3.1.4 Progression to Candidacy: Required Milestones
Progression to PhD candidacy in the Rehabilitation Sciences program occurs through the successful completion of a series of structured milestones designed to support students’ development as independent researchers. These milestones span the first two years of the program (for SLP track – first three years) and culminate in a formal Qualifying Examination. All milestones must be completed satisfactorily to advance to candidacy.
The qualifying components (Milestones 1–3) are designed to ensure that students meet PhD-level expectations for rigor, scope, and depth, and to assess readiness to advance to candidacy. All milestones leading to candidacy are reviewed and approved according to the processes outlined below and should be completed within the specified timelines. The Academic Committee of the PhD Program oversees the two written qualifying components (Milestones 1 & 2), while the Qualifying Examination (Milestone 3) is overseen and evaluated by the Qualifying Examination Committee.
The two written components must be passed before scheduling the Qualifying Examination.
Qualifying Milestone Timeline Overview:
|
Milestone
|
Component
|
Reviewed By
|
Expected Completion
|
|
Literature Review/First Author manuscript
|
Written
|
Academic Committee
|
End of Summer, Year 2
SLP Track – End of Summer, Year 3
|
|
Specific Aims Page
|
Written
|
Academic Committee
|
End of Summer, Year 2
SLP Track – End of Summer, Year 3
|
|
Qualifying Examination
|
Written & Oral
|
Qualifying Exam Committee
|
End of Fall, Year 3
SLP Track – End of Fall, Year 4
|