This is a suggested timeline for degree milestones, and does not reflect the degree milestone deadlines set by the Graduate School. For detailed information, and specific deadlines please reference PhD Requirements.
Purpose | Requirements | Timing | |
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Coursework | Develops subject-knowledge within area of study. |
Specific to program. See program webpages. |
It is recommended that students complete their coursework by the end of their 6th semester. |
Select Advisor | Develops subject-knowledge within area of study. | Faculty with Graduate Faculty Status and a regular or affiliated appointment in student's administrative home department or college. At start, may be graduate program director. | Permanent advisor must be chosen within two academic-year semesters. |
Select Advisory Committee | Advises student on courses/research, provides cognate expertise, contributes diverse perspectives, and promotes cross-disciplinary communications. | Faculty with Graduate Faculty Status. Minimum of one from outside student's academic home department or college. | It is recommended that the committee be appointed within must be chosen within 2 (post-master's) or 4 (post-bachelor's) academic semesters. |
Pass Qualifying Exam | Test of disciplinary knowledge. |
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Pass Research Proposal Examination | Test of capability to conduct independent research. |
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Recommended: Within 6 (post-master's) or 10 (post-bachelor's) academic semesters. |
Apply for Candidacy | Allows students who have completed certain degree milestones to register for research credits at a reduced tuition rate. | Students must submit an application to enter candidacy following completion of qualifying exam and research proposal exam. | It is recommended that students apply for candidacy by the beginning of their 7th semester. |
Purpose | Requirements | Timing | |
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Prepare Dissertation and Pass Final Oral Examination | Written description and public defense of research. | Schedule final oral examination ("defense") at least two weeks ahead of time, submit dissertation to committee and Graduate School, and submit report on final examination. | Recommended: Within 6 (post-master's) or 10 (post-bachelor's) academic semesters. |
Complete Degree Requirements | Leads to awarding of degree. | Final dissertation approved. | Required: Within 8 years after start. |