Political Science PhD Milestones

Full-Time Political Science PhD Students
Timeline for full-time Political Science PhD showing Years 1–5. Milestones: foundation courses, poster session in Year 2, conference attendance by Year 2, comprehensive exams by Year 3, dissertation proposal approval in Year 3, presenting at conferences in Years 4–5, dissertation prep in Years 4–5, and final dissertation defense. Ongoing: co-curricular events and research collaboration.

Full-time Students

  • By the end of Year 1: Complete POGO 511, POGO 801, and Foundation courses and produce a workable draft research design from POGO 801.
  • By the end of Year 1.5: Present at a Schar poster session (an expanded POGO 801 research designs works well).
  • By the end of Year 2: Attend a regional or national academic conference. Schar provides funding for up to $1,100 each academic year.
  • During Year 3: Pass Comprehensive Exams.
  • By the end of Year 3: Present and secure approval of dissertation proposal
  • During Years 4 & 5: Have presented and attended multiple regional or national conferences or at a Schar research forum. Funding remains available at up to $1,100 per academic year.
  • By the end of Year 4 or 5: Defend Dissertation
  • Ongoing: Attend at least 3 co-curricular activities (talks, symposia, workshops, etc.) per semester. 
  • Ongoing: Strongly encouraged to co-author book chapters or journal articles with faculty mentors.
Part-Time Political Science PhD Students
Timeline for part-time Political Science PhD showing Years 1–6. Milestones: foundation courses, poster session in Year 2, conference attendance by Year 2, preparing for comprehensive exams in Year 3, passing exams by Year 4, dissertation proposal approval in Year 4, presenting at conferences in Year 5, dissertation prep through Years 5–6, and dissertation defense. Ongoing: co-curricular events and research.

Part-time Students

  • By the end of Year 1: Complete POGO 511, POGO 801, and Foundation courses and produce a workable draft research design from POGO 801.
  • By the end of Year 1.5: Present at a Schar poster session (an expanded POGO 801 research designs works well).
  • By the end of Year 2: Pass Qualifying Exam
  • By the end of Year 2: Attend a regional or national academic conference. Schar provides funding for up to $1,100 each academic year.
  • By the end of Year 4: Present and secure approval of dissertation proposal 
  • During Years 4 & 5: Have presented and attended multiple regional or national conferences or at a Schar research forum. Funding remains available at up to $1,100 per academic year.
  • By the end of Year 5 or 6: Defend Dissertation
  • Ongoing: Attend at least 3 co-curricular activities (talks, symposia, workshops, etc.) per semester. 
  • Ongoing: Strongly encouraged to co-author book chapters or journal articles with faculty mentors.