The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

1. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is the highest earned degree conferred by nearly all universities. It attests to high attainment in scholarship and in research and is conferred only for work of distinction which displays marked powers of originality.
2. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers doctoral-degree programs in applied language and speech sciences, environmental and evolutionary biology, computer engineering, computer science, English, Francophone studies, mathematics and systems engineering. Departmental or program requirements for the degree vary considerably, but in no department is the degree awarded solely for study over a prescribed period of time or for merely meeting the minimum requirements summarized below.
3. To be eligible to receive the Ph.D. degree a student must:
   1. Complete the specified general degree requirements.
   2. Demonstrate completion of the equivalent of six full semesters of graduate study and research beyond the bachelor’s degree.
   3. Complete an acceptable dissertation after being admitted to candidacy for the degree.
   4. Satisfy the general and specific departmental or program requirements for the degree.