Doctoral Program
Overview
The doctoral program is structured around a series of academic milestones that guide you from coursework through candidacy and, ultimately, dissertation defense. Each program has specific degree requirements. Understanding these milestones early will help you plan your timeline and stay on track.
Degree Plans and Milestones
Doctoral students review their degree plans for their specific program in the Graduate Degree Planner to reach various benchmarks for their degree plan specializations.
Information can be found on:
- Programmatic milestones
Graduate Degree Planner
Doctoral Candidacy
Upon completion of qualifying requirements set by your program GSC, advancing to doctoral candidacy marks the formal transition to dissertation courses.
Information can be found on:
- Dissertation committee requirements
- Applying for candidacy
Registration requirements
Dissertation and Oral Examinations
This process confirms that your dissertation meets academic standards and that your committee approves your work for degree completion.
Information can be found on:
- Committee changes
- Scheduling your final oral examination
- Defense attendance
Post-defense procedures
Graduation
Graduation is the final step in completing your graduate degree. This stage ensures that all academic, registration and administrative requirements have been satisfied and that your degree can be officially awarded.
Information can be found on:
- Deadline and submission instructions
- Digital submission requirements
Convocation
Keep in mind: Requirements, timelines and milestones vary by program. Always consult your graduate adviser and program handbook to confirm expectations and deadlines.
