Path to Degree
The following is a representative timeline for the Ph.D. Program in Chemistry. Individual timelines will vary according to research project, student productivity, etc.
Year 1
• Pass three First Level Courses
• Pass First Examination
• Organic students start CUME exams after passing First Examination
• Register for and attend Seminar Day in Fall and Spring
• Earn up to 30 credits
• Attend Chem 79500 seminars to meet research mentors
• Online and in-person course in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
• Perform two lab rotations in the Fall
• Select research mentor in December
• Begin doctoral research project in Spring
• Apply for external pre-doctoral fellowships (optional)
Year 2
• Continue doctoral dissertation research
• Pass Advanced Elective Courses
• Organic students complete CUME exams
• Register for and attend Seminar Day in Fall and Spring
• Present First Seminar at Seminar Day
• Earn up to 30 credits
• Advance to Level II (45 credits required)
• Select Dissertation Committee
• Hold first Annual Committee Meeting
• Prepare and defend Second Level Proposal (Second Examination)
• Advance to Ph.D. Candidacy (Level III) by end of Summer (60 credits required)
• Undergraduate teaching (if requested by mentor)
Year 3
• Continue doctoral dissertation research
• Register for and attend Seminar Day in Fall and Spring
• Hold Annual Committee Meeting
• Attend national or international conference to present research findings
• Prepare research findings for publication
• Undergraduate teaching (if requested by mentor)
• Apply for Doctoral Student Research Grant (optional)
Year 4
• Continue doctoral dissertation research
• Register for and attend Seminar Day in Fall and Spring
• Present Second Seminar at Seminar Day
• Hold Annual Committee Meeting
• Attend national or international conference to present research findings
• Prepare research findings for publication
• Undergraduate teaching (if requested by mentor)
• Apply for Dissertation Fellowship (optional)
Year 5
• Continue doctoral dissertation research
• Undergraduate teaching (if requested by mentor)
• Prepare research findings for publication
• Attend national or international conference to present research findings
• Prepare thesis
• Schedule Thesis Defense at least eight weeks in advance
• Defend and Deposit Dissertation