Throughout the course of their studies, students engage in three types of advisement relationships. Upon entry into the program, the Doctoral Program Director clarifies the administrative requirements of the program and may help the student map out an initial plan of study. In addition, all new students are assigned a Faculty Advisor who shares common research interests and has areas of expertise relevant to the student's intended fields of study. The faculty advisor will further help the student organize a study plan. The goal of this relationship is to promote an exchange of ideas and information about research, courses and other opportunities for development in areas of mutual interest. Students may change faculty advisors, as appropriate, and should also feel free to seek the advice of other faculty. When a student completes the requisite coursework and has taken three comprehensive exams, s/he will begin work on the dissertation under the guidance of a Dissertation Advisor. The dissertation advisor may be, but is not necessarily, the student's faculty advisor. This advisor works in concert with the student and a dissertation committee throughout the dissertation process.
The Assistant Director and Director of Academic Services are also available to assist you with course registration at Wagner as well as other graduate divisions of the university; to answer questions regarding degree requirements, dissertation guidelines, comprehensive exam and preliminary qualifying examination registration; and, to clarify academic policies and procedures of the school and university.
