PhD Milestone Checklist/Timeline Starting Fall 2022 

PDF of Timeline

Prior to First Registration

• Meet with faculty advisor for advice on courses to take in your first semester.

Every Semester

• Research expectations discussion
• Complete Individual Development Plan (IDP) each fall (see links below)
• Schedule and attend annual mentoring committee meeting each spring (your prelim can count as your mentoring meeting if completed by spring deadline of your 2nd year)

Before you Graduate

• Fulfill BME Seminar requirements.. 

Year 1

     Fall

• Satisfy admission conditions as outlined in your Graduate School admission letter
• Register for Research Fundamentals I Course. The following documents will be due in class but are part of the milestones process.
  • Qual Pre-Registration Form Due (October 31^st)
  • 1^st year IDP Due (October 31^st)
• Register for a graduate-level ethics class in the first year.

     Spring

• Register for Research Fundamentals II Course. The following documents will be due in class but are part of the milestones process.
  • Qualifying Registration Form Due (February 1st)
• Complete Qualifying Exam (by May 15^th)
• Register for a graduate-level ethics class in the first year.

    Summer

• Complete online plan of study (by June 1^st)
• Register for a graduate-level ethics class in the first year.

Year 2

     Fall

• Start thinking about your prelim and thesis committee
• Schedule your prelim in year 2; at the very latest, first semester of year 3
• Complete 2^nd year IDP
• Apply for fellowships

     Spring

• Majority of your course work must be complete by prelim.
• Schedule and present your prelim exam; at the very latest, first semester of year 3
• Convene mentoring committee meeting each spring (your prelim can count as your mentoring meeting if completed by spring deadline)

Year 3

    Fall or Spring (semester TBD)

• Present your Research Talk (BME Bytes)

Years 3-5

• Defend thesis.

Fall

• Complete 3+ year IDP each year.

Spring

• Schedule and attend annual mentoring committee meeting

Prior to Final Semester

• Review your plan of study to ensure all degree requirements are met.
• Hold "green light" meeting with your committee for defense.
• Review instructions on scheduling your final exam.
• Review Purdue graduation deadlines.