Among the minimum requirements for admission to a doctoral program are a satisfactory grade point average from an accredited institution, a similarly satisfactory score on the appropriate standardized test and prerequisite coursework from in your intended field of further study. For example, an individual pursuing a PhD in history would be expected to have, at a minimum, an acceptable gpa, or grade point average, and score on the GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, and undergraduate major in history or significant coursework in the subject. While some programs do require applicants to have earned a master's degree in the field, some will allow them to earn this while in pursuit of the doctoral degree.
Doctoral degree programs usually offer a set of core courses in accordance with a candidate's chosen field of study. The core curriculum is considered foundational knowledge for each student in a given program. This curriculum can vary depending on whether or not an individual has earned a master's degree in the appropriate field. For example, students pursuing both the MRP and PhD degrees through Cornell University's Department of City and Regional Planning must take an introductory course, Introduction to Planning Practice and History, and an Introductory Methods of Planning Analysis course. PhD candidates who have earned a master's degree count among their core requirements Advanced Seminar in Urban and Regional Theory I, Advanced Planning Theory and American Planning History.
Additional coursework beyond the core requirements is necessary for the doctoral degree. Beyond the core requirements additional coursework, or electives, offer the opportunity for specialization or concentration in a key field. Focused study in this regard is often the expectation in doctoral work, so much so that during the admissions process, many potential candidates are expected to indicate a special interest of study within the field and any faculty members they would like to team with to further explore this subfield. Ideally, the faculty member indicated has conducted research in this area. In the University of Pittsburgh's Art & Architecture Department, 72 credits are required for the PhD. While 42 credits are obtained through core requirements, the other 30 are earned through independent study options and other additional courses.
Before graduation, PhD candidates are often required to demonstrate a working knowledge of one to two foreign languages deemed relevant to their chosen field of study. For example, students of East Asia may be required to demonstrate knowledge of Chinese or Japanese, while others may not specify. Some degree programs, such as the University of Texas Arlington's PhD program in chemistry requires competency in an approved computer language, or other appropriate substitution. Depending on the program, students may satisfy a language requirement by completing four semesters of a foreign language with a satisfactory grade, successfully passing an exam or establishing themselves as a native speaker. Residency requirements are met by maintaining full time enrollment for the period of time specified by the individual program.
The dissertation or thesis is the research project which represents the culmination of the student's academic stay. According to the University of Texas Arlington, it is "expected to demonstrate original and independent research activity and be a significant contribution to knowledge." The student enrolls in a series of doctoral courses in order to devote full time effort to the writing project with the guidance of faculty. Once the work is completed they defend it before a panel. Successful defense of the dissertation is a requirement for most doctoral programs.