Procedures for Doctoral Students

Please read this general overview of tasks you will need to complete by semester:

1. First Semester
   • Prepare for the PhD comprehensive exam including the Technical Qualifying Evaluation (TQE) and the Research Qualifying Exam (RQE).
   • Submit final Official transcripts to the graduate school showing proof
     of your previous degree (if not from Michigan Tech or unless done
     previously).
   • Fill out Patent, Research and Proprietary Rights form.
   • Register for second semester courses.
2. Second Semester
   • Choose an advisor.
   • Prepare for the PhD comprehensive exam
   • Take the Technical Qualifying Evaluation (TQE) between the second and the third semester if necessary
3. Third Semester
   • Complete RQE if entered the PhD program with a MS in Computer Science or a related field
   • Complete TQE graduate-level breadth requirement (see the handbook (Section 2.3.1)
4. Fourth Semester
   • Complete RQE if entered the PhD program with a BS in Computer Science or a related field
5. Fifth Semester
   • Prepare for PhD dissertation proposal
6. Sixth Semester
   • Complete RQE if entered the PhD program with a BS or MS in an unrelated field
   • Pass dissertation proposal defense
7. Future Semesters 
   • Begin your dissertation/thesis/report
   • This will be the most challenging document you have ever planned, organized, and written
   • Follow the Graduate School guidelines
   • Follow department and advisor guidelines (see handbook)