Path to Degree

Find below the recommended path to degree for doctoral students, which includes coursework and professional development. 

Year 1 Coursework	Year 2 Coursework	Year 3 Coursework	Year 4 Dissertation	Year 5 Dissertation
Complete 7 courses. Begin planning QP1 in spring.	Complete 5 coures. (This is the beginning of one's teaching, a good time to reduce the load of coursework.) By the end of the year you should have completed 12 courses.  Plan and complete QP1 in fall.  Begin planning QP2 in spring.	Complete 3 courses. Plan prospectus. Identify a faculty supervisor.  By the end of the year you should have completed 15 courses. Plan and complete QP2 in fall.	Write prospectus and pass prospectus exam.  Begin dissertation.	Complete dissertation.
Sign up for Philosophy listservs (eg Philos-L).  Attend professional development seminar on teaching.  Attend professional development seminar on writing QP.	Begin to prepare teaching portfolio.  Create an account at www.philpapers.org, create a webpage. Submit successful QP1 to conferences/journals.  Attend professional development seminars on prospectus/dissertation, and on job talks.	Develop 2-3 areas of specialization (AOS) and 2-3 areas of teaching competence (AOC).  Join APA or other professional bodies.  Submit successful QP2 to conferences/journals.  Give a job talk to CUNY or other local colleges.	Attend seminar on job placement.  Prepare CV, cover letter, sample syllabuses, and writing sample for job application.  Take a mock interview.  Attend professional development seminar on professional ethics and grant applications.	Attend seminar on job placement.  Prepare CV, cover letter, sample syllabuses, and writing sample for job application.  Take a mock interview.  Attend professional development seminar on professional ethics and grant applications.