Requirements for GSBS PhD Students
Link to 2020 Milestones Agreement for PhD Students
Exceptions granted due to the inevitable delays in student progress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic:
- All students who matriculated prior to Fall 2020 have been given a one-semester extension in which to meet their degree milestones, if needed by the student.
- All students who graduate before Fall 2021 will not be required to have an accepted first-authored scientific publication in order to graduate (i.e., submission of the paper is sufficient for graduation).
| Milestone | Expected Time of Achievement1 |
| Complete GSBS Ethical Dimensions course | End of Fall term of 1st year |
| Complete tutorial rotations | End of Spring term of 1st year2 |
| Identify a research advisor | End of Spring term of 1st year2 |
| Join a GSBS Graduate Program3 | End of Spring term of 1st year2 |
| Obtain approval from ASC for Advisory Committee | End of Summer term of 1st year2 |
| Hold first advisory meeting | End of Fall term of 2nd year |
| Hold subsequent Advisory Committee meetings | Every 6 months |
| Complete all pre-candidacy course requirements | End of Summer term of 2nd year |
| Complete online ethics modules | End of Summer term of 2nd year |
| Complete Scientific Writing course3 | End of Summer term of 2nd year |
| Petition for PhD candidacy | End of Summer term of 2nd year |
| Take candidacy exam | End of Fall term of 3rd year |
| Complete all Program-specific requirements | Before defense |
| Submit at least one 1st-author scientific paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal4 | Before defense |
| Submit a signed petition to defend dissertation | Two weeks before defense |
| Defend dissertation | Before graduation |
| Publish at least one 1st-author scientific paper in a peer-reviewed journal5 | Before graduation |
| Submit final signed dissertation & complete all exit paperwork | Before graduation |
| Complete all degree requirements | Within 7 years of admission |
Students are also required to:
- Complete a Milestones Agreement each year
- Complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) each year
1The expected timing is based on matriculation in the Fall Semester
2Students in the Medical Physics Program may meet these requirements on a slightly different schedule (e.g., 3rd tutorial may be done during summer term, advisor is selected at end of summer, etc.)
3Required of students who matriculated in Fall 2014 and thereafter
4Required of students who matriculated before Fall 2014
5Required of students who matriculated in Fall 2014 and thereafter