Milestones

Milestones and associated timelines are based on your date of entry to SMS and your degree program. The full list in the order of completion is given below, with links to further information. You may also check your milestone status at any time using DegreeWorks audit and milestones tracking system. Login to DegreeWorks

• Major Advisor and Declaration of Department (8 months)
• Advisory Committee and Research Topic Selection (9 months)
• Pre-Qualifying Interview (12 months for M.S.; 18 months for Ph.D.)
• Intent to Bypass Notification (submit before taking the Comprehensive Exam; for students seeking the M.S. bypass option, only)
• Comprehensive Exam (21 months; for Ph.D. students, as well as those seeking the M.S. bypass option)
• Request to Bypass (24 months; for those seeking M.S. bypass option)
• Qualifying Exam & Prospectus Defense (18 months for M.S., 30 months for Ph.D., including via bypass)
• Admission to Candidacy (24 months for M.S., 34 months for Ph.D.)
• Thesis or Dissertation Defense and Public Seminar Presentation (3 months prior to completion of degree requirements)
• Thesis or Dissertation Submission and Completion of Degree Requirements (36 months for M.S., 48, 60 or 72 months for Ph.D.)
• Graduation