Students completing the PhD program receive an outstanding preparation to compete for the most prestigious faculty positions within their disciplines.  Exceptional students with substantial experience prior to completion of the PhD may be prepared to begin faculty positions immediately upon completion of their dissertation. 

For optimal success in rigorous academic settings, a post-doctoral fellowship is advisable after completion of the PhD.  During post-doctoral fellowships, graduates complete the process of publishing their dissertation research and work as full-time researchers with a faculty mentor. 

Graduates will have developed extensive skills as teachers while in the program, also preparing them to succeed in this demanding aspect of the academic career.  With this combination of pedagogical skill and investigational accomplishment, graduates of this program can expect to be highly sought by the nation's top programs.  Other potential career paths would be leadership positions in professional organizations, scientific societies, or granting agencies.