PhD Timeline

Year One 

  • Consult with faculty - select an advisor
    • Submit "Track and Advisor Delcaration form" to the BIOE program assistant
  • Begin research - Select a dissertation project
    • Start reading relevant literature and developing approaches to your dissertation research
  • Complete 2-3 classes per semester
  • Take PhD Qualifying Exam
    • Taken at the conclusion of the spring semester
    • 3 Depth classes completed with a minumum 3.5 GPA
  • Start forming your dissertation committee
  • Complete and submit your Plan of Study for committee approval
  • Secure funding for upcoming semesters by mid-spring
  • Utilize the summer break to conduct research and develop your project

Year Two

  • Complete 2-3 more classes per semester
    • Consult your advisor for preferences on coursework vs. research hours
  • Update your Plan of Study as needed
  • Try to complete a journal manuscript, conference abstract, poster competition, etc.
    • Projects vary greatly, and you may not be ready for this yet but if you have made significant progress don't be afraid to act on it.
    • Remember, manuscripts are a basis for dissertation chapters. You can be making progress on your dissertation while developing recognition in the field.

Year Three

  • Continue in steps from year two
    • You should be completing all coursework
  • Prepare for and complete the Comprehensive Exam
    • This is your opportunity to get committee feedback and make critical changes that may be necessary for experiments and analysis. Don't delay this unless necessary.
    • At least 5 months must pass between your comprehensive and your defense
  • Upon completion of 18 post-comp credits, you may become eligible for 1 cr/hr enrollment for every semester
  • Continue your dissertation research
    • Your work should be becoming more "self-contained." Overcome the complexities and modify your project accordingly 
    • Contact your committee members to discuss your progress and/or problems to see if they have any advice

Year Four 

  • Get actively involved in your field by attending conferences and society meetings
    • Present your research and make a name for yourself
    • Network with those around you and start making steps towards your career goals
    • Actively seek out employment opportunities
  • Publish your research in applicable journals
    • Don't wait until your project is completed, publish as your findings become conclusive - file for patents where applicable
    • Publications make you more marketable and offer leverage over other job applicants
  • Finalize your dissertation
    • Submit it for your committee to review and schedule your oral defense
    • Leave yourself enough time to make revisions prior to the semester deadlines
    • Apply for graduation to the applicable semester prior to university deadlines - consult BIOE website for a complete list of steps toward graduation