Suggested timeline for students entering the PhD program with and MA

Year 1  
Coursework  

Fall:

  • Enroll in 6-9 hrs. of coursework, including GRMN 5020; the 6-9 hours can also include a course in your secondary concentration.
  • Take course for second language requirement, if needed.

Spring:

  • Enroll in 6-9 hrs. of coursework, including GRMN 5010, a course for your secondary concentration, and (if still needed) one course with pre-1900 content.
  • Take course for second language requirement, if needed.
  • Consult thesis chair and Assoc. Chair about applying for DAAD and Fulbright grants in fall of year 2.
  • Consult thesis chair and Assoc. Chair about internships for year 2.
Year 2  
Qualifying Paper and Exam  

Fall:

  • Recommended internship**
  • Take course for second language requirement, if needed.
  • Apply for Fulbright and DAAD, deadlines in Sept. and Oct.
  • Apply for university dissertation fellowships.

Spring:

  • Dissertation hours, if needed
  • Recommended internship**
  • Take course for second language requirement, if needed.
  • Submit your Candidacy Application for an Advanced Degree (online form) at least two weeks before your first comprehensive exam.
  • Comprehensive exams.
Year 3  
Dissertation  

Fall:

  • Study abroad on DAAD, Fulbright or CU program (recommended)
  • Dissertation prospectus defense
  • Dissertation research and writing*

Spring:

  • Study abroad on DAAD, Fulbright or CU program (recommended).
  • Dissertation research and writing*
Year 4  
Dissertation  

Fall:

  • Dissertation research and writing*
  • Recommended internship**

Spring:

  • Dissertation research and writing*
Year 5  
Dissertation  

Fall:

  • Dissertation research and writing*
  • Recommended internship**

Spring:

  • Dissertation research and writing*
  • Schedule your dissertation defense (see Graduation Deadlines): Contract the Graduate Program Assistant for information on scheduling your dissertation defense.  This should be done during the beginning of the semester in which you plan to graduate.
  • Apply for graduation online.  (See Graduation Deadlines.)
  • Defend dissertation and submit final dissertation and Thesis Approval form (TAF) online by Graduate School Deadline.

*For each semester in which you are engaged in dissertation writing, e-mail your request to enroll in dissertation hours and the name of your dissertation advisor to the Graduate Program Assistant so that he or she can enroll you in dissertation hours.

**You are strongly encouraged to enroll in an internship for at least one semester during your doctoral studies.  Up to 3 internship credits may be applied toward PhD coursework.  Internships may also be taken during the summer, but students enrolling in summer internship hours do not receive tuition remission.