Ph.D. students take 9 credits during the spring and fall semesters and 6 credits over the summer. Usually, Ph.D. students take three 3-credit core courses during the first semester. In the following semesters, students can determine their course load each semester with their advisor, taking a combination of formal courses, research-based instruction, and departmental seminar. Students will continue to register for seminar every semester as part of the Ph.D. program requirements until graduation.