Degree Requirements

The basic requirements for obtaining a degree are that the student:

1. Complete all prerequisite coursework;

2. Complete all Ph.D. coursework (minimum of 40 hours) while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 on all graduate work attempted at the University of Kentucky;

3. Pass the qualifying examination in the major area*;

4. Develop and orally defend a dissertation proposal;

5. Complete a dissertation based on the approved proposal; and,

6. Successfully defend the dissertation in an oral presentation.

* Candidates who have not completed all requirements for the doctorate within five (5) years (beginning with the next full semester, Fall or Spring), following the original successful completion of the Qualifying Examination must repeat successfully the entire Qualifying Examination process (both writtens and orals) before the Director of Graduates Studies may recommend an extension of time to the Graduate Council.

The mimimum coursework required for the degree is 40 hours. Allowances for exceptions to the 40 hour program can be made for students who have taken courses above a master's degree level with the advice of the student's advisory committee and the approval of the DGS.

The program is designed to provide specialization study beyond the master's level. All students are expected to have at least minimal training in the areas named below, which represent the common body of knowledge in the functional areas of business.