All work must be completed within eight years of the beginning of the doctoral study, or, if the student entered with a master’s degree in the same or a closely related field, the doctorate must be completed within seven years.

The general examination must be passed within five years of the beginning of doctoral study, or within four years if the student entered with a master’s degree in the same or closely-related field.

Failure to complete the work within the periods specified or failure to maintain continuous registration will require reevaluation of the student’s entire program and may result in a notice of termination. An extension of a student’s terminal date is considered only when there is substantial evidence that the student has attempted to make regular and consistent progress toward completion of degree requirements. A written recommendation to extend the terminal date must bear the signature of the student’s major advisor, and it must be submitted in a timely manner to the Graduate School. Approval is granted by the Dean. Third requests for extension are rare.