PhD Programs — Complete Doctoral Research Guide

An MS / M.Phil (or equivalent) with CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0, or 60% in the annual system. Below that, 9–12 credit hours of level-7 courses with a 3.0 GPA first.

GRE / HAT General or the university's equivalent test, with a passing score of 60%. A subject test is optional.

At least 18 credit hours, preferably 800-level courses.

Must be passed to become a PhD candidate — pass/fail, one retake allowed. Coursework, this exam and the synopsis defense within the first 6 semesters.

At least 3 years (6 regular semesters), at most 8 years (16 regular semesters).

At least two external evaluators (one is enough if published in a qualifying journal), a similarity test before sending the thesis, then an open defense.

Sciences: one W-category or two X-category articles. Social sciences: one X-category or two Y-category articles — first author, after synopsis approval.

Up to 19% similarity may get the benefit of the doubt; any single source of 5% or more without citation must be revised.