In addition to the course requirements, the student must reach these milestones:
- Summer Research Paper
Students are required to complete a potentially publishable research paper by the end of the third semester in the program. They should take advantage of first-year coursework to develop a viable proposal and then devote much of the following summer to this project.
- Preliminary Examination
Normally taken following the fourth semester, this exam covers all the marketing courses and seminars, the "tools courses" listed on the Curriculum page, as well as the general dissertation area chosen by the student.
- Qualifying Examination (Dissertation Proposal)
To be on track to complete the degree in four years and enter the academic job market during the fourth year, students should defend a written dissertation proposal by the end of their third academic year in the program. To remain in good standing in the program, students must defend a dissertation proposal by January 1 of their fourth year in residence. After the proposal is successfully defended, a student becomes a PhD candidate.
- PhD Dissertation Defense
The final dissertation defense is normally held during the eighth semester. According to the rules of the Owen Graduate School of Management, the dissertation must be defended no later than four years after the defense of the dissertation proposal.
