To be eligible for a Doctor of Liberal Studies degree, candidates must earn 36 credits of coursework, pass both the written and oral sections of the comprehensive examinations, and successfully complete and defend a doctoral thesis. Six to nine hours of transfer credit or advanced standing may be awarded as determined by the director of Liberal Studies in consultation with the director of Doctoral Studies. Such credits must be from graduate-level academic work completed at Georgetown or other approved universities. Of the 36 credits, 12 credits come from four required foundational courses. Students may select the remaining 24 credits from Liberal Studies courses developed for the Doctor of Liberal Studies program, other Liberal Studies courses, selected graduate courses from other departments at Georgetown, and directed reading/tutorial courses.