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Doctoral studies must combine rigor with flexibility. This mixture is a hallmark of successful doctoral programs in the leading universities of the world. Therefore, while it is expected that most doctoral students at the DI will follow the study plan set out below, some may be exempted from parts of the plan either because they can demonstrate advanced standing, or because their fiel​ds of specialization may not demand some of the courses as determined by the Board of Doctoral Studies on the recommendation of Schools and Programs. Students who can demonstrate competence in the foundational courses will be granted advanced standing status as specified above. Students specializing in History and Linguistics for example, may be exempted from the quantitative methodology course and instead take the Modern and Contemporary Arab Thought course.

The study plan for doctoral studies will consist of 60 credit hours as follows:

First Year -​​Semester 1:

 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

- Elective Course 1. 

First Year -​​Semester 2:​

- Advanced issues in Interdisciplinary. 

- Elective course 2.

- Elective course 3.​

 It is possible (if needed) for students of History and Linguistics programs to replace the Advanced Quantitative Research Methods course with Qualitative method course or theoretical foundations of the specialization in their program.

Second Year - Semesters 3 and 4:

• ​Prospectus (15 credit hours)
  

• ​​Dissertation research, writing, and defense (30 credit hours)
  
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