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The dissertation proposal should be crafted with the goal of completing all the work required for a PhD within five years. This takes planning and careful evaluation of the main aims of the project. We realize that progress is unpredictable and sometimes the most fruitful approaches are also the most challenging and take longer to bear fruit. Thus, exceptions are anticipated. Below is a general timeline of the dissertation process.

Year One (1)

• Complete all required coursework (Milestone 1).
• Define the broad scope of the overall PhD work.

Year Two (2)

• Complete additional elective coursework.
• Complete Milestone 2 requirements.

• Have a clear plan for a dissertation project presented at the first DAC meeting (late summer or early fall of year three (3).

  - It is understood that plans will evolve over the course of the dissertation, especially
  given that creativity is highly encouraged yet often comes with risk and, often, delays.

Year Three (3)

• Have unambiguous evidence of progress toward meeting the goals of the dissertation proposal.
• A preliminary list of potential dissertation chapter titles is encouraged to start thinking about the overall dissertation hypothesis and the diverse ways the evolving work could be packaged as a dissertation.

Year Four (4)

• Solidify directions as relates to dissertation chapters, which should include a body of work that will form the basis of one (1) or two (2) first author, peer-reviewed, primary research papers.
• While publication is not a degree requirement, bringing a body of work through to publication is an important skill to learn, thus we encourage that a plan for possible first author publication(s) begin to be discussed at DAC meetings even as early as Year Three (3).

Year Five (5) and Beyond

• Continue filling in the outline of the dissertation with data and discussion.
• Continue discussions as relates to plans for publication(s).
• Because bringing a story to closure in the form of a publication is an important skill to learn, we encourage manuscript submission prior to the PhD defense.
• Please know that we strongly encourage creativity and realize that it is often accompanied by longer timelines.