1 Suggested Timeline

Integrated Marine Science Exam (IMSE; optional)

• Recommended at the end of the second semester
• Optional comprehensive exam across the four core disciplines of oceanography

Committee formation

• Recommended by the end of the second semester

Prospectus (i.e., proposal)

• By the end of the third semester; includes written and oral components delivered to your committee (also see Scheduling of Written Products)

Candidacy qualifying exams (PhD students)

• By the end of the sixth semester

Defense (also see Scheduling of Written Products)

• Master’s Student: typically by sixth semester
• Doctoral Student: typically by tenth semester

Thesis/dissertation submission to Graduate School

• Typically the same semester as defense (always after defense)
• Be sure to check the deadlines with the Graduate School for thesis/dissertation submission and application for graduation

Notes: 1) “Semesters” here apply to fall and spring only, not summers, although you are expected to work in the summer. 2) Although this is not a strict timeline, it gives an idea of where you should be at different stages of your graduate career.