Residency

The Department recommends, but does not require, a period of full-time study. Full-time study is the best way to be mentored into the practices of the academy, especially into the process of doing research. This is particularly important if your goal is to work in a research university. If you can be in full-time residence for one year, or even a single semester, you should talk over the timing of this residence very carefully with your program advisor. If possible, it should be taken after completion of at least 36 semester hours (including those applied to the program).

Priority is given in awarding fellowships and assistantships to students who have committed themselves to extended periods of study. During your residence study you should participate in the intellectual community, taking courses, or serving as a research or teaching assistant alongside the faculty, participating in ongoing research discussion groups, conducting independent or collaborative research projects with faculty members, assisting a faculty member in writing a research paper, or a combination of these.