PhD Research Milestones

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

Research Milestone for PhD Students (with MSc Degree)		Timeline for Expected Normal Progression
Research Milestone for PhD Students (with MSc Degree)		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 Supervisory Committee (RSC)	Latest by end of semester prior to RPE exam.	Latest by end of semester prior to RPE exam.
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 Review	Progress review meeting required by advisor(s) every semester prior to RPE exam.	Progress review meeting required by advisor(s) every semester prior to RPE exam.
5	Written Qualifying Exam (WQE)	By end of the 2^nd semester or 3^rd semester of study (as per the program requirements)	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^thsemester of study.
7	Dissertation Progress Report (DPR)	By end of each semester following successfully passing RPE. Oral presentation to all the RSC members required one year after successful completion of RPE.	By end of each semester following successfully passing RPE. Oral presentation to all the RSC members required annually for two years after successful completion of RPE.
8	Submit “Intent to Graduate” form via Banner	By end of 7^thsemester of study.	By end of the 11^th semester of study.
9	Submit “Intent to Submit PhD Dissertation for Examination” form	By end of 7^th semester of study.	By end of the 11^th semester of study.
10	Dissertation Defense and Final Submission	During the 8^th semester of study, according to published Graduation Timeline.	During the 12^th semester of study, according to published Graduation Timeline.

Research Milestone for PhD Students (with only BSc Degree)		Timeline for Expected Normal Progression
		Full-Time Students
1	Research Project Allocation and Advisor Appointment	By end of the 1^st semester of study.
2	Forming the Research Supervisory Committee (RSC)	Latest by end of semester prior to RPE exam.
3	Registration for Dissertation	Normally, in semester immediately following research project allocation. Dissertation registration is required every semester (including Summer) until final defense.
4	Dissertation Progress Review	Progress review meeting required by advisor(s) every semester prior to RPE exam.
5	Written Qualifying Exam (WQE)	By end of the 4^th semester of study (students must finish a minimum of 27 credits of coursework before attempting WQE).
6	Research Proposal Exam (RPE)	By end of the 6^th semester of study.
7	Dissertation Progress Report (DPR)	By end of each semester following successfully passing RPE. Oral presentation to all the RSC members required one year after successful completion of RPE.
8	Submit “Intent to Graduate” form via Banner.	By end of the 9^th semester of study.
9	Submit “Intent to Submit PhD Dissertation for Examination” form	By end of the 9^th semester of study.
10	Dissertation Defense and Final Submission	During the 10^th semester of study, according to published Graduation Timeline.