Ph.D.: Timetable for Program Completion
Curriculum
Timetable
Credit/No Credit Courses
Qualifying Exam
Admission for Candidacy
The following timetable shows expected progress through the full-time program. Students completing the program on a part-time basis will vary significantly depending on the number of courses taken each semester.
| Activity | Target | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying exam passed | 1 year | none |
| Course work completed | 2 years | none |
| Dissertation proposal approved | 3 years | none |
| Application to candidacy approved | 3 years | 6 years |
| Dissertation defended | 4 years | 3 years after candidacy |
The Graduate School establishes limits for course work. At the time of admission to candidacy, all course work that is included in a student's program of work must have been taken within the previous six years. The Doctoral Committee annually reviews the programs of students who have not completed the degree at the end of three years from admission to candidacy. At the time of such reviews, the committee may recommend additional course work, further examination, or termination of candidacy. For more information please refer to the Graduate Catalog.
The 100-hour rule. In addition to time limits, there are penalties for accumulating more that 99 doctoral hours. The Texas Legislature funds the University through "formula funding," an amount of money provided to the University for each hour taught. Currently the Legislature provides no formula funding for students with more than 130 doctoral hours. Starting in Fall 1999, the Legislature will provide no formula funding for students with more than 99 doctoral hours. At that time, the University will begin charging nonresident tuition to all students, resident and nonresident, who have accumulated more than 99 doctoral hours. For more information visit the Office of Graduate Studies Forms page.