Academic Milestones
The Center for Translational Science Activities (CTSA) Predoctoral Programs Committee recognizes that each student will have his or her own individualized program and timeline. But to facilitate the successful completion of the program, the committee tracks certain milestones to stay appraised of a student's progress.
Milestone 1: Select a mentor
You must have selected your mentor by Dec. 31 of your second year.
Milestone 2: Submit Degree Program form
You're expected to file an official Degree Program form by Dec. 31 of your second year. This form lists all course work you've completed and will complete to fulfill the minimum 42 required credits. Fifty percent of these credits must be graded on the A-F grading system.
Milestone 3: Complete Written Qualifying Examination
You must complete the Written Qualifying Examination by Sept. 30 of your third year.
Milestone 4: Assemble Thesis Advisory Committee
You must assemble your Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) after completing the Written Qualifying Examination and before completing the Oral Qualifying Examination.
Milestone 5: Submit first progress report
You must meet with your TAC and submit your first progress report before completing the Oral Qualifying Examination.
Milestone 6: Complete Oral Qualifying Examination
The Oral Qualifying Examination must be completed by Dec. 31 of your third year.
Milestone 7: Submit additional progress reports
After submitting your first progress report, you're required to submit reports every six months and enter the date of your last progress meeting on all of your course registration forms. If you don't enter the date, you won't be registered and the form will be returned to you.
Milestone 8: Final Oral Examination (thesis defense)
The Final Oral Examination can take place after you've passed both the Written Qualifying Examination and Oral Qualifying Examination and completed all course work.
Milestone 9: Graduation
Degrees are granted four times a year — February, August, November and May. Those graduating in May are included in a joint Mayo Graduate School-Mayo Medical School graduation ceremony. No ceremony is held in February, August and November, but students who graduate at one of these times are encouraged to participate in the May ceremony.
To graduate in February, August or November, you must have all requirements completed by the first business day of the month prior to the graduation month.
To graduate in May, you must have a draft of your thesis to your adviser by March 8 and your thesis defense scheduled. All other requirements must be completed by April 8, except submission of your thesis. The final copy of your thesis must be submitted one week before graduation day.
You're allowed no more than six months to complete Ph.D. degree requirements after a successful thesis defense.
Find Mayo Clinic on