The PhD Time Line

1
The PhD Time Line
All students enter the PhD program as
precandidates
This phase lasts 2 years
Upon completing the candidacy requirements, a
student advances to PhD candidacy
This phase typically lasts 3 years and
culminates in the awarding of a PhD
2
The precandidacy phase
Year 1
Formal coursework based upon the intended
area(s) of specialization 20 credits typical (6
classes library course seminar)
3
The precandidacy phase
Year 1
Research Adviser Selection CHEM PhD Meet with 6
or more faculty Dec. 3 Turn in selection
form Dec. 17 Notified of research adviser
January Initiate research BCHM
PhD Fall Laboratory Rotations
Dec. 17 Turn in selection form Jan. 2
Notified of research adviser January
Initiate research
4
The precandidacy phase
Year 1
Library Tools CHEM Students take CHEM648X
(Library Class) Complete Library
Paper BCHM Students take BCHM648X
(Electronic Tools) Complete
Assignments Note Classes meet in early
January
5
The precandidacy phase
Year 1
Cumulative Exams For CHEM PhD only Monthly
evening exams Available Physical, Inorganic,
Analytical, and Organic cumes Topics announced 1
week prior 8 offered yearly must pass 6 in 1st
2 yrs Begin taking in fall (especially organic)
6
The precandidacy phase
Year 1
MEI Exam International students must pass MEI Exam
7
The precandidacy phase
Year 1
Many students complete formal course requirements
during the 1st Year Summer is spent full-time
on research as a Research Assistant
8
The precandidacy phase
Year 2

• The emphasis is on Research
• Select a topic for PhD research
• Develop expertise in research methods
• Obtain preliminary results for PhD

9
The precandidacy phase
Year 2

• Complete candidacy requirements
• Coursework 21 credits total (including 2
  seminar credits)
• CHEM pass cumulative exams

10
The precandidacy phase
Year 2

• Prepare for candidacy exam
• Prepare candidacy paper
• 15 page document that proposes PhD thesis topic
• (Context methodology preliminary results
  
• expected outcomes)
• Review knowledge in area of specialization

11
The precandidacy phase
Year 2

• Undergo candidacy exam
• 2-hour oral exam, based upon candidacy paper
  knowledge of discipline
• Before candidacy committee composed of four
  faculty members
• Must demonstrate fitness for PhD through the
  paper and through informed responses to the
  questions from the committee

12
The precandidacy phase
Year 2
The candidacy exam must be completed by Oct. 15
of your 5th semester if you are a chemist, and by
May 31 of the 4th semester If you are a
biochemist Outcome Advanced to candidacy!
13
The precandidacy phase
Years 3 and 4

• Begin to Disseminate Results
• Publications
• Conference presentations

14
The precandidacy phase
Years 3 and 4

• Continued Professional Training
• Attend Seminars
• Participate Actively in Department

15
The precandidacy phase
Years 3 and 4

• Independent Research Proposal
• Formal Requirement of BCHM PhD

16
The precandidacy phase
Year 5

• Expected Completion of PhD
• Written dissertation (may be compendium of
  publications)
• Present seminar on PhD research
• Oral defense of PhD