Timeline for degree completion

Recommended timeline

Take 6-9 graduate credits per semester. For example, to reach the needed 72 credits for graduation in 10 semesters, you may take 9 credits for 4 of the 10 semesters, and 6 credits for the remaining 6 semesters.
Between the 2^nd and 6^th semester, complete all three Qualifying Exams.
As early as possible, but no later than by the end of the 6th semester in the program, secure a Dissertation Advisor and a Dissertation Committee, and begin formulating a dissertation topic.
By the end of the 4^th semester, and no later than by the end of the 6^th semester, complete the Ph.D. Program of Study form, confirm with Advisor, and secure Dissertation Committee signatures. Start working on the dissertation with Advisor.
By the end of the 7^th semester, complete the Oral Exam.
By no later than the 7^th semester, begin the dissertation draft.
By the 8^th semester, complete dissertation draft, discuss dissertation draft with Dissertation Committee, and finalize dissertation according to committee recommendations.
By the end of the 10^th semester, defend a dissertation.

Forms required for graduation

Forms that are required to be submitted to the Graduate School during the progression to the doctoral degree, can be found on their Forms web page. They include these forms (listed with a timeline for their submissions):

Declaration of Advisor, Major Advisor, Committee Chair
- For doctoral and MFA students, completed form must be submitted to Graduate School by the end of the student’s 3rd semester.

Program of Study
- For doctoral and MFA students, completed form must be submitted to Graduate School by the end of the student’s 4th semester.

Doctoral degree admission to candidacy (Doctoral Programs only)
- For doctoral students who completed all requirements except for the dissertation.

Graduation Application
- Must be submitted to the Graduate School several weeks in advance. Check the deadlines website for exact dates.

The Notice of Completion form should be submitted after all requirements for the degree have been met.
- Notice of Completion: Doctoral Degree
Optional Exit Survey, to be completed upon graduation. This survey is voluntary, confidential, and takes about 5 minutes.

Return to table of contents

Please note: this represents the program handbook for the 2022-2023 academic year only. For an archived version of a previous year's handbook, or to obtain a hard copy of this current year's program handbook, please contact the program director.