The Taos/Tilburg Program is intended primarily for seasoned professionals who have already completed a Masters Degree. The program does not require a full-time commitment; it is anticipated that the participant would continue to carry on full-time employment at his/her current location. Optimally, participation in the degree program would make use of the participant's ongoing work experiences, and contribute to a continuing enhancement of his/her work-place capabilities.

In principle, the program of study, research and writing may be completed within a two year period. However, most students find that three years offers a more comfortable pace of work. During these years the participant will work closely with a Faculty Advisor. The advisor is typically, though not necessarily, a Board Member or an Associate of the Taos Institute. Prior to embarking on the first year of study, students will typically work with their potential advisor to develop a mutually acceptable vision of the dissertation research. Thus, it is anticipated that students in the first year of study will explore the scholarly literature relevant to their research, and to make significant progress in their research. During this year the student will also 1) meet with the faculty and students participating in the program, and 2) attend a two-day workshop on social constructionist theory and practice.

It should be noted that there are no formal courses or classes. The program is built on the European model that presumes a student entering with a Masters degree has broad preparation in the social sciences. Thus, all study within the program will link existing knowledge bases to the individual's particular focus of study.

The second and possibly third year of study are focused on completing the research and writing the dissertation. The dissertation is the primary requirement for completing the degree. As the degree is formally granted by Tilburg University, a committee of the university will ultimately judge its adequacy. The concluding event in the program is an oral "defense" of the dissertation before this committee at Tilburg University. Participants in this event are in full academic and/or formal attire, and the event is open to the family and friends of the candidate.

During each year there are two 6-month semesters. The Fall semester begins on September 1, and the Spring semester on March 1. All students will enter the program at the beginning of one of these semesters.

In certain cases, two candidates have been allowed to work together to generate the final dissertation.

Communication between students and advisors will take place primarily through the internet, telephone and the mail. However, it is anticipated and customary that the student will meet with the advisor at the beginning of the first year of the program, and at least twice a year afterwards. For some students this may entail visits to the Netherlands. However, both Profs. Rijsman and Hosking also make periodic visits to the US, during which time they may be available for consultation. Success in the program is vitally dependent on "self-starting" capacities of the student.