Doctor of Philosophy in English: Degree Requirements
Language Requirements. PhD students must demonstrate reading-comprehension competence in one language other than their native tongue. Note: Credit hours needed to demonstrate foreign language competency are not included in the 39 course hours required for the degree. International students whose English language competence is part of program admission requirements are exempted from acquiring a second foreign language. Foreign language competence can be demonstrated in one of the following ways: Students may complete a third year of language instruction at Old Dominion University (where students may choose to enter the third year through a university placement test) or at other institutions. A grade of B- or above in both semesters of third-year instruction will demonstrate competency in that language. Students may take a language test administered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Subject to the approval of the graduate project director, students in the "Professional Writing and New Media" track may also choose to demonstrate competency in computer languages necessary for the student's dissertation research.
Grade Requirements. All PhD students will be graded on the traditional A, B, C, F scale (with pluses and minuses) in all courses. Pass/Fail evaluations will be utilized only in the case of registration for internships or for thesis or dissertation research, or when specifically approved by the director. Graduate students whose grade point averages fall below 3.00 (B) will be placed on a probationary status. After two consecutive semesters below this average or the accumulation of two grades of "C" or below, the graduate program director and the PhD advisory committee may dismiss the student from the doctoral program.
Candidacy Exams. After students have completed all course requirements and language requirements, they must pass a written examination related to their chosen field. Exams are designed in consultation with an examination committee approved by the Director of Graduate Studies in English, and they are directed toward the critical or scholarly project the student plans to pursue in the dissertation. Students who fail the written exam will not be allowed to submit their dissertation proposal or to begin work on their dissertations. The written exam may be retaken only once and no earlier than the semester following the student's initial attempt.
Time Limits and Residency Requirements. The doctoral program must be completed within eight years of entry into PhD course work. Residency requirements can be fulfilled by two semesters of full-time study on campus or by attending two Summer Doctoral Institutes.
Transfer Credit. Twelve graduate hours not used to fulfill the requirements of a degree at other institutions or at Old Dominion University may be applied toward the fulfillment of degree requirements. Transfer credit is accepted as degree credit at the discretion of the graduate program director.
Nondegree Students. Nondegree students must obtain the approval of the graduate program director before registering in graduate English courses.
Technical Requirements. Selected courses will be offered online or in hybrid learning environments to accommodate students wishing to pursue doctoral study. Distance learning students will need high speed internet access (e.g. cable modems or DSL), a web cam, and specialized video conferencing software. For an updated list of technical requirements, please contact the graduate program director.
