AIIS PhD Program Structure and Timeline
Faculty are committed to supporting students in maintaining timely progress to degree completion. Students are encouraged to complete the degree in five years when possible to ensure they are able to fulfill all degree requirements during their years of guaranteed funding.
The following degree progression timeline for doctoral students is a general guideline for completing the degree in five years. Faculty advisers and program staff work closely with students to support them in maintaining this timeline, and when needed, to identify appropriate adjustments.
- Full-time coursework (6-14 credits) spring and fall semesters, typically nine credits per semester, including completion of foundational, required courses for the AIIS PhD.
- Consultation with advisers to explore minors and language training opportunities.
- Full-time coursework (6-14 credits) spring and fall semesters, typically nine credits per semester. Spring is typically the final semester of coursework, unless arrangements for continued coursework are made in consultation with the adviser(s) and director of graduate studies.
- Preliminary written and oral examinations.
- Dissertation prospectus.
- Transition to full-time dissertation writing and research.
- Full-time dissertation writing and research.
- Dissertation defense and final oral exam in spring or summer if the student is ready.