1. Chemistry
  2. Curriculum and Degree Information
  3. Path to Degree

Path to Degree

The following is a representative timeline for the Ph.D. Program in Chemistry. Individual timelines will vary according to research project and student productivity.

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