The program of study for the Ph.D. degree is determined by the student's advisor and appointed advisory committee. After completion of the course work, the student takes a qualifying examination. A Ph.D. dissertation, based on the results of original research, is written and defended by the student. Completion of a Master's degree is not a prerequisite for entrance into the doctoral program. A minimum of three years of graduate study beyond the Bachelor's degree is required for the Ph.D. degree.