I got this in the mail on Tuesday. It’s officially official. I have achieved candidacy.
You may wonder–What is candidacy? Candidacy is a title. I can now say, “I am a PhD Candidate.” I can even put it on my resume, “Todd L. Patterson, PhD Candidate.” Candidacy is a rite of passage. Candidacy is the recognition of a fait accompli. It marks a new mode of being–a higher status–entry into a liminal state…
Ok. Let’s see, where were we? Oh yes, you were wondering, “What is candidacy?” After I finish coursework, pass my comprehensive exams, and successfully defend my proposal then at the next meeting of the Academic Doctoral Committee (made up of assorted professors from the faculty) they recognize that I have completed all of the requirements for the PhD except for writing the dissertation. So in one sense it’s nothing more than a ceremonial milestone. However, for some schools candidacy meets the qualifications for new professors. So it is a rather important milestone, after all.
John says
Yahoo! Congratulations at reaching this new level of illumination and understanding…may the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to be glorified, first in you and by His grace through you. Praying for these next steps.