Timeline
for various stages in the graduate program.
| What | When | Relevant people/committees |
| Study Plan | First week of each fall term | Advisor, Committee on Academic Studies (CAS) |
| Placement Exam | November of first term | CAS |
| Course and General Background Requirements | Ideally completed by end of second year | Advisor,CAS |
| Teaching | Ideally completed by end of second year | Advisor, CAS |
| Find research project and submit proposal | By May 1 of first year | Research Project Supervisor, CAS |
| Appointment of Research Exam Committee | Spring of first year | CAS |
| Completion of Research Project Report | Summer of second year | Research Exam Committee |
| Research Exam | Two weeks after submission of research project report, and no later than August 31 of second year | Research Exam Committee, CAS |
| Submit Thesis proposal | within 3-4 months of completion of research exam | Advisor, CAS |
| Appointment of Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) | Soon after submission of Thesis Proposal | CAS |
| TAC Meetings | Should be held twice per year after appointment | TAC, CAS |
| PhD Thesis | Ideally completed by end of five years, degree application/submission due dates may be obtained from department administrator | Advisor, TAC, Department office |
| Appointment of Final Oral Exam Committee | When thesis is about to be completed | CAS |
| Public Lecture | Before thesis defense | Advisor, Department office |
| Final Oral Exam (Thesis Defense) | After completion of thesis | Final Oral Exam Committee |