Typical Timelines for Ph.D. Completion

Year 1

Year 1 Timeline
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 Timeline
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 Timeline
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