The recommended time for completion of the entire program for the PhD degree, including the dissertation and final examination, is within 5 years of matriculation. This is accomplished by passing the Research Aptitude Exam in the winter term of the first year, successfully passing the proposal two years later, and defending the dissertation 2 years after the proposal.

Students must complete the entire program for the doctoral degree, including the dissertation and final examination, during a four-year period after admission to candidacy, but no later than nine years after admission to the doctoral program. Students must be advanced to candidacy within five years of admission to the doctoral program. Under certain circumstances, time extensions may be granted by the Graduate School as outlined below. Admission to the degree program terminates if the requirements are not completed in the time specified. Time taken for an approved Leave of Absence for Childbearing, Adoption, Illness or Dependent Care is not counted in these time limitations.

See Also: Advancement to Candidacy