Doctoral Program Key Milestones

Year 1

• Start coursework.
• Complete one year of work as a project assistant.
• Draft first-year paper.
• Draft Program of Study.

Year 2

• Program of Study due first day of Fall courses.
• Complete first-year paper by December 31.
• Complete the majority of the required coursework.
• Work as a project assistant or teaching assistant.
• Prepare for and apply to take preliminary exams. Apply via Graduate School Milestones.
• Take preliminary exams in Summer before year 3.

Year 3

• Complete remaining coursework if necessary.
• Apply for dissertator status via Graduate School Milestones.
• Select dissertation advisor and dissertation committee members.
• Teach a course independently or work as a TA for a large lecture.
• Work on dissertation.
• Prepare for dissertation proposal.
• Apply for proposal presentation via Graduate School Milestones.
• Present dissertation proposal.

Year 4

• Teach a course independently.
• Go on the job market.
• Apply for Graduation.
• Complete dissertation.
• Defend Dissertation.