Ph.D. Program Milestones
Successful completion of a Ph.D. program requires you to demonstrate the capacity to do high-quality independent academic work. Ph.D. program milestones are designed to guide you in your training to determine the status and continuity of the program and ensure the successful and timely completion of your degree.
First-Year Research Project
First Research Proposal Submission
Under the direction of at least one area faculty, a research proposal must be prepared and submitted to the Ph.D. Area Coordinator outlining the tentative research questions to be explored in the first-year research paper.
First-Year Student Review
This review reflects course work, research activities, and performance of GRA/GTA duties. The assessment reflects the input of all area faculty. A written assessment will be reviewed with the student and placed in his/her file.
First Research Paper Submission
A written document describing the work must be available to all area faculty.
First Research Paper Presentation
Each student makes a presentation of his or her first-year paper at a meeting open to all College faculty. The presentation is assessed by all area faculty.
Second Year Research Project
Second Research Proposal Submission
Under the direction of at least one area faculty, a one-page research proposal must be prepared and submitted to the Ph.D. Area Coordinator outlining the tentative research questions to be explored in the second-year research paper.
Second-Year Student Review
This review reflects course work (including Ph.D. seminars), research activities, results of comprehensive exams, and performance of GRA/GTA duties. The assessment reflects the input of all area faculty. A written assessment will be reviewed with the student and placed in his/her file.
Second Research Paper Submission
A written document describing the work must be available to all area faculty.
Second Research Paper Presentation
Each student makes a presentation of his or her second-year paper at a meeting open to all College faculty. The presentation is assessed by all area faculty.
Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam
Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam and Candidacy
By the end of the second year, you must pass an examination measuring your depth of knowledge and comprehension of your chosen field’s methodology, theoretical construction, and empirical evidence.
Annual Student Reviews
Third-Year and Subsequent Annual Student Reviews
The review of students at the end of the third year reflects course work, research activities, performance of GRA/GTA duties, and any teaching experiences. The assessment reflects the input of all area faculty. A written assessment will be reviewed with the student and placed in his/her file.
Ph.D. Dissertation
Proposal for the Ph.D. Dissertation
With guidance from the faculty, you will develop a proposal for the Ph.D. dissertation. The proposal should demonstrate that you have the ability to (1) think independently, (2) take the initiative to develop and structure a research problem, rigorous solution, and analysis, (3) write the research in a clear, organized, and concise manner representative of papers published in major academic journals, and (4) make a research presentation close to the quality necessary for successful job interviews. Advancement to candidacy for the doctoral degree is a judgment by the faculty of the student’s potential to successfully complete the requirements of the degree program.
Dissertation Execution and Defense
Once you have successfully presented a dissertation proposal, you must follow the final steps needed to complete the Ph.D. degree. You are expected to complete your Ph.D. dissertations by the end of your fourth or fifth year. You will present your doctoral research at an oral defense open to the entire faculty in the Scheller College of Business. You will qualify for a Ph.D. upon successful defense of your dissertation.