M.A. Students Major Professor and Advisory Committee As early in their first year of study as practical—and before the end of their second semester of residence—all students must select a thesis advisory committee consisting of a major professor as chair and two additional members. After consultation with appropriate faculty members, the graduate coordinator will recommend the committee to the dean. The advisory committee, in consultation with the student, is charged with evaluating and approving the student’s program of study, reading and approving the thesis, and administering the final examination. Composition of the committee is subject to the following regulations: The advisory committee for the MA degree must consist of a minimum of three members. The major professor and at least one of the other members must be members of the graduate program faculty at UGA. The third member may be a member of another department’s or program’s graduate faculty at UGA or, with the approval of the departmental graduate faculty and the dean of the Graduate School, a person with a graduate degree holding a permanent teachingor research position at UGA. The third member may also be a non-UGA faculty member with a terminal degree in their field of study. No more than one non-UGA scholar may serve as a voting member. If there are more than three members on the committee, a majority must be members of the graduate faculty. Co-major professors count as one graduate faculty member. PH.D. Students Major Professor and Advisory Committee Students should identify a major professor and begin building a working relationship with them as early as possible in their studies. Before the end of their second semester of residence all students must select an advisory committee consisting of a major professor as chair and two additional members. A fourth member may serve on the committee with the approval of the major professor and graduate coordinator. After consultation with the appropriate faculty members, the graduate coordinator will recommend the committee to the dean. Advisory committees are charged with planning and approving the student’s program of studies in consultation with the student, advising students on essential research skills and other requirements, overseeing the doctoral portfolio and oral examinations, approving a subject for the dissertation, approving the completed dissertation, and approving the student’s defense of their research. Composition of the committee is subject to the following regulations: The committee must consist of at least three, and at most five, members including the major professor. The major professor and at least one of the other members must be members of the UGA history department’s graduate faculty. Members of the graduate faculty of other UGA units serve on the committee with the approval of the major professor and graduate coordinator. Only one committee member may be non-UGA faculty; this person must have a terminal degree in their field of study. Students may request exceptions to these rules. Requests are subject to the approval of the graduate studies committee. Students have the right to change advisors and advisory committee members at any time. However, they must inform the graduate coordinator of their decision and submitthe necessary paperwork. Faculty with dual appointments in history and other units are members of the department of history. Special provisions do not apply.
