New students entering the program may
be initially advised by an Advisory Committee of faculty members
to assist with initial course selection and to provide advice
concerning the program. Prior to your third semester of study,
you should select a research adviser.
You will need to form a Research Advisory Committee that is
headed by your chosen research adviser. This committee should
consist of a minimum of five members of the VCU graduate faculty.
Individuals who are not graduate faculty members, for example
from another institution or from industry, must apply to the
dean of the Graduate School for temporary membership.
The Research Advisory Committee should represent the significant
areas of your research focus. At least two members of the committee
should be from departments other than that of the research adviser,
with one of those members being integrally associated with the
your research to foster the interdisciplinary intent of this
degree program. This committee should be formed no later than
the end of your third semester of study.
