Typically, students taking coursework enroll in three courses each semester (a minimum of two per semester is required even for part-time students). Taking fewer courses than this will substantially add to one's degree completion time and requires special permission from the Ph.D. program director that can be granted only under special circumstances, which need to be documented. It is the view of the program faculty that a student must be immersed in doctoral studies to properly attain this education, and taking one course per semester simply does not facilitate that. Students are bound in terms of the seven-year rule for assessment of progress in the program regarding the proposal and dissertation defense. The dissertation proposal approval/defense is a Graduate School-New Brunswick requirement, and is approved under the same conditions as stated in the
communication, information, and library studies (CILS) program documentation.
Dissertation Proposal
Within 12 months of completion of the qualifying exams, a dissertation committee must be formed, and a dissertation proposal developed. Students may request the opportunity to present their final proposal at a Ph.D. colloquium in consultation with their adviser and the Ph.D. program director. Students will have 12 months from the successful completion of their qualifying examination to obtain approval of the final dissertation proposal from the full committee.
Seven-Year Rule for Completion of All Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
The Graduate School-New Brunswick specifies that all requirements for the Ph.D. degree, including successful defense and presentation of the dissertation, be completed within seven years of matriculation in a program of the Graduate School. The Graduate School Seven-Year Rule policy on completion of the dissertation applies to both full-time and part-time students. Under exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted extension by the Graduate School, upon application and support by the adviser and approval of the Ph.D. director. It is the student's responsibility to file for such extensions, which must be approved by the program director and Graduate School. There are additional constraints imposed on students taking more than 10 years to complete their doctorate. The program is structured in a way that should allow all doctoral students to complete their studies within the seven-year window (and ideally much sooner).
Sample Timelines
The samples below are rough guides of possible pathways for students. A student's path through the program depends heavily on his or her interests and guidance from an adviser.
Sample 4-Year Program Completion Timeline
(This timeline assumes 9 credits each semester [full time] and transfer of 21 master's-level credits)
Year 1
Fall: 601, 602, one area requirement
Spring: 603 and/or 605, one or two area requirements
Summer: file for transfer of credits at end of semester; select initial adviser if one not assigned; plan for Practicum
Year 2
Fall: 608 (Practium), 604 if required, two or three area requirements
Spring: 608 (Practicum), two or three area requirements; present Practicum findings
Summer: prepare qualifying examination
Year 3
Fall: take and defend qualifying exams
Spring: dissertation proposal approved
Summer: work on dissertation
Year 4
Fall: dissertation draft completed
Spring: dissertation finished/defended/presented
Sample 6-Year Program Completion Timeline
(This timeline assumes 6 credits each semester [part-time] and transfer of 21 master's-level credits)
Year 1
Fall: 601, one area requirement
Spring: 603 and/or 605, zero or one area requirement or additional methods course
Summer: file for transfer of credits at end of semester; select initial adviser if one not assigned
Year 2
Fall: 604 if required, one or two area requirements
Spring: 608 (Practicum), one area requirement
Year 3
Fall: two area requirements, present Practicum findings
Spring: one or two area requirements, begin qualifying examination preparation
Year 4
Fall: take and defend qualifying examination
Spring: dissertation proposal preparation
Year 5
Fall: dissertation proposal approved
Spring: work on dissertation
Year 6
Fall: dissertation draft completed
Spring: dissertation finished/defended/presented
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