A Network Of Peers
While many picture doctoral study as a solitary pursuit, at the Howe School it's a highly interactive process. You will find your peers in the doctoral program, for instance, to be valuable resources.
PhD students at the Howe School make up a diverse and interesting group. They come from many different parts of the world with widely different backgrounds. Some have enrolled directly from undergraduate programs; others hold advanced degrees or have worked for several years.
This diversity enhances the learning experience for all. As a Howe School PhD student, you will share ideas and form friendships with a rich mix of students.
Within this diversity, however, is a shared commitment to standards of excellence. We expect all students to be committed to learning and scholarly research. We believe in providing all students with a rigorous, challenging program that prepares them for a career in research and teaching.
A Network of Mentors
You'll find your studies are guided by some of the nation's top scholars. The training you receive as a Howe School PhD student reflects the training your faculty members have received. Like you, they developed a strong background in theory and methods. Like you, they are committed to quality research.
From the very beginning you can contact faculty members for advice. In fact, it's likely that you will work with several faculty members over the course of your studies. Your advisor will help shape your curriculum and perhaps create special study courses that fit your particular needs. Together, you'll develop your research skills and refine your dissertation. You may also work with Howe School faculty as a research assistant -- an experience that will enhance your ability to excel in academia. As you search for your first faculty or research appointment, you'll find that the mentors who helped you master your field of study will also promote your success in the marketplace.
Your relationship with faculty mentors will evolve over time. In many cases, doctoral students become research partners, participating in very detailed technical work and co-authoring papers. This valuable teamwork enhances productivity and depth of knowledge, as PhD students develop their areas of specialization.
In addition, our faculty members realize that you will become their future colleagues and an integral part of their own professional network. It's a powerful relationship based on mutual respect and a shared school of thought -- an extended family linking one generation of advisers to the next. This collegial relationship lasts a lifetime, so our faculty members take the time to build it right from the beginning.
