Overview
The PhD Program involves several steps along your way to graduation. We think of these steps in stages. Each stage involves a few steps before you can move on to the next stage.
Timeline of Major Milestones
You can use the timelines below as a general guide to your PhD program. Everyone's situation will be different, but this was created to help you begin your planning. Please note that summer semesters do not count in progress/limits.
Check out your personal timeline by using our PhD Timeline Tool!
Limits of Major Milestones
Milestone | Stage | Limits with approved BA/BS | Limits with approved MS/MA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete MS Equivalent Coursework if applicable (32 credit hours) | I | 2 years | Not applicable |
Submit an Advisor Agreement | II | End of 2nd semester with approved petition | End of 2nd semester with approved petition |
| Qualifying exam – both written and oral | II | During 6th semester with approved petition | During 4th semester with approved petition |
| Complete PhD Coursework – including Breadth Requirement (32 credit hours) | II | 4.5 years | 3 years |
| Preliminary Exam | II | 5 years | 4 years |
| Complete 599 thesis research credit (minimum 32 credit hours) | III | 7 years | 6 years |
| Final Exam (Oral Defense) | III | 7 years | 6 years |
| Thesis Deposit | III | 7 years | 6 years |