Students in the Doctor of Philosophy program in Earth System Science typically take three to five years to obtain a Ph.D. degree.  This timetable represents a typical academic program. 

Year 1

• Provisional advisor assigned upon entering the program
• Completion of core courses and three quarters of residence
• Principal advisor in place by the end of the spring quarter
• Research identified, proposed and presented in ESS practicum
• Completion of ESS Comprehensive Exam, with recommendation to continue for the Ph.D.
• Summer research based on practicum proposal, following comprehensive exam

Year 2

• Appointment of Advancement Committee
• Serve as teaching assistant
• Complete Advancement to Candidacy Examination with recommendation for advancement as Ph.D. candidate

Years 3 through 5

• Complete teaching assistant requirements
• Dissertation research and writing
• Submission of an acceptable doctoral dissertation
• Dissertation defense