Graduate Program Timeline
Graduate Program Checklist
| ✓ | Suggested Years | Task |
| ☐ | 1-2 | Pass proficiency exams OR required grad courses
|
| ☐ | 0.5 | Choose a major advisor |
| ☐ | 1 | Choose Ph.D. committee |
| ☐ | 1-2 | Complete three semesters of CHEM 5310 |
| ☐ | 2-3 | Complete 24-30 course credits[1] |
| ☐ | 2-3 | Complete divisional course requirements |
| ☐ | 2 | Submit plan of study to the Graduate School |
| ☐ | 2 | Complete second year progress report |
| ☐ | 3 | Complete the written general exam |
| ☐ | 3 | Complete the oral general exam [2] |
| ☐ | 3-4 | Prepare dissertation prospectus & submit to the Graduate School |
| ☐ | 3-4+ | Prepare dissertation |
| ☐ | 3-4 | Give a departmental research presentation |
| ☐ | 4+ | Announce final defense of dissertation[3] |
| ☐ | 4+ | Defend dissertation & obtain signatures of advisory committee |
| ☐ | 4+ | Submit dissertation to Graduate School |
[1] 24 credits if student matriculates as M.S., 30 credits if B.S./B.A.
[2] The oral general must be announced in the Chemistry Department weekly newsletter.
[3] The final defense must be announced on the Graduate School website and in the Chemistry Department weekly newsletter. The Registrar’s Office provides a complete checklist of required steps.