College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Typical Timelines for Ph.D. Completion

Year 1
Date | What |
---|---|
August | Evaluation of chemistry knowledge |
August | Orientation and TA training |
August-December | 1st semester classes and TA duties |
September | Begin lab rotation and research |
November | Research advisor selection |
December | Officially join research group |
January-May | 2nd semester classes, TA duties, research |
June-August | Research, select advisory committee. |
Year 2
Date | What |
---|---|
August-December | 1st semester classes (if needed), TA duties (unless on RA), research, present literature seminar to division |
January-May | 2nd semester classes (if needed), TA duties (unless on RA), research |
March | Written research report and original research proposal due to advisory committee |
April-May | Comprehensive exam |
June-August | Research |
Year 3 and Beyond
Date | What |
---|---|
August-July | Research, write papers, attend meetings, give presentations |
3 months before defense | Present research seminar to division, meet with advisory committee |
3 weeks before defense | Give dissertation to committee |
Defense | Dissertation defense |