This section offers detailed descriptions of the program’s five steps: 1. Coursework, 2. Preparatory Requirements 3. Qualifying Examination, 4. Candidacy Examination, and 5. Dissertation.
Ideally, you should complete your coursework within the first two years (four semesters) depending on transfer credit; all Preparatory Requirements within two and one half years (five semesters); the Qualifying Examination by the end of the first year; the Candidacy Examination, including the Dissertation Proposal Defense during fifth semester; and the Dissertation within four years (eight semesters) of your initial enrollment.
Although University regulations require you to advance to candidacy within five years of matriculation and to complete all requirements for the degree within ten years, the Graduate Group in City and Regional Planning encourages a faster pace. The descriptions below detail each step and Graduate Group performance expectations.
The table below outlines an ideal schedule semester by semester. It assumes the transfer of four course units, thus permitting the completion of coursework within two years. It also offers alternatives for beginning the Preparatory Requirements, either starting the research fellowship or teaching fellowship in the first semester of full-time study or one semester later.
