What is a supervising professor?

The supervising professor assists the doctoral candidate in career planning, and ensures that the doctoral studies and research process equip the doctoral candidate with not only research skills but also transferable skills.

What is a major professor?

Your major professor is the committee member from your major field who serves as your primary academic advisor, your principal thesis advisor, and the general mentor for your academic program of study and your research. Work with the student and graduate committee to see that all requirements are met. …

Why are PhD students called candidates?

During the studies that lead to the degree, the student is called a doctoral student or PhD student; a student who has completed all their coursework and comprehensive examinations and is working on their thesis/dissertation is sometimes known as a doctoral candidate or PhD candidate (see: all but dissertation).

What is the role of a PhD advisor?

Advisors provide scaffolding for you to develop your research and writing skills at this very high level. In the day to day, this means that they listen to you, and then ask questions; they challenge your thinking. In writing your thesis, they work like editors, asking more of the same, in written form.