The program structure includes compulsory coursework, comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, and doctoral-level research (including thesis work). During the first two years of the program, as part of the compulsory coursework, doctoral students study foundation level and doctoral level courses, including research methodology courses. After completing the second-year course work, doctoral students take the comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination tests whether the doctoral student has obtained satisfactory knowledge in their respective field of specialization (including research methodology). It may consist of written and oral examinations.
After successful completion of the mandatory course work and comprehensive examination, doctoral students undertake their research work, supervised by a thesis advisory committee.
