Completion of the Comprehensive/Clinical Competency Exam (PhD and PsyD): Some programs require a comprehensive exam or clinical competency exam as part of the doctoral program. Please refer to your program specific guidelines for information about this. Students should complete these required exams within six years of matriculation in the program.

Timeline for proposal defense: Students are expected to successfully defend their proposal within one semester of completing their proposal development course(s).

Timeline for completion of dissertation: Upon the completion of an approved dissertation proposal and approval from Institutional Review Board (IRB) students have three years in which to satisfactorily complete and defend their dissertation.

Students who do not complete their dissertation proposal or final defense within the time frame must petition for an extension of the time limit through the Program Director or Chair of their program. The student must agree to an extension contract and show progress to receive subsequent extensions and continue in the program. Both extension and termination decisions will be discussed and decided at a department student progress committee.

Total time in the program cannot exceed ten years, including dissertation defense. No extensions will be granted beyond ten years.