Develop scholarly knowledge and critical analytical skills. Our graduate program is designed to give students opportunities to develop a deep knowledge base and practice their critical analytical skills. In doing so, we seek to acknowledge the multiple subjectivities that our students bring to their doctoral studies. Develop and refine research skills. We provide students with a strong foundation of research skills. We achieve this through courses in sub-disciplines (mentioned above), the workshop system, and department contests, the Third Year Research Poster contest and Third Year Paper contest, which results from a student’s first year of participation in a workshop. Develop teaching skills. Our students have multiple opportunities to acquire excellent teaching skills. Nearly all of our students are funded through teaching assistantships for most of their time in the program. We provide 5 years of guaranteed funding through graduate assistantship or fellowships. Develop departmental service. Students have opportunities to be involved in service. Develop professional service. Our fall teaching assistant training covers professionalism and ethics in teaching.