The intake to the doctoral program is standardized to the fall term. This is done so that a consistent and standardized roster of course offerings can be offered so that students can make good progress through the program.
To proceed in the program, a student must complete the work in each course in the term in which it is offered unless a formal Incomplete has been arranged. If a formal Incomplete has been arranged, the student must complete the work by the agreed-upon date or risk failure in the course, thereby jeopardizing his/her ability to progress in the program.
To remain in good academic standing in the program, a student must meet all progression milestones and maintain an overall average of at least 75% with no more than one course in the C range (60-69%) and no course below 60%. To maintain funding, a student must meet all progression milestones and achieve at least 78% standing averaged over all courses in each term, with no course below 60%.
Students who are not meeting progression milestones may risk funding, may not be allowed to proceed into the next phase of the program, or may be required to withdraw from the program. In particular, students must pay close attention to the milestones related to the comprehensive exam and thesis proposal.
- Completion of an approved program of courses. A minimum of six to a maximum of eight courses must be completed, as specified in Course Requirements, normally by the end of the 4th term of registration (before undertaking the proposal and thesis components of the doctorate).
- Passing of a comprehensive examination (LIS 9895). A typical doctoral student making good progress* should be able to write the comprehensive examination in the term following the completion of six courses, including the required courses (that is, usually by the fourth or fifth term in the program, depending upon course availability).
- Submission and approval of a research proposal (LIS 9889). Normally, the doctoral proposal should be underway by the sixth term and should be completed by no later than the end of the seventh term. For many students, completion of the proposal by the end of the sixth term is recommended.
- Submission of a PhD thesis (LIS 9890). Funding ends after four full years, so it is desirable that the completed doctoral thesis should be submitted and defended before the end of the fourth year (twelfth term) in the program.
- Presentation of a public lecture on the thesis topic.
- Passing of an Oral Examination of the thesis (LIS 9890).
*Every attempt is made to regularly schedule doctoral courses so that students may make good progress through the program. However, a student who is working steadfastly but is missing a needed course due to a lack of course offerings may still be considered to be making good progress.
Updated 07/02/2008