Timetable for Doctoral Degree

Each of these steps requires action and documentation from the student. 

Students must ensure that each step is completed and that all appropriate parties have taken the necessary actions. See the Degree Progress Self-Tracking Checklist at the end of the Handbook for more information.

First Year

Enroll in Doctoral Core (10 units each quarter)
  • Autumn: Econ 202, 210, 271 
  • Winter: Econ 202, 211, 271 
  • Spring: Econ 204, 212, 272 

If waived out of any first-year core courses, supplement your study list with second-year field or distribution courses.

Attend First-Year Seminar
Summer: Enroll in Directed Reading under advisor's section number
Plan program of study in consultation with advisor(s)

Second Year

Enroll in 8-10 units of field and distribution courses each quarter (autumn, winter, spring)
Fulfill history requirement
Fulfill requirements of RA position or proceed with your own research if on fellowship support
Identify adviser to oversee 2nd year paper in the spring quarter
Finalize program of study in consultation with advisor(s)
Transfer credit from outside institutions (submit residency credit application) or choose a Master’s Degree (recommended to be done by the end of second year, but can be completed anytime before the student goes TGR)
Complete draft or final version of second-year paper over summer quarter

Paper is due by the first day of Fall quarter of third year.

Third Year

Enroll in 8-10 units each quarter of the regular academic year (autumn, winter, spring)
Submit second-year paper by the first day of autumn quarter
Submit application to advance to candidacy by the first day of autumn quarter
Finish taking any remaining field or distribution courses
Enroll in third-year seminar in autumn and spring quarters
Enroll in at least one field seminar each quarter
Secure a primary dissertation advisor and attend third-year review in spring quarter

Fourth Year

Assist in research and/or teaching
Continue to enroll in field seminars and present research in seminars and lunch workshops
Formalize reading committee, obtain signatures and submit reading committee form to Student Services Manager
Clear any outstanding (incomplete or GNR) grades
If eligible, apply for TGR status after completing 135 units and all course-related degree requirements (typically, transfer credit is necessary in order to reach TGR in 4th year)

Note: going TGR as soon as you are eligible is required for eligibility for the fifth-year funding guarantee.

Fifth Year and Beyond

Assist in research and/or teaching
Apply for TGR status. Students in their final quarter apply for Graduation Quarter tuition status
Determine with your advisors if you will go on the job market in 5th or 6th year.
Complete research for and write dissertation
Schedule University Oral Examination (fifth or sixth year)
Make revisions to dissertation after the Oral Examination
Submit dissertation to the University (final quarter of program)
Graduate!