The average time to complete the Ph.D. degree in our graduate program is 5.1 years. The basic steps are as follows.
Summer Before First Year
Research opportunity supported by the department
First Year
Fall/Winter: Take two courses per semester and perform research rotations in two different labs.
Spring/Summer: Identify lab for full-time Ph.D. research.
Second Year
Fall/Winter: Complete remaining courses and perform research in Ph.D. lab.
Fall/Winter: Assemble candidacy committee, prepare for and pass the candidacy exam.
Spring/Summer: Full-time research.
Third and Fourth Years
Continue full-time dissertation research and present 2 credit student seminar (timing and details of seminar requirement vary slightly between clusters).
Fourth and Fifth Years
With the dissertation committee have the Data Meeting modification by the 8th semester.
Write and defend thesis.
Candidacy Exam
Students become Ph.D. candidates once they have successfully passed this exam which consists of a brief presentation on the research they plan to accomplish during their Ph.D. During and after the presentation students will be asked questions related to, but possibly beyond the scope of the specific research. The goal of this exam is to ensure that students have the necessary formal background to successfully implement their proposed Ph.D. research project(s).
About the PhD
The degree Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree conferred by the University. It is a research degree. It is never conferred solely as a result of study, no matter how faithful, extending over any prescribed time period or for any amount of course work or research accumulated. The degree represents more than merely the sum of semesters in residence and of credits for courses taken. The amount of residence and the plan of study are of secondary importance. The degree is granted solely upon evidence of general proficiency and of distinctive attainment in the special field of the candidate. The degree is granted particularly upon a recognized ability for independent and insightful investigation as demonstrated in a thesis based upon original research combined with creative scholarship and presented with a high degree of literary skill. (Adapted from a statement of the Graduate Program.)
For further information, please contact: Chemistry Graduate Office
