Completion Process for PhD
This Completion Process information is merely designed as a guide to provide general information. Please consult with your major professor(s) for current guidance on how to satisfy your degree requirement.
Year 1
- Major Professor is pre-assigned. (Major Professor may be listed as Thesis Advisor or Graduate Advisor.)
- Discuss your educational objectives with several members of the faculty within the first six weeks on campus.
- Identify a major professor and advisory committee by the middle of the first semester of study.
- Prepare a Plan of Study (POS) with your Major Professor, selecting an Advisory Committee and courses.
- See IE PhD Plan of Study (POS) Requirements for more information on completing a Plan of Study.
Year 2
- Complete the registration for subsequent semesters with your major professor(s).
- Submit your Plan of Study as final so it can be fully approved. If you fail to file a POS on time, a late fee may be assessed by the Graduate School.
Years 3-5
- Schedule your Preliminary Examination. (Two semester rules apply between the Preliminary Examination and Final Examination.) For specific details on final examinations, read PhD Preliminary Examination Guidelines.
Final Semester
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Declare Candidacy by notifying IE Graduate Office.
- To check deadlines, visit Deadlines Calendar, The Graduate School.
- If you fail to declare candidacy by the deadline, a $200 late fee will be applied by the Graduate School.
- Schedule your PhD Final Examination. For specific details on final examinations, read PhD Final Examination Guidelines.
- Schedule your thesis deposit appointment as early as possible. The specific thesis deposit process can be found at Thesis/Dissertation Office.
Commencement
- A Commencement tab will be added on your myPurdue when you successfully declare candidacy. Please see Commencement for more information.
NOTE: If you have an incomplete grade, consult your instructor or major professor immediately.