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 School of Graduate Studies (SGS) seven-year rule for assessment of progress in the program regarding the proposal and dissertation defense.
SGS Seven-Year Policy for Completion of All Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
Rutgers SGS specifies that all requirements for the Ph.D. degree, including successful defense and presentation of the dissertation, be completed within seven years of matriculation. The SGS seven-year policy on completion of the dissertation applies to full-time and part-time students. Under exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted by the SGS, 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 SGS. 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
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, two area requirements
Spring: 603 and/or 605, additional methods course, 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 (608)
Year 2
Fall: 608 (Practium), 604 if required, one or two area requirements
Spring: two or three area requirements; present Practicum findings
Summer: prepare qualifying examination
Year 3
Fall: take written and oral qualifying examination
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].)Year 1
Fall: 601, one area requirement
Spring: 603 and/or 605, one area requirement or additional methods course
Summer: file for transfer of credits at end of semester; select initial adviser if one not assigned or selected already
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 written and oral 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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Ph.D. Program in Communication, Information, and Media 
