Smith PhD Program Overview

Advancement to Candidacy

When all coursework, the written comprehensive examination and any additional departmental requirements have been successfully completed, the student applies for formal advancement to candidacy. Candidacy status means that all requirements for the PhD degree other than the dissertation have been satisfied.

The Application for Advancement to Candidacy is a Graduate School requirement, and should be completed by the student and his/her Faculty Program Representative. The Advancing to Candidacy Worksheet is a Doctoral Program Office requirement and should be completed by the student and his/her Faculty Program Representative. Both the Application for Advancement to Candidacy and the Advancing to Candidacy Worksheet should be submitted to the Doctoral Program Office for approval by the Program Director. For your area's Advancing to Candidacy Worksheet, please see below.

Requirements for Advancing to Candidacy by Area