PhD Timeline

Process and Forms

Starting a graduate program can be intimidating, especially if you're not familiar with the applicable university guidelines. Below are the significant milestones that must be adhered to by all PhD degree candidates. (Some forms are only applicable to materials graduate students, while others are University requirements). More details can be found in the Materials Graduate Program Guidelines [PDF].

Before you arrive

• Review and complete the items on the Incoming Grad Student Checklist [PDF]
  

By the end of your third quarter

• Read the University Graduate Studies Policies
• Complete Form D-1 and have it signed by your grad advisor, and submit to the Graduate Studies Office

By the end of your fourth quarter

• At Least 2 Weeks Prior to Grad Candidacy Exam
  Students must complete the online Materials Department Candidacy Exam Survey, submit a title and abstract (300 words or less) to the Materials Graduate Program Advisor via email, CC'd to the Academic Program Coordinator, for review and approval. Failure to submit the online form at least 2 weeks prior to the exam will result in postponement and rescheduling of the exam.
• Complete your Graduate Candidacy Exam
  The Exam is designed to improve and assess the communication skills and the analytical abilities of the student. The seminar period should be 45 minutes presentation, followed by a question session. Questions should be designed to evaluate the depth and breadth of the student's knowledge about the subject matter. After the seminar session, the committee should fill out Forms D-2 & D-2a: Doctoral Candidacy Examination Report and Doctoral Candidacy Examination Member Report and give its recommendation to the student in private. There are three possible outcomes of the exam: Pass (entry into PhD program), Marginal (entry into MS program), and Fail (not accepted into graduate studies program).

By the end of your second year

• Present your thesis proposal
• 4 Weeks Prior to Grad Proposal: Students must submit the Form D-3: Dissertation Advisory Committee Appointment to the Graduate Advisor.
• 2 Weeks Prior to Grad Proposal: Students must complete the online Materials Department Thesis Proposal Survey and upload abstract and written proposal. Failure to submit online form at least 2 weeks prior to the presentation will result in postponement and rescheduling of the presentation. All required forms and proposal documents must be sent electronically to the Thesis Committee members, and send abstract & presentation information to the Academic Program Coordinator
• Complete your Dissertation Proposal
  Have the Materials Dissertation Proposal Evaluation Form [PDF] and Form D-3A Dissertation Proposal completed by the members of your committee.

6 Months Prior to Defense

• Make sure your thesis meets the requirements set forth in the University Thesis Manual
• You must present your pre-defense, and have the Pre-Defense Evaluation Form 1 completed by the members of your committee, along with individual committee evaluation forms Pre-Defense Evaluation Form 2.
• Students must complete the online Materials Department Pre-Defense Survey at least 2 weeks prior to the pre-defense. Failure to complete the survey 2 weeks prior to the pre-defense will result in postponement and rescheduling.

4 Weeks Prior to Defense

• Complete and return Form D-4: PhD Final Oral Defense Committee Appointment and Schedule

At Least 2 Weeks Prior to Defense

• Students must complete the on-line Materials Department Dissertation Defense Survey at least 2 weeks prior to the oral defense.

Post-Defense

Just three more forms and you're done!

• Within 48 hours after completion of the final oral exam: Form D-5: The Report of PhD Final Oral Defense Committee must be filed with the Office of Graduate Studies
• The Thesis Approval Form should be printed on 100% cotton paper, completed, and submitted to be bound with your thesis
• The Completion Form finalizes the process of completing all requirements for the doctoral degree. The supervising professor and graduate advisor must sign this form along with the Library and Office of Graduate Studies. It is the final form to be submitted for degree completion and students are not officially finished their degree until is has been filed.