The SJD program normally takes a minimum of two-to-three years. It will involve one-to-two semesters of coursework as recommended by the faculty supervisor. The student must successfully pass written and oral examinations in the general field of study before formal admission to candidacy.
The student will be asked to prepare a research proposal, which must be accepted before research on the dissertation begins. The SJD student's faculty committee will assess the student's progress, make recommendations, and hold an oral examination on the final draft of the dissertation.