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Competency

This page describes competency and qualification requirements every student in the program must fulfill at various stages of progress.

General Requirements

In addition to demonstrable mastery and accomplishment in both writing and design (primary competencies), all students must demonstrate mastery of one of the following areas:

• Interface Design, Hypermedia, Computer Graphics, or Computer Programming
• Media Design or Videography
• Statistics or Survey Techniques

Qualifying Examination

After completing 24 credits, a candidate for the doctorate must take a qualifying exam. It will be both written and oral, based upon a study list of visual material and written texts developed by the candidate and his or her advisory committee.

Students in the program may want to consult the more detailed description of the Qualifying Exam process.

Minimum Load and Leave of Absence

Beginning Fall, 2002 all students not on leave of absence are required to take a minimum number of credits during the academic year. The minimum load normally expected is 12 credits per year. Students are allowed one year at a reduced load of 6 credits. The reduced-load period must coincide with an academic year (i.e., it must begin in the fall and end in the summer).

The academic year consists of four terms: Fall, Winterim, Spring, and Summer. Students may earn the required credits in any or all these terms.

Students who cannot meet these requirements must apply in writing to the Program Director for a leave of absence. Leaves will be granted and/or renewed for up to one year at the Director's discretion, taking into account the student's progress to date. In the past students were required to register for a 1-credit "short course" in order to receive a leave of absence. This is no longer required.

Students on leave may continue to meet with their advisors, maintain computer accounts, and use lab facilities according to the applicable rules.

If a student defers entry into the DCD program until spring or summer, the minimum load requirement does not apply until the next full academic year.