We expect all students to complete all three parts of the First Examination by the middle of September of their second year. The students should be able to complete 45 credits and reach Level II by the end of the second year.

During the third year students select a mentor who will be willing to chair the Second Examination Committee and assign the topic for the Second Examination. The Second Examination should take place no later than the fourth year. By the end of the fourth year students are expected to complete the coursework and all other requirements for Advancement to Candidacy. In most cases, the Chair of the Second Examination Committee will become the dissertation adviser.

Thesis research is conducted during the fourth, fifth and sixth year and culminates in the defense sometime during this period.