Sample Timeline

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1. Ph. D Timeline

Year 1

Fall

  • Take 9 credit hours of courses.

  • Take the first half of two pillar sequences.

  • Enroll in Math 5905 (part 1 of 2).

  • Prepare to take one (or more) of the preliminary exams offered in January.

Spring

  • Take 6 credit hours of courses. 

  • Complete the second half of two pillar sequences.

  • Prepare to take one (or more) of the preliminary exams offered in August.

Summer

  • Participate in the summer REU opportuninity.

  • Pass one (or more) of the preliminary exams. 

Year 2

Fall

  • Take 9 credit hours of courses. 

  • Take the first half of the final pillar sequence.

  • Prepare to take one (or more) of the preliminary exams offered in January.

  • January is the deadline to pass your first prelim.

Spring

  • Take 6 credit hours of courses. 

  • Complete the second half of the final pillar sequence.

  • Take Math 6350 Complex Analysis.

  • Enroll in Math 5905 (part 2 of 2).

  • Prepare to take one (or more) of the preliminary exams offered in August.

Summer

  • Teach a summer course or find outside funding.

  • Pass one (or more) of the preliminary exams offered in August.

Year 3

Fall

  • Take 6 credit hours of courses.

  • Find a comp advisor and create your comp syllabus.

  • January is the deadline to pass your second prelim.

Spring

  • Take 6 credit hours of courses.

  • Take your comprehensive exam.

Summer

  • Summer research funding is available for those who passed their comprehensive exam.

Year 4

Fall

  • Take 5-10 dissertation credits.

  • Enroll in one course (pass/fail optional) if post-comp, two courses if pre-comp.

  • Must have passed your comp by the end of this semester.

  • Begin researching with your thesis advisor.

Spring

  • Take 5-10 dissertation credits.

  • Enroll in one course (pass/fail optional).

  • Work on thesis.

Summer

  • Summer research funding is available for those working on their dissertation.

Years 5-7

Fall

  • Take 5-10 dissertation credits.

  • Enroll in one course (pass/fail optional). Those graduating this semester are exempt from this requirement. 

  • Work on dissertation or defense.

  • Apply to graduate when ready.

  • A seventh year requires special approval from the Graduate Committee and the Graduate School. 

Spring

  • Take 5-10 dissertation credits.

  • Enroll in one course (pass/fail optional). Those graduating this semester are exempt from this requirement. 

  • Work on dissertation or defense.

  • Apply to graduate when ready.

Summer

  • Summer research funding is available for those working on their dissertation.

2. Masters Timeline