Doctoral Degrees, page 2
School of Education

General Requirements for Doctoral Degrees

Faculty Advisor

Academic advisement of entering graduate students will be provided by the faculty member designated in the letter of acceptance. Advisement will become the responsibility of the guidance or advisement committee when it has been established.

Transfer of Course Work

The Degree Progress Department determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. The available work is recorded on the Graduate Credit Statement prepared by that office.

The maximum number of transfer credits which may be applied toward a doctoral degree is 20 units. The faculty of the student's degree program determines whether such credit is applicable toward a specific graduate degree.

Program of Studies

A Program of Studies form for the appropriate doctoral degree is mailed to the student upon passing the preliminary review. The advisor or guidance committee and the student plan a course of studies which is recorded on this form. Any changes in the program must be approved in writing in advance by the advisor or committee chair. Final approval of the program is based on a determination that all USC regulations and program requirements have been met. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Services for advisement regarding university regulations.

Program Unit Requirement

A minimum of 66 units of approved course work, exclusive of 794 Doctoral Dissertation, is required.

Proposal for Doctoral Dissertation

Preparation for the dissertation begins in course 791 Proposal for Doctoral Dissertation. This one-unit course is completed within the major division. It may not apply toward major requirements; it is applicable toward the 66-unit total requirement. The proposal must be approved by the guidance committee. Registration in 791 following the semester of admission to candidacy does not waive enrollment in 794 Doctoral Dissertation.

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Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
Joye Day
day@mizar.usc.edu