You can download a fillable pdf copy of this timeline here: PhD Completion Timeline.pdf
The following is the expected timeline and checklist for successful completion of a Ph.D. It is never a problem to complete the various milestones early. Delays or changes require the agreement of the student's academic advisor and/or the Graduate Program Director.
Note that professional development activities, outreach, and participation in campus and departmental organizations are encouraged at all stages of a student's career!
To remain in good standing, all milestones must be completed on time.
1. Complete Qualifying Coursework/Written Quals
Required: Complete qualifying coursework by the end of the 5th semester to remain in good standing. Note that for most students, this will be completed by semester 3.
2. Appoint an Oral Exam Chair
Required: Inform the GPD and GPM (by email) of oral exam chair by the first day of the semester immediately following coursework qualification.
3. Complete Oral Quals
Required: GPD and GPM must receive the Research/Oral Qualifying Exam Checklist by the last day of classes in the semester immediately following coursework qualification.
4. Advance to Candidacy in Spire
This is done by a vote of the faculty, usually at the end of the semester in which you have completed both the oral and written quals.
5. Appoint a Research Advisor
Required: GPD and GPM must receive the Research Advisor Confirmation Form no later than September 1 following Advancement to Candidacy.
6. Appoint a Dissertation Committee
Required: Send email to GPD and GPM to inform them of your choice of committee no later than 20 months after achieving candidacy.
7. Complete Dissertation Prospectus
Required: No later than 24 months after advancement to candidacy, return the following documents to GPD and GPM: (1) Prospectus signature page with all signatures and (2) Dissertation Prospectus Checklist. The GPM can help acquire signatures. Note that the Prospectus is also required to be completed at least 7 months before defending your dissertation.
THE REMAINDER OF THESE REQUIREMENTS HAVE NO SET TIMELINE, HOWEVER YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL OF THEM TO GRADUATE.
8. Complete the Research Course Requirement
Required: Complete 3 advanced courses demonstrating breadth and depth. GPD must approve choice of courses before you take them, to be sure they will meet the requirements.
9. Complete the PhD Credit Requirement
Required: 18 credits of Physics 899.
10. Complete the Residency Requirement
Required: Two consecutive semesters of 8 credits or more, in residence at UMass Amherst.
11. Defense Announcement
Required: Contact the GPM to plan your defense as soon as you know you want to do this! Notification a minimum of 40 days prior to defense date is absolutely required. All of your other requirements must be in place, and there are many details to discuss. The grad school requires public announcements 30 days prior to defense. GPM needs time to process paperwork and make sure your file is otherwise complete.
12. Complete Dissertation and Defense
Required: Provide the GPM with the signature page from the dissertation and fill out the degree eligibility form on SPIRE. See instruction here: https://www.umass.edu/graduate/policies/resources/graduate-degree-eligibility
GPM will also provide a form for the committee to fill out at the defense
Further Instructions
- Physics Department web site: Requirements for the Ph.D., Physics Graduate Program Handbook
- Graduate School Website: Graduate school policies and forms, Doctoral Degree Checklist
Impact on Status and Financial Support
- Assistantship forms for reappointment may only be processed for students making satisfactory progress as outlined above.
- Before a request is made to extend a student's Statute of Limitations (SOL), a justification and confirmation of satisfactory progress must be received from the student's research advisor.