The HCDE PhD program is designed to support steady progress from coursework and early research through candidacy, dissertation work, and graduation. The timeline below offers a suggested five-year path through the program, including key academic milestones, research activities, and professional development opportunities.
Individual timelines will vary depending on prior coursework, research progress, internships, funding, and other circumstances. Some students may complete the program on a different schedule, including a four-year timeline. Students should work with their faculty advisor and the PhD Academic Advisor to plan a path that fits their goals and meets program requirements.
Year 1
- Focus on getting oriented to UW and HCDE, building research relationships, and beginning the core PhD curriculum.
- Complete first-year PhD coursework and participate in at least one Directed Research Group (DRG).
- Begin contributing to research, such as joining a faculty or senior researcher’s project, collaborating on a paper, or developing an independent project.
- Attend research seminars and meet with your faculty mentors and the PhD Academic Advisor.
- Begin preparing for the Preliminary Exam.
- Students who are ready may complete the Preliminary Exam in spring quarter.
Year 2
- Focus on completing coursework, expanding your research independence, and preparing for the General Exam.
- Complete the Preliminary Exam by the end of autumn quarter.
- Complete core, theory, methods, and concentration requirements, typically by the end of spring.
- If desired, declare an HCDE MS degree.
- Take on increasing responsibility in research, which may include leading a project or DRG.
- Gain teaching experience through an HCDE TA appointment, as appropriate.
- Begin preparing for the General Exam by forming your doctoral committee and developing your reading list.
- Consider applying for fellowships, internships, or other summer opportunities.
Year 3
- Advance to candidacy by completing your General Exam.
- Continue leading research projects and aim for a cadence of 1–2 paper submissions per year. This might include a core project and a collaboration, a resubmission and a new submission, or a side project alongside your dissertation work.
- Complete your remaining coursework and begin registering for HCDE 600/800 research credits, as appropriate.
- Attend research seminars, pursue internships, and participate in mentorship opportunities and professional development workshops.
Year 4
- Focus primarily on research credits (HCDE 600/800). You might also take a special topics, methods, or theory course that directly supports your dissertation research, or lead a DRG related to your research.
- Continue leading research projects and aim for a cadence of 1–2 paper submissions per year.
- Participate in a dissertation writing program and develop your third HCDE milestone, the Dissertation Proposal. Complete the Proposal by the end of the year.
- Attend conferences and research seminars, such as DUB seminars, HCDE 547 or HCDE 521, and HCDE dissertation proposals and defenses.
- Mentor a junior PhD student, MS student, or undergraduate student.
Year 5
- Wrap up your final PhD research projects and prepare for the academic or industry job market.
- Continue mentoring junior students and take on other leadership roles in your research group, such as organizing lab meetings.
- Apply and interview for jobs and postdoctoral positions.
- Write and successfully defend your dissertation.