Program Components & Expected Timeline

Time spent on program components can vary considerably, but a general timeline is provided here to help students plan for major milestones and timely completion. While personal circumstances may alter the typical timeline, students are expected to speak with their advisor, the department chair, or the doctoral curriculum committee chair as soon as possible if they anticipate any delays in their program. Please note that a thorough description of each program component and its requirements can be found elsewhere in the handbook.

• Coursework - Students typically complete their required coursework by the end of their second year in the program. This is especially possible for those who enter the program with a M.P.H. degree and have sought a credit reduction. However, it is not uncommon for students to take until the end of the fall semester of their third year to complete required courses.
• Preliminary Exam - The preliminary exam is taken in the summer following students' second year in the program. Any expected deviation from this schedule must be requested in writing to the HBHE Doctoral Committee and Rackham at least 2 months prior to the exam summer, with a detailed description of the extenuating circumstances; it should be noted that requested delays are not necessarily granted. Students are encouraged to begin thinking about the preliminary exam early, and to spend part of the second year preparing directly for the exam. It is common for students to take tutorial credits with their advisor in their 3rd or 4th semester, to ensure mentored time for generating a literature review on their prelim topic of choice. (See Preliminary Exam.)
• Candidacy - Upon successful completion of coursework and the preliminary exam, students can apply for candidacy. Students who successfully pass the preliminary exam typically achieve candidacy immediately following the exam, or by the end of the following semester (i.e. before December of their third year).
• Establishing a Dissertation Committee - Students may begin considering potential dissertation committee members during their first two years of coursework. Following the successful completion of the preliminary exam, they should work with their advisor to assemble an appropriate committee. By the end of their third year in the program, students should have submitted official paperwork to Rackham.
• Prospectus Defense – It is highly encouraged that students meet with their advisor by the beginning of the fall semester of their third year to discuss a timeline for their prospectus defense and dissertation. Students should aim to defend their prospectus by the end of their third year in the program, and within one year of achieving candidacy.
• Dissertation Defense – Students are strongly encouraged to complete their dissertation no later than their fifth year in the program. Students who become delayed for any reason, and anticipate extending beyond this timeline should speak with their advisor and familiarize themselves with the University’s Continuous Enrollment policy.