PhD students must complete:

• 48 credits of coursework (16 courses) in preparation for examinations in three fields
• 24 credits of dissertation research
• the General Examination
• the program’s research requirement

If a student’s work to complete their exams extends beyond the 48-credit limit, he or she may take up to 12 additional credits of coursework. Dissertation research credits will be reduced accordingly.

Students entering the program with an MA or other graduate degree in American Studies or related fields may petition the department to transfer credits toward the completion of the PhD. Petitions should be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) at the end of the student’s first year of coursework. In assessing these requests, the DGS and other members of the student’s advisory committee will consider the student’s academic performance in the program, as well as his or her readiness to take the General Examination. Any transfer credits awarded must contribute directly toward the student’s preparation for a general exam field; a maximum of 18 credits may be carried into the program with departmental approval. All coursework, examinations, the dissertation, and other requirements must be completed within eight full years.