Progression Through the Program
Timeline
Ordinarily, a student progressing well and on schedule will:
-
First Year:
include several lab rotations and select a thesis advisor no later than the end of Spring Quarter. -
Second Year:
pass the Qualifying Exam and form a Supervisory Committee by the end of the second year. -
Third Year:
pass the General Exam. -
Fourth Year (and subsequent years):
make an annual progress report to and receive feedback from the Supervisory Committee. -
Fifth Year:
defend the dissertation.
The sooner you get started with research, the sooner you are likely to obtain your PhD degree.
Advising in the First Year
All entering students are assigned a preliminary Faculty Advisor from the appropriate thrust area. The student meets with the advisor and together they prepare a preliminary plan of study.
To ensure that adequate progress is made, all students are expected to meet with their advisors as needed. Students still involved in substantial course work should meet quarterly with their advisors to select appropriate courses that constitute a rational study plan.
Research Advisor
When a student decides to work in a specific laboratory, he or she selects a particular faculty member as a research advisor. The research advisor assumes primary responsibility for future direction of the student and will ultimately direct the student's dissertation. As soon as a research advisor is chosen, the student notifies the academic counselor and informs the preliminary advisor.