comprehensive examinations, which will be both written and oral. When these are successfully completed, the student is admitted to Candidacy for the degree. For further information, see “Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy” section. The presentation of the final recital or composition will take place after admission to Candidacy. The completion of the abstract and the doctoral document and its defense will complete requirements for the degree.

Procedure Summary for the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree

This summary of procedure should be studied carefully in connection with the Graduate College calendar. See Doctoral Degree Forms and Deadlines on the Graduate Studies website http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/degrees

1. Admission to the UNL Graduate Studies by the evaluation of official transcripts presented in person or by mail before registration.

2. Registration after consultation with advisers in major and minor departments.

3. Submission to the Office of Graduate Studies of an Appointment of the Supervisory Committee form approved by the departmental or area Graduate Committee.

4. Submission to the Office of Graduate Studies of a program setting forth the complete 90-hour plan of study for the degree with a minimum of 45 hours exclusive of language and/or research tools remaining to be taken.

5. Passing of comprehensive examinations in major and minor or related fields when the student’s program of courses is substantially completed.

6. Admission to Candidacy for the DMA degree by filing a report in the Office of Graduate Studies of the passing of the comprehensive examinations and the completion of language and research tool requirements (at least seven months before the final oral examination). See “Comprehensive Examination and Admission to Candidacy” section.

7. Filing of an application for the degree at the Office of Registration and Records, 107 Canfield Administration Building. This application is effective during the current term only. It must be renewed at the appropriate time if requirements for graduation are not completed until a later term.

8. Presentation of the doctoral document and the abstract to the members of the reading committee in sufficient time for review and approval, which must be obtained at least three weeks before the final examination.

9. At lease three weeks prior to the date of the oral examination, presentation to the Office of Graduate Studies of the application for final oral examination and a copy of the dissertation and abstract for preliminary review.

Requirements for Doctor of Education Degree

The emphasis here is upon the application of theory to the improvement of educational practice. The test of knowledge is the ability to demonstrate applicability to a variety of educational situations. Emphasis is upon the development of decision-oriented inquiry skills in which the educator applies theory and knowledge to the solution of educational problems. The person holding the doctor of education degree is a practitioner of education, but one whose practice is drawn from a highly developed, scholarly study of educational theory coupled with skills of analysis which permit direct application of that theory.

The program of studies must total 96 hours with a minimum of six research course hours included.

Academic Residency Requirements

The academic residency requirements for the EdD are the same as those for the PhD.

Hours of Credit

The minimum amount of graduate credit for the EdD is 96 hours, including both dissertation or field investigation and language or research tools, which will normally be at least 6 hours of credit.

Qualifying Procedure

The student who expects to become an applicant for a doctoral degree in education must:

1. have a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution with the same general requirements as those indicated for masters degree candidates;

2. show evidence of the scholastic ability necessary for the successful pursuit of advanced work; and 3) for the EdD give evidence of at least two years of successful professional experience or of a program of professional experience approved by the adviser.

Summary of Procedure for Doctor of Education Degree

Refer to Summary of Procedure for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree for the procedure to be followed for the doctor of education degree. It should be carefully studied in connection with the UNL Graduate Studies calendar. This information also covers the preparation of the dissertation or field investigation.

Requirements for Educational Specialist Degree

The EdS degree prepares educational practitioners for specialized positions in public and private schools. It is especially appropriate for those individuals who wish preparation beyond the masters degree level, but who are not interested in doctoral work with its emphasis on research. The EdS degree is a terminal degree and should not be viewed as a substitute for the doctorate nor as work completed toward it. See Educational Specialist Degree Forms and Deadlines on the Graduate Studies website http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/degrees#eds

Hours of Credit

A minimum of 66 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree is required for the EdS degree. While specific requirements are determined by departmental units, in general 40 to 50 hours will be in core courses within the unit or closely related units, 3 hours or more will be research, 6 hours or more will be practicum, and 6 or more hours will be electives.

Qualifying Procedure

Applicants for the EdS program should: 1) have a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution, and 2) take qualifying examinations as required by the field of specialization. Applications will be reviewed by faculty in the field of specialization and admission decisions made by the departmental graduate committee on the basis of academic and professional promise.

Supervisory Committee

Students admitted into a specialist program should contact the head of the Graduate Committee of the department to make arrangements for appointment of members of the supervisory committee, including the chair. Supervisory committees for the EdS consist of three Graduate Faculty.

Program of Studies

The program of studies for the EdS consists of core courses, research, practica, and electives. Appointment of the supervisory committee and approval of the program of studies by the Dean of Graduate Studies establishes the program of studies. The student must complete at least 24 hours subsequent to approval of the program of studies. The time limit on granting the EdS degree is six years from the time of filing the student’s plan of studies in the Office of Graduate Studies.

Comprehensive Examinations

A written comprehensive examination, developed by the supervisory committee, will be administered when the program is substantially complete. The committee determines the nature and duration of the examinations and will report the results to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Requirements for Certificate of Specialization in Educational Administration and Supervision

The Department of Educational Administration offers a graduate-level administrator preparation program leading to a certificate of specialization in educational administration and supervision. The minimum requirement is 66 semester credit hours, in a program of studies specified by the Department.

All students seeking the certificate of specialization must be admitted to an appropriate program in the Department of Educational Administration. Information concerning application procedures and admission requirements may be obtained from the chair of the Department’s Graduate Committee.

If the person is seeking a recommendation from the Department of Educational Administration for state administrator certification and/or endorsement, then at least one-half of the minimum number of semester credit hours in educational administration courses required in the program leading to that certification and/or endorsement must be earned through the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

For the certificate of specialization, a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved graduate credit must be earned after the completion of a masters degree program or equivalent requirements; of these 30 hours, at least 21 must be earned at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At least 15 semester hours of approved graduate credit must remain to be completed at the time the program is filed with the Office of Graduate Studies. The certificate must be completed within six consecutive calendar years from the time of the student’s acceptance into the program by the Department. At the time of completion, none of the semester credit hours approved may be more than ten years old, except that for credit hours earned in a previous degree program there is no limit.

In addition to the course work, there are two other requirements: 1) completion of a formal research paper, which may be met by a masters degree thesis or Option II paper and other comparable research papers that may be approved; and 2) successful completion of a comprehensive written examination, which must be taken within the ten calendar months prior to graduation. A portfolio may be produced in lieu of fulfilling requirements 1 and 2.