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Doctoral Degree Timeline
The doctoral degree program requires a dissertation and is an integrated program of coursework and research during which the student learns the fundamental principles and practices of conducting research. The following timeline provides a quick reference to the required steps and necessary forms leading to the completion of the degree, as well as guidance on the expected rate of progress. The steps in the timeline are discussed in greater detail in other sections of this site.
Ph.D. Milestone |
Expected Timeline |
Procedure & Documentation |
| Initial faculty advisor appointed | Entry into program | QERM GPC notifies student |
| Pass first year qualifying exams at Ph.D. level | End of 3rd quarter |
Certification of results from QERM GPC |
| Proceed with Ph.D. studies | After completing relevant M.S. with thesis or approved M.S. By-Pass. Passed both qualifying exams at the Ph.D. level | Notify QERM GPC of intent to pursue Ph.D. |
| Finalize supervisory committee | 1st year of Ph.D. studies but no less than 4 months prior to General Exam | Review Grad School Memo 13. Notify GPA with proposed committee names, affiliation and addresses |
| Plan of study approved by supervisory committee. | 1st year of Ph.D. studies | Submit approved Plan of Study, Human & Animal Advisory, and Committee Mtg. Documentation forms to QERM GPA |
| Submit dissertation proposal for supervisory committee approval | 2nd year of Ph.D. studies | Submit copy of proposal and Supervisory Committee Documentation form to GPC verifying approval by committee. |
| Schedule General Exam | After completing 60 credits (M.S. degree may substitute for 30 of these credits) and 18 numerically graded credits completed. | Complete online Request for General Exam form. Obtain signatures from ALL committee members, including GSR. Submit to Graduate School NO LESS THAN 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE GENERAL EXAM. Following the General exam, the signed form must be returned to the Graduate school no later than the last day of the quarter |
| Establish Reading Committee | Following General Examination but BEFORE scheduling the final exam. | Consists of a minimum of 3 readers from the members of the committee. Notify QERM GPA of composition of reading committee. GPA will notify Graduate School. |
| Final Examination and Dissertation Defense | Approximately 42 months - there should be only minor changes in the dissertation at this time. | Submit signed Request for Final Exam to Graduate School minimum of 3 weeks prior to exam. Must be signed by ALL committee members INCLUDING the Graduate School Rep. Submit signed warrant to the Grad School by the last day of quarter. |
| Submit dissertation | 60 days from defense date IF THIS TIME EXPIRES ANOTHER EXAM MUST BE SCHEDULED! |
Register for minimum of 2 credits during quarter degree is conferred -- OR-- apply for Graduate Degree Late fee if all other requirements completed during previous quarter except submission of dissertation. |
