PhD Research Milestones

Research milestones for PhD students are summarized in the table below. The typical timeline is made with reference to regular academic semesters (i.e. Fall and Spring), however students are expected to continue to work on their research during the Summer Term.

Research Milestone		Timeline for Expected Normal Progression
Research Milestone		Full-Time Students	Part-Time Students
1	Research Project Allocation and Advisor Appointment	By end of the 1^stsemester of study.	By end of the 2^nd semester of study.
2	Forming the Research Committee (RSC)	By end of the 2^nd semester of study.	By end of the 3^rd semester of study.
3	Registration for Dissertation	Normally, in semester immediately following research project allocation. Dissertation registration is required every semester (including Summer) until final defense.	Normally, in semester immediately following research project allocation. Dissertation registration is required every semester until final defense.
4	Dissertation Progress	By the end of 3^rd semester of study.	By the end of 3^rd semester and 5th semester of study.
5	Written Qualifying Exam (WQE)	By end of the 2^nd semester of study for College of Engineering. By end of the 3rd semester of study for College of Arts and Sciences.	By end of the 4^th semester of study.
6	Research Proposal Exam (RPE)	By end of the 4^th semester of study.	By end of the 6^th semester of study.
7	Dissertation Progress Report (DPR)	By end of each semester following successfully passing RPE.	By end of each semester following successfully passing RPE.
8	Submit “Intent to Graduate” form via Banner.	By end of the 7^th semester of study.	By end of the 11^thsemester of study.
9	Submit “Intent to Submit PhD Dissertation for Examination” form.	By end of the 7^th semester of study.	By end of the 11^th semester of study.
10	Dissertation Defense and Final Submission	8^th semester of study, according to published Graduation Timeline.	12^th semester of study, according to published Graduation Timeline.