The HCDE PhD program requires at least 90 credits of coursework and research, along with a series of doctoral milestones completed throughout the program. Use this section to understand your degree requirements, plan your course of study, track your progress toward candidacy and graduation, and find policies and procedures related to academic standing.
Curriculum Doctoral milestones PhD timeline Research credits and variable-credit courses Academic standing Annual reviewCurriculum
HCDE PhD students complete at least 90 credits, including:
- 6 credits of HCDE core courses
- 12 credits of methods courses, including a qualitative and quantitative requirement
- 12 credits of theory courses, including a theory foundation
- 10 credits of Directed Research Groups (DRGs)
- 12 credits within a concentration, developed collaboratively by the student and the advisor (drawn from the methods, theory, directed research, and free elective categories)
- Minimum 27 credits of dissertation research (HCDE 800)
- 11 credits of free electives
Students work with their faculty advisor and the PhD Academic Advisor to develop a course of study that meets these requirements and supports their research goals.
PhD curriculum and course of studyDoctoral milestones
PhD students complete four major milestones as they progress through the program:
Preliminary exam
Completed in spring of the first year or by the end of autumn quarter of the second year. Students submit a research paper, present their work publicly, and receive faculty review of their progress.
General exam
Completed after the required coursework and preparation with the doctoral committee. Passing the General Exam advances the student to candidacy.
Dissertation proposal
After advancing to candidacy, students develop and defend a proposal describing the research they intend to complete for their dissertation.
Final exam / dissertation defense
The final examination is the culminating milestone of the PhD and includes the defense of the completed dissertation.
Planning your path through the PhD
| Stage | Typical focus |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Core coursework, DRGs and research, Preliminary Exam preparation |
| Year 2 | Complete major coursework requirements, Preliminary Exam, form doctoral committee, begin General Exam preparation |
| Year 3 | General Exam and advancement to candidacy, dissertation research |
| Year 4 | Dissertation research and proposal |
| Year 5+ | Complete dissertation research, defend, and prepare for graduation |
Every student's path will look somewhat different depending on their research, funding, internships, and other opportunities. The suggested timeline provides more detailed guidance for each year of the program.
PhD timeline to degreeResearch credits and variable-credit courses
Research and independent-study credits are an important part of the PhD course of study. Depending on the activity and your stage in the program, students may register for HCDE 596, 599, 600, 800, or other variable-credit courses.
Directed research groups
PhD students complete at least 10 credits of HCDE 596 Directed Research as part of the degree. Browse current DRGs and contact the faculty member leading a group to participate.
Independent research and study
HCDE offers several variable-credit options for individual research, independent study, internships, pre-candidacy research, and dissertation research.
Leading a DRG
PhD students who are preparing to lead a DRG should review HCDE's policies and guidance for instructors.
Staying in good academic standing
HCDE PhD students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress through coursework, doctoral milestones, research, and annual review. Graduate students must maintain the academic standards established by HCDE and the UW Graduate School.
Key academic progress expectations include:
- Completing the Preliminary Exam by the required deadline
- Establishing a doctoral committee chair by the required deadline
- Establishing the doctoral committee before the General Exam
- Completing the General Exam within the program's required timeframe
- Participating in the annual review process
- Maintaining Graduate School academic standing requirements
Annual PhD review
Each year, HCDE faculty review the progress of students actively enrolled in the PhD program. Students submit information about their academic and research progress, milestones, accomplishments, and plans for the coming year. The process is intended to support individual student progress and help the program identify opportunities for additional mentoring or support.
Annual review