After you have advanced to candidacy, there are certain items to be aware of while working towards graduating with a Ph.D. Degree. This checklist is designed to cover the basics, but more comprehensive information is located on the Graduate Division's website: Satisfying Degree Requirements

  1. Maintain continuous enrollment (it is recommended you enroll for 12 units in Dissertation Research under your Dissertation Chair).
  2. The normal time to degree is 7 years, not including the first three academic Leave of Absence quarters (if taken).
  3. Submit a short Dissertation Prospectus for your files 6 months after advancement to candidacy.
  4. Communicate with your Dissertation Chair (and committee) each quarter.
  5. Prepare the dissertation according to the UCI Thesis and Dissertation Manual. It is beneficial if you attend one of the information sessions offered quarterly to help you prepare your dissertation and ensure it will be approved by the University Archives.
  6. Turn in your “final” dissertation for review and approval 8 weeks before the filing deadline and submit everything to the library.