Work leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is designed to give candidates a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of their professional fields and training in methods of research. The final basis for granting a degree shall be a candidate’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, a candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages. Degrees are not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met.
For specific dates and deadlines for each semester, please refer to the Graduate and Professional School’s Dates and Deadlines.
2. Establish an advisory committee and submit a degree plan.
- When: prior to the deadline imposed by the student's college/school, department, or interdisciplinary degree program, and no later than 90 days prior to Preliminary Examination.
-
Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
- Tool: DPSS
3. Complete a preliminary examination.
- When: a student should complete a Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of formal coursework on the degree plan.
-
Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School.
- Tool: ARCS
4. Submit Research Proposal for dissertation or record of study to the Graduate and Professional School.
- When: at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Final Examination Request. Must be approved by the deadline on the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines, students must have an approved research proposal in order to be admitted to candidacy.
-
Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
- Tool: ARCS
5. Complete Residence Requirement (if required).
-
When: before or during final semester (if applicable)
6. Be Admitted to Candidacy.
-
When: After completion of Degree Plan, Preliminary Exam, Research Proposal and Residence Requirement. Student must register for any remaining hours. GPA must be 3.0 or better.
7. Apply for graduation.
- When: during the first week of the final semester (see the Graduate and Professional School for dates and deadlines).
- Tool: Howdy
8. Successfully complete the Final Examination (if required).
- When: Request must be received by the Graduate and Professional School at least 10 working days before exam date. Exam must be held by the deadline on the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines page, and Results should be submitted by the advisory committee within 10 days following the Final Examination (see the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines page for specifics).
-
Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School.
-
Tool: ARCS
9. Upload one approved dissertation or record of study manuscript as a single PDF file to the Thesis and Dissertation Submission System (Vireo) and submit the Dissertation/Record of Study Approval Form to the Graduate and Professional School.
- When: see the Graduate and Professional School Dates and Deadlines page.
-
Approved by: advisory committee, department head or interdisciplinary degree program chair, and the Graduate and Professional School
- Tool: Vireo
10. Request hooding faculty for commencement ceremony.
- When: Upon receipt of Doctoral Hooding Invitation.