Degree Requirements and Timeline

Major requirements include completion of the following:

1. Required coursework
2. Master’s Thesis (T2; or approved degree from another program/institution)
3. Preliminary Examination (P2)
4. Minimum expectations for professional activities
5. Doctoral Dissertation (D2)

Suggested timeline of major requirements

If entering program with Bachelor’s Degree:

Year 1

• Begin coursework
• Submit M.S. program of study
• Propose M.S. thesis research [T1] (Spring) Plan professional activities to complete

Year 2

• Complete M.S. coursework
• Defend M.S. thesis research [T2] (Spring)

Year 3

• Submit Ph.D. program of study (Fall)
• Complete preliminary exam proposal [P1] (Fall)
• Complete preliminary exam [P2] (Spring)

Year 4

• Complete all coursework
• Propose Ph.D. dissertation research [D1] (Fall)

Year 5

• Complete minimum expectations for professional activities
• Defend Ph.D. dissertation research [D2] (Spring)

If entering program with approved Master’s Degree:

Year 1

• Begin coursework
• Engage in research Plan professional activities to complete

Year 2

• Complete coursework (must have 6 or fewer graded credits left to complete)
• Submit Ph.D. program of study (Fall)
• Complete preliminary exam proposal [P1] (Fall)
• Complete preliminary exam [P2] (Spring)

Year 3

• Propose Ph.D. dissertation research [D1] (Fall)

Year 4

• Complete minimum expectations for professional activities
• Defend Ph.D. dissertation research [D2] (Spring)

Notes on timeline (per the Graduate School)

• The program of study must be submitted to the Graduate School by their deadline to ensure approval prior to the T2, P2, or D2: See Graduate School deadlines.  
• Students must have 6 or fewer graded credits left to complete to schedule the P2.
• The D2 cannot be scheduled sooner than four months after passing the P2.
• Students must complete the D2 within four years of passing the P2.