Timetable for the Doctoral Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy degree at the GSE requires four to five years of full-time study. Possession of a relevant master’s degree may shorten this period. Per Stanford policy, students are required to enroll in each quarter of the academic year (Autumn, Winter, and Spring) from their first through final quarter in the program (i.e., until receipt of the degree). Approved leaves of absence are the only exception to this requirement. See the Registration and Student Statuses section of this Handbook and the GSE Courses section. Please note that although this timeline outlines the expected progress for doctoral students, students may always complete milestones earlier than what is outlined below.

First Year

• Enroll in Doctoral Core: IDEAS Seminar EDUC 325A (autumn), EDUC 325B (winter) and EDUC 325C (spring)
• Enroll in Methodology Core: EDUC 400A, EDUC 400B, EDUC 450A, and one additional methods course in consultation with an advisor
• Take any required area/subplan courses
• Take electives relevant to area and specialization
• Enroll in 11 to 18 units in the first academic year (three quarters) of attendance
• Plan program of study in consultation with advisor(s)
• Assist in research and/or teaching
• First-Year Review in the spring quarter (see CTE, DAPS, and SHIPS-specific requirements) 

Second Year

• Enroll in 8 to 10 units each quarter of the regular academic year (autumn, winter, and spring)
• Continue taking any required courses for area/subplan
• Finish methodology core if not completed during first year
• Take electives relevant to area and specialization
• Assist in research and/or teaching
• Second-Year Review in the spring quarter (see CTE, DAPS, and SHIPS-specific requirements)
• Finalize program of study in consultation with advisor(s)
• Transfer credit from outside institutions and/or choose a PhD Minor/Master’s Degree (recommended to be done by the end of second year, but can be completed anytime before the student goes TGR)
• Advance to candidacy

Third Year

• Continuing taking required coursework and electives
• Enroll in 8 to 10 units each quarter of the regular academic year (autumn, winter, and spring quarters)

Fourth Year

• Complete 135 units of earned residency credit (including applicable transfer credit, if any)
• Select reading committee
• Apply for TGR status after completing all course-related degree requirements (including clearing any "incomplete" or "GNR" grades)
• Complete the dissertation proposal
• Schedule a dissertation proposal hearing 
• Note that going TGR and completing the dissertation proposal hearing are required in order to be eligible for the fifth-year funding guarantee

Fifth Year and Beyond

• Assist in research and/or teaching
• Complete research for and write dissertation
• Schedule University Oral Examination (fourth or fifth year)
• Make revisions to dissertation after the Oral Examination
• Submit dissertation to the University (final quarter of program)
• Graduate!

Each of these steps requires action and documentation by the student. At various times, the faculty advisor, Doctoral Programs Officer, Area Committee, or other entities participate in the completion of degree requirements. Students can use My Academic Path (MAP) to track their course progress. For more information on degree milestones, see the Degree Milestones section.